The IPCB integrates public higher education with administrative, scientific and pedagogical autonomy. Its mission is to give citizens a high standard of qualification, the production and dissemination of knowledge, as well as the cultural, artistic, technological and scientific teaching of its students in an international frame of reference. Created by the Decree-Law n. 513-T/79, 26th December, the IPCB began its activity in October 1980 with the swearing in of the first installation committee. The IPCB pursues its mission through its six schools: School of Agriculture (ESACB), School of Arts (ESART), School of Education (ESECB), School of Management of Idanha-a-Nova (ESGIN), Dr. Lopes Dias School of Health (ESALD) and School of Technology (ESTCB).