Portugal School System - Globaloptimizer.com

If you’re thinking about moving with children, schooling may be an issue. Fortunately, the Portuguese education system is first-rate. You’ll be relieved to learn that Portugal’s primary schools, kindergartens, secondary schools, universities, and other educational institutions are of high quality and provide families with a variety of school and university options.

This article covers the various types of schools in Portugal, assisting you in selecting the best educational fit for your children.

Education In Portugal

Portugal’s education system includes both public and private schools. The Ministry of Education (also known as Direço-Geral da Educaço – DGE) governs the Portuguese education system from preschool to secondary school. School groups (agrupamentos escolares) also collaborate closely with local municipalities to determine funding and curriculum. The Ministry of Science, Technology, & Higher Education (also known as Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, e Ensino Superior – MCTES) is in charge of higher education policies and budgets.

In Portugal, there is a mix of public (free) and private (fee-paying) education. Before your child reaches the compulsory school age of six, you can enroll them in preschool. In Portugal, for example, 92% of children attended preschool in 2019, exceeding the OECD average of 88%.

Although Portuguese is the primary educational language in state schools, the country provides many opportunities for expats to enroll in international schools. This may make it easier for their children to attend school in their native language.

Understanding the various stages of the Portuguese educational system, as well as all of the available options for your children, is critical in deciding where to send them.

The Structure Of Education In Portugal

In Portugal, you can enroll your child in either a private or public school. If you choose a private school, you can check to see if it is accredited by the relevant Ministry.

The education system in Portugal is the same whether you attend a public or private school. It is divided into four stages and includes the following educational levels:

Preschool education (also known as Educação Pré-escolar): ages 3 to 6
Primary education (also known as Ensino Básico): ages 6 to 15
Secondary education (also known as Ensino Secundário): ages 15 to 18
Higher education (also known as Ensino Superior): ages 18 and above

School is compulsory from the age of six to the age of eighteen. Following that, students can choose whether or not to attend university.

We recommend that your children learn Portuguese even if they attend international schools. From a young age, the state provides free language classes and support to help children become more familiar with Portuguese.

Preschool Education In Portugal

Preschool education (also known as pre-primary education) is still optional for children aged three to five and is provided by kindergartens. Portugal’s childcare services for children under the age of three are governed by the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security (also known as Ministério do Trabalho, Solidariedade Segurança Social). Early childhood education, on the other hand, is largely privatized. Parents can choose between kindergartens (creches) and home-based childminders (amas).

From the age of three, preschool education (also known as Educaço Pré-escolar) is free for 25 hours per week. Tuition fees are, however, charged by private preschools such as international schools, Montessori schools, and Waldorf institutions.

In 2022, the Portuguese government implemented a new scheme. All social sector daycare centers will be free for all children born on or after September 1, 2021. Without tuition, children will receive a basic education that includes food, insurance, and physical education. The program aims to cover 100,000 children by 2024, with no regard for family income.

Although preschool is optional, working parents may choose it if they are too busy to home-school their children and because preschool can help children prepare for primary school on both a social and psychological level.

Long Waiting Lists

Unfortunately, there are not enough creche places for children under the age of three. Because government-subsidized creches are far more popular than private preschools, waiting lists can seem interminable.

If you intend to start a family in Portugal, we recommend that you register your child as soon as possible. Many creches allow this, but be warned: it does not guarantee a spot because families with children already enrolled in a specific creche have priority. We recommend enrolling your child in a private preschool to avoid long wait lists.

Primary Education In Portugal

As previously stated, primary education (Ensino Básico) is compulsory in Portugal from the ages of six to fifteen. There is a large network of private and international primary schools in Portugal, and you are likely to find one or two near your home.

The Primary School System In Portugal

In Portugal, primary education lasts nine years and is divided into three cycles of education that last four, two, and three years, respectively. All children who are six years old by September 15th must be enrolled in school for the school year. Elementary school is another name for primary school.

All policies pertaining to state schools are overseen by the Ministry of Education. The following are the three primary cycles (escolas básicas):

– First cycle (also known as primeiro ciclo or 1º ciclo): Grades 1 to 4

This basic education cycle lasts four years, and students are taught by a single teacher.

– Second cycle (also known as segundo ciclo or 2º ciclo): Grades 5 to 6

This cycle lasts two years, and different teachers are in charge of teaching a variety of subjects.

– Third cycle (also known as terceiro ciclo or 3º ciclo): Grades 7 to 9

This cycle lasts three years, and each subject is taught by a different teacher. This cycle also includes vocational studies. A diploma/certificate is awarded at the end of this cycle.

Public Primary Schools In Portugal

Public schools in Portugal are free. So, many local residents choose this choice and send their children there. Tuition fees are not a concern for parents in public schools, except for minor expenses such as the occasional field trip, school meals, and books.

