Established in 1994, Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave (Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Barcelos (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Braga. This institution also has a branch campus in Braga. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portugal (Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal), Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave (IPCA) is a small coeducational Portuguese higher education institution. Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave (IPCA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. This 27 years old Portuguese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. IPCA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.