The University of Aveiro (Portuguese: Universidade de Aveiro) is a public university, in addition to providing polytechnic education, located in the Portuguese city of Aveiro. Formed in 1973 creation, it includes a student population of approximately 12,500, distributed among 58 graduate, 40 Masters of Science and 25 PhD programs, distributed by departments and autonomous sections, with specialized faculties. On 15 December 1973, at the inaugural speech of Professor José Veiga Simão, then Minister of National Education (Portuguese: Ministro da Educação Nacional) the new rector, stated:"In the peaceful construction of the future and in defense of sacred and enduring values, here will rise the University of Aveiro.Announced in a speech at the Museum of Aveiro, the event was held to mark the first meeting of the commission establishing the University of Aveiro, that included José Simão and other members of academic society and Aveiro.The first pedagogical and scientific activities began in 1974, with first days classes in the telecommunication course, comprising 46 students.