All public schools in the country follow the same national curriculum. Students in public schools study Portuguese, mathematics, science, history, geography, and English, which is required. This could explain why Portugal has risen to become one of Europe’s region’s top 10 English-speaking countries. In addition, beginning in Grade 7, students can study another foreign language, typically French or Spanish.

It is critical to note that you must select a school that is close to your home or workplace. In addition, when applying, you must provide proof of your address. There may also be waiting lists, especially for popular public schools, so enroll early.

It’s worth noting that public schools in Portugal have a stellar reputation. Even so, international students who do not speak Portuguese as their first language will have difficulty understanding what is said in class. Expat parents can send their kids to international schools in Portugal, or they can learn Portuguese and help their children become fluent.

Private Primary Schools In Portugal

Private schools in Portugal let children study in their native language and interact with children from all over the world. It also provides them with educational continuity if they move to another country or return home.

Private schools have smaller class sizes, a more robust extracurricular activities system, and more modern facilities. Some even provide boarding services.

International schools are highly regarded by Golden Visa holders due to their high educational standards and diverse curricula.

They frequently have stringent admissions procedures that vary by school; some require entrance exams, previous school records, and even a personal interview. Many parents choose this option because they are confident that their children will get a world-class education that will prepare them to compete with their peers around the world when it comes time for university-level higher education.

Secondary Education In Portugal

Secondary education is also compulsory in Portugal. This educational level is primarily intended to improve the children’s knowledge and skills gained in primary school. So, this stage of education is critical because it prepares students for higher education as well as the labor market.

The Secondary School System In Portugal

Secondary education lasts three years, from grade 10 to grade 12, and students must have a certificate of primary school education to be admitted to this level. This level of education includes general courses, artistic courses, and vocational or technical courses.

National Exams

Students complete secondary education when they pass all of their subjects. Internal assessment grades account for 70% of their overall grade, with the remaining 30% determined by four mandatory national exams.

Students are expected to take two finals in grade 11 (depending on which scientific/humanities courses they take) and two in grade 12. (mainly in Portuguese and another subject of their choice). Students receive a diploma and certificate after passing these exams.

Admission to third-level education is based on national exam results.

Public Secondary Schools In Portugal

In Portugal, public secondary education (known as Ensino Secundário) is free, and the quality is generally good. Core subjects such as Portuguese, physical education (PE), philosophy, and a foreign language are required. The rest of the curriculum, however, will be determined by their chosen stream.

Students can enroll in vocational (Cursos Profissionais) or science-humanities (Cursos Cientfico-Humansticos) programs. Those who pursue the Cursos Profissionais study to obtain trade qualifications, giving them direct access to careers in IT, design, or hospitality.

Cursos Cientfico-Humansticos streams, on the other hand, are more academic and include subjects such as visual arts, sciences, and humanities. Students who wish to follow a career path in the arts can also select the third option and enroll in a specialized artistic course (Cursos Artisticos Especializados).

Private Secondary Schools In Portugal

In Portugal, private secondary schools are run by independent organizations such as religious orders or private companies. Private schools have smaller class sizes, and they offer more one-on-one attention from teachers, resulting in a more personalized approach to education. Private institutions, in exchange for tuition fees, typically have access to a higher amount of resources than public secondary education institutions, such as technology-based learning tools and modern classrooms.

Private schools are frequently regarded as a great way for students to prepare for their higher education and pursue their desired career paths. So, they provide a more challenging academic environment and can assist students in developing the skills and knowledge required for future success.

Religious Schools

Religious orders, such as the Catholic Church, run religious schools in Portugal. These schools provide students with a strong moral and religious education, teaching them about their faith and the significance of faith in their lives. So, religious schools also emphasize core subjects like math, science, and languages to their students. They do, however, teach students about the history and culture of their faith, as well as how it affects their lives.

These schools provide students with an understanding of their faith’s traditions and beliefs, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of their religion.

Many parents prefer these schools because they perform better in annual exams (in Portuguese) and provide a broader range of extracurricular activities.

International Schools

For expats living in Portugal, international schools are the best option. These schools provide a multicultural environment in which international students can gain global skills, engage more with different cultures, and learn a substantial amount in their native languages.

Parents can select from British, American, French, and German schools, which is ideal if they want their child to learn in their native language or if they are familiar with the curriculum.

Because they are ideal for expat families, international schools are a significant component of the public vs. private school debate. Furthermore, when compared to other European countries, the fees for international schools in Portugal start at around €5,000 per year.

St. Julian’s School in Carcavelos and Oporto British School are two of the best international schools in Portugal.

