Learn Portuguese (Portugal): A universidade recebeu a candidatura, não obstante o atraso. - The university received the application, notwithstanding the delay.

While não obstante often triggers the subjunctive when used as a conjunction, here it acts as a preposition followed directly by a noun (o atraso). If you wanted to use a verb, you would need the subjunctive or personal infinitive, but with a noun phrase, no verb is necessary.

How formal is não obstante in this context?

It is highly formal, which fits perfectly with the administrative context of a university application (candidatura). In everyday, casual conversation, Portuguese speakers would almost exclusively say apesar do atraso (despite the delay).

What does the word obstante actually mean on its own?

It derives from the formal verb obstar, which means to prevent, hinder, or stand in the way. So, não obstante o atraso literally means the delay is not preventing or hindering the action.

Could the phrase não obstante o atraso be placed at the beginning of the sentence?

Yes, concessive phrases are very flexible in Portuguese. You can easily say Não obstante o atraso, a universidade recebeu a candidatura without changing the meaning or emphasis.