The Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities (CRUP) is a coordinating body of higher education in Portugal and integrates as full members all the public universities and the Catholic University of Portugal, hence corresponding to a relevant and significant part of the national higher education system.

CRUP's main activities are mainly directed to:

• Coordination and global representation of its members, respecting the autonomy of each of them;
• Active collaboration in the formulation of national policies in education, science and culture;
• Direct involvement in national higher education policy debate, including preparation of new legislation;
• Active advisory and direct participation in public budget preparation for higher education;
• Contribute to the development of education, research and culture and to dignifying the mission of the university and of its agents, as well as to strengthening networking with similar councils from other countries;
• Mandatorily consulted on any change in the public university system.

Derived from the aforementioned activities, CRUP is also present in 32 scientific councils and advisory committees at regional and national level, dealing with topics related to higher education, evaluation and accreditation, science, national statistics, health, sports, economy and media regulation.

CRUP is full member of the European University Association (EUA), where 47 countries are represented through their universities, national associations of rectors and other organisations active in higher education and research. Portuguese participation in EUA provides not only a constant dialogue platform for our universities, as also a mechanism of intervention in the design and shape of the European education and research landscape, including a valid contribution to EU research policy-making.

In addition to these activities, CRUP also holds the management of several co-operation programmes, called "Acções Integradas", which basically are R&D projects oriented to encourage scientific projects and post-graduation studies involving research teams and teaching staff from partner institutions, namely from Spain, France and Germany.

Complementing this CRUP is involved as well in building-up new partnerships with other regions of the world. In this area it is particularly envisaged to manage worldwide co-operation programmes with Lusophone countries, with emphasis on Brazil, Cape Verde and East Timor in the areas of training and with China (Macao) in the areas of research and advanced training.