Boarding Schools

Families planning for boarding schools in Portugal will discover prestigious institutions, each as distinct as the students who attend them. In Portugal, there are only a few boarding schools, mostly in and around Lisbon and the Algarve. Before applying, it is recommended that you visit the school to tour the facilities and get a sense of the program. Annual tuition fees are typically around €30,000.

International Baccalaureate (IB) In Portugal

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a pre-university education curriculum that is internally recognized and prepares students for higher education. The IB is primarily taught in English in international secondary schools.

Students receive the International Baccalaureate upon completion of secondary school. The course fosters children’s creativity while also instilling a sense of community. The International Baccalaureate program is intended to provide students with a well-rounded and comprehensive education, and it is frequently regarded as an alternative to the traditional national education system. The IB program is offered in both public and private schools in Portugal and is recognized by higher education institutes worldwide.

One of the IB programs is the Diploma Program, which is a two-year curriculum typically opted for by students in the final two years of secondary school. It is widely recognized as a challenging and rigorous program that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and independent research.

The IB Diploma is offered at 12 schools in Portugal, including both international and private Portuguese schools.

Higher Education Institutions In Portugal

Higher education in Portugal is highly regarded around the world. Seven of the country’s universities are included in the QS World University Rankings 2021. The University of Lisbon ranked highest, along with the University of Porto. In the first result of the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings, Portugal’s higher education system was ranked 35th in the world.

Portugal is home to several reputable polytechnics that focus on helping students learn for a specific career path and offer vocational courses, in addition to its top universities. Some subjects are only available at universities or polytechnics, but because there is a lot of overlap, both universities and polytechnics offer degrees in subjects like engineering, management, and humanities.

The majority of courses, particularly those at the bachelor’s level, are taught in Portuguese. However, several English-language graduate programs exist, mirroring trends in European universities.

In Portugal, higher education is divided into two subsystems:

Universities

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees are available at universities in Portugal. These universities concentrate on theoretical education and research. Private and public universities are available in Portugal.

Every higher education institution has a unique admission process for athletes, mature applicants over the age of 23, international students, and students or degree holders from other institutions.

Portugal is home to some of Europe’s oldest universities, including the 1290-founded University of Coimbra.

The emphasis on internationalization is one of the most notable features of Portuguese universities. Many universities have international partnerships, which allow students to study abroad and acquire a global perspective on their field of study. Furthermore, many universities in Portugal offer English-taught programs, making them accessible to international students.

Universities in Portugal provide a diverse range of programs and specializations. From traditional fields like law and medicine to more specialized fields like renewable energy and biotechnology, there is something for everyone.

Polytechnics

Undergraduate and master’s degree programs are available at Portugal’s polytechnic institutes. They provide education and training in a specific field, making them ideal for vocational courses or profession-specific training, such as engineering and nursing.

Polytechnic institutes in Portugal are well-known for emphasizing practical, hands-on learning. These schools provide a wide range of technical and vocational programs that prepare students for careers in fields such as engineering, design, and technology.

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of polytechnic institutes in Portugal is their emphasis on project-based learning. So, students are encouraged to work on real-world projects and apply their classroom skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems. This educational strategy assists students in developing critical skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

The curriculum at Portugal’s polytechnic institutes is designed to be extremely flexible, enabling students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. Students can select from a variety of electives, and they are encouraged to participate in internships and co-op programs to gain real-world experience.

The Polytechnic Institute of Porto is a well-known polytechnic institute in Portugal, known for its vital engineering, design, and technology programs. Several research centers at the institute focus on cutting-edge technologies such as smart cities, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation.

Financial Aid And Scholarships

Students in Portugal can take advantage of various types of scholarships present in government and higher education institutions for both local and international students.

Portugal is eligible for all EU-derived scholarships, such as Erasmus Mundus programs, as a member of the EU. Scholarships for study in Portuguese language and culture, sciences, and technology are available from a number of private and semi-private organizations and institutes in Portugal.

In Portugal, children from low-income families can also apply for government assistance. Parents can apply for financial aid through their school, which is known as Aço Social Escolar (ASE). They can also request a family allowance (abono de Familia).

It is worth noting that the Portuguese government also provides financial assistance to disabled children, and their families can apply for this assistance and receive at least one of the subsidies below through the Portuguese social security system (also known as Segurança Social):

Disability bonus (also known as Bonificação do abono de família para crianças jovens com deficiência).
Special schooling subsidy (also known as Subsídio de educação especial).
Support for assistance by a third person (also known as Subsídio por assistência de 3ª pessoa).

Children can receive various types of financial assistance to cover their school tuition fees. Parents can meet with the school administration and show proof of their low-income status to discuss their children’s options. Private universities typically cost more than public universities.

