 After the approval of decree law "Decreto-Lei 64/2006, de 21 de Março" in 2006, even without a complete secondary school education, anyone 23 or older can apply to state-run higher learning institution through the "Exame Extraordinário de Avaliação de Capacidade para Acesso ao Ensino Superior" (extraordinary exam to assess the capacity to enter higher-level studies), also called the "Ad-Hoc" exam.Over 23 years old applicants are considered mature applicants and may be admitted without meeting the
ENES examination requirement.In these cases, application is considered on the basis of one's educational background and work and life experience will be fully taken into account, as well as an interview.