Being integrated into the MCTES' network of institutions for R&D, since its creation (as unit No. 3), CAUP has been regularly evaluated by international panels, in the scope of the scientific evaluation processes organized by FCT/MCTES.

The results in previous evaluations were:

• 2007 - Excellent
• 2002 - Excellent
• 1999 - Very Good
• 1996 - Very Good