Established in 1979, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém (Polytechnic Institute of Santarém) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Santarém (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Santarem. This institution also has a branch campus in Rio Maior. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portugal (Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal), Instituto Politécnico de Santarém (IPS) is a small coeducational Portuguese higher education institution. Instituto Politécnico de Santarém (IPS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. This 42 years old Portuguese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. IPS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.