This paper presents a literature review about the present situation of the administration of public institutions of higher education, with special reference to the portuguese case, particularly on the impact of the introduction of the paradigm of New Public Management and the effects of the global financial and economic crisis on institutions of public higher education. The study is based on interpretative theoretical assumptions, adopting a qualitative methodology and a bibliographic research method.
administration; tertiary education; public tertiary education institutions; New Public Management