Moving to Portugal brings sunshine, seaside charm, and a family-friendly culture, but if you have children, one of your top priorities will be finding the right school.

Portugal’s education system offers a rich mix of academic excellence, cultural warmth, and growing international options. Whether you’re settling in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or one of the country’s quieter regions, this guide will help you understand how schooling in Portugal works and what to expect from its educational culture.

Understanding the Portuguese School System

Portugal’s education system is known for its inclusivity, quality, and increasing internationalization. Education is compulsory for 12 years, from ages 6 to 18, and overseen by the Ministry of Education (Ministério da Educação).

Public education is free for all residents, and private and international options are widely available, making Portugal a great destination for both local and expat families.

The Structure of Schooling in Portugal

1. Educação Pré-escolar (Preschool / Kindergarten): Ages 3 to 6
   Preschool is optional but very popular, especially from age 3 onward.

   • Focuses on play, creativity, and social skills rather than formal academics.

   • Offered in public, private, and cooperative schools.

   • Many families enroll their children early to help with Portuguese language immersion.

2. Ensino Básico (Basic Education): Ages 6 to 15
   This is compulsory and divided into three cycles:

   • 1st Cycle (Grades 1–4, ages 6–10): General education taught by one main teacher, focusing on Portuguese, math, environmental studies, and art.

   • 2nd Cycle (Grades 5–6, ages 10–12): Subject-specialist teachers introduce sciences, foreign languages, and history.

   • 3rd Cycle (Grades 7–9, ages 12–15): Builds on core subjects and introduces career guidance for the next stage.

3. Ensino Secundário (Secondary Education): Ages 15 to 18
   After completing basic education, students enter upper secondary school, choosing between academic and vocational streams:

   • Scientific-Humanistic Courses: Academic tracks preparing for university (e.g., Sciences, Languages, Humanities, Arts).

   • Professional/Vocational Courses: Combine academic subjects with practical training for employment or technical study.

   • Specialized Artistic Courses: Focused on creative fields like music, theatre, or design.

At the end of secondary education, students receive a diploma (Diploma de Ensino Secundário) and may take entrance exams for university admission.

What Comes After Secondary School?

After secondary school, students can pursue:

• University education (Universidades) – offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

• Polytechnic institutes (Institutos Politécnicos) – more applied and career-oriented programs.

• Vocational or technical training programs – for direct entry into specific professions.

Portugal follows the European Bologna system, so degrees are easily recognized across Europe.

School Types: Public, Private, or International?

Portugal offers a range of school options, all with strong academic standards but differing in language, curriculum, and cost.

Public Schools (Escolas Públicas)

• Free for residents (only small administrative or book fees).

• Instruction is in Portuguese.

• Excellent quality and nationally standardized curriculum.

• Increasingly offer English classes from early grades.

• Ideal for families planning to stay long-term and wanting full cultural integration.

Private Schools (Escolas Privadas)

• Charge tuition but often offer smaller classes and bilingual education.

• Some focus on arts, sciences, or innovation-based learning.

• Typically cost €300–€800 per month depending on location.

• Portuguese private schools follow the same national curriculum but with added extracurriculars or international programs.

International Schools

• Located primarily in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve.

• Offer English, American, French, German, or IB curricula.

• Instruction is usually in English, with Portuguese taught as a second language.

• Tuition ranges from €8,000–€20,000 per year.

• Ideal for expat families or those planning onward moves to other countries.

Language and Integration

• The official language of instruction is Portuguese, but English is widely taught from an early age.

• Non-Portuguese-speaking students in public schools often receive language integration support (Português Língua Não Materna).

• International families staying long-term may choose to enroll in local schools to accelerate language learning.

• Many Portuguese teachers and administrators speak English, particularly in urban areas.

Universities in Portugal

Portugal’s universities combine traditional excellence with growing international appeal, offering high-quality degrees at affordable prices.

Some of the top universities include:

• University of Lisbon (ULisboa) – Portugal’s largest university and highly ranked globally.

• University of Porto (U.Porto) – Known for research, medicine, and engineering.

• NOVA University Lisbon (Universidade NOVA de Lisboa) – Innovative, modern, and globally oriented.

• University of Coimbra – One of Europe’s oldest universities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) – Private institution with strong programs in business, law, and communication.

Academic Calendar: September to June
Tuition Fees:

• Public universities: €700–€1,500 per year for EU students.

• Private universities: €3,000–€8,000 per year.
  Language: Many master’s and PhD programs are offered in English, while bachelor’s programs are typically in Portuguese.

Cultural School Norms in Portugal

Understanding the cultural context helps make the transition smoother for both parents and students.

• Respect and courtesy: Teachers are addressed formally (Professor/Professora).

• Uniforms: Common in private and international schools but not in public ones.

• Schedule: School days usually run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a long lunch break.

• Lunch culture: Public schools provide healthy, affordable hot lunches.

• Homework: Students are expected to complete regular assignments and maintain discipline.

• Community involvement: Schools often host festivals and family events celebrating local traditions.

• Focus on balance: Portuguese education emphasizes academic learning alongside arts, sports, and moral education.

Where to Begin Your Search

Here’s how to start finding the right school for your family:

1. Decide your priorities: Language, curriculum, location, tuition budget, and integration level.

2. Research schools: Visit municipal education offices (Câmara Municipal de Educação) or browse school websites.

3. Visit in person: Schools often welcome prospective families for tours and meetings.

4. Ask about support programs: Particularly for non-Portuguese-speaking children.

5. Understand timelines:

   • Public school enrollment usually opens in spring (April–May) for the September intake.

   • Private and international schools often accept rolling admissions.

6. Talk to other parents: Join expat groups (such as Lisbon Mums, Algarve Families, or Internations Portugal) for local insights.

Regional Highlights – Schools for Expat Families

Lisbon & Cascais

• Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL): American curriculum + IB Diploma.

• St. Julian’s School: British curriculum; one of Portugal’s oldest international schools.

• International Preparatory School (IPS): British primary curriculum with multicultural community.

• PaRK International School: Bilingual Portuguese-English, offering the IB program.

Porto

• Oporto British School: British curriculum; established international community.

• CLIP (The Oporto International School): English-language instruction and IB program.

The Algarve

• Nobel Algarve British International School: British curriculum and IB Diploma; campuses in Lagoa and Almancil.

• Vale Verde International School: Small and family-friendly, offering British education.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Portugal’s education system offers something for every family from free, high-quality public schools to world-class international programs. Whether your priority is local integration, bilingualism, or global education, you’ll find options that nurture both academic success and personal development.

With its warm community spirit, safe environment, and strong tradition of learning, Portugal is a wonderful place for children to grow, explore, and thrive.

Start your search early, visit schools in person, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, your child’s Portuguese education journey begins here.