Educational Support For Expat Students In Portugal

There is always a place in Portugal for expats and their children. As a result, some schools provide Portuguese language support classes to students who do not speak the language. Just keep in mind that this language support is not universal and is limited to larger cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Alternatively, you could look into schools that provide bilingual education.

If you have any questions about education, you can contact the High Commission for Migration (also known as Alto Comissariado para as Migraçes – ACM).

Support For Children With Special Educational Needs (known As SEN)

Two parents home-school their special needs child.

Portugal wishes to establish an inclusive educational system (educaço inclusive) in order to provide equal opportunities to children with special needs. Most mainstream schools, according to this plan, offer special educational needs (SEN) programs. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has published a list of state schools that actively promote inclusion (in Portuguese).

Children under the age of six can benefit from specialized teachers visiting their homes or a kindergarten if both parents work. They can then enroll in a primary school and receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is tailored to their specific learning needs.

It could, for example, include specific learning tools or exam conditions. At the end of every school year, children are given the plan to help them transition into adulthood. Special education schools are available in Portugal’s major cities, with facilities for children with hearing or visual impairments, as well as developmental disabilities.

Furthermore, specific organizations may be able to provide additional assistance. CADIn is a non-profit organization that assists families with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders.

Changing Schools In Portugal

In Portugal, children are free to switch schools. One of the most important requirements when applying for a new school or changing the current one is your home address. Children can change schools at any time during the school year; all that is required is a valid reason for the transfer, such as relocation.

Portuguese Schools And Parental Involvement

Parents who want to have a voice and be involved in their children’s schools can join the Associaço de Pais, which is the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

If you’re an expat parent, we recommend brushing up on your Portuguese because all PTA meetings are held in Portuguese.

Portugal And Home-Schooling

Home-schooling is legal in Portugal, but it is not a popular option, with only a small number of children recently enrolled in home-schooling or individual teaching.

Most parents prefer to choose schools based on convenience. Home-schooled children, for example, must have an individual tutor with a university degree who lives in the same house as the children. They must also take annual exams in Portuguese.

For more information, go to the website of Movimento Educaço Livre (MEL), one of Portugal’s leading home-school associations.

To Wrap Things Up

Finally, the education system in Portugal provides students with a wide range of options, ranging from public and private schooling institutions to international and national types of curricula.

Although public schools offer a good education at no cost, private schools have more resources and specialized programs. International schools provide education based on another country’s curriculum, whereas national schools provide education based on the Portuguese education system.

The Portuguese educational system is constantly evolving and adapting to the updated needs of its students and society, with a focus on equal opportunities for all. Portugal’s primary, secondary, and university education systems provide something for everyone, ensuring that your child receives the best education possible.

Useful Resources

Segurança Social – It is the Portuguese Social Security System.
CADIn – It is a non-profit organization that helps families whose children have neurodevelopmental disorders.
Direção-Geral da Educação (DGE) – It is the Ministry of Education. You can contact them for queries about higher-education institutions (for example, universities in Portugal), secondary education (secondary schools), and primary education.
Eurydice – It is the European Commission.
Alto Comissariado para as Migrações (ACM) – It is an organization that actively supports children from migrant families.
Associação Nacional Apoio à Criança Especial (known as ANACE) – It is a non-profit association that helps children with special educational needs (SEN).
Doutor Finanças (in Portuguese) – It provides guidance on how to apply for financial aid in Portugal.
Ericeira Living – It answers frequently asked questions about home-schooling in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Education In Portugal

Does Portugal Have A Good Education System?

Portugal has an excellent education system that caters to both local and international students. It is mandatory to complete basic education in primary school and secondary school.

What Is Education Like In Portugal?

Portugal is well-known for its high-quality educational system. The government has invested substantially in education and universities to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Is University Education Free In Portugal?

Portugal’s university education system adheres to the European Bologna System standards, and it is regarded as one of the best affordable higher education systems in the region of the European Union.

How Is Public Education In Portugal?

Public schools in Portugal are free. So, many locals choose this option and send their children there. Except for books, school meals, and the occasional field trip, parents do not have to worry about fees in public education.

Do Schools In Portugal Speak English?

Public schools in Portugal primarily use the Portuguese language, and some schools provide language support classes for expat children to help them improve their language skills and interact with their classmates.

Are There English-Speaking Schools In Portugal?

Private schools have different language schemes, and English is one of the most common languages in those schools. Examine the schools that provide bilingual education.

When Do Children In Portugal Start School?

It is compulsory to be in school or enrolled in school by the age of six.

Is Public School Free In Portugal?

Portugal has both state schools, which are free and private schools which charge fees.

What Is A School Day Like In Portugal?

A school day in Portugal differs depending on the grade level (preschool, primary, or secondary) and the type of school (international, private, or boarding). We recommend contacting a school of interest for a more detailed picture of an average school day, including school hours.