In Portugal, from pre-school to higher education, you can opt either for a state school (generally free) or a private school.
If you opt for a private school, you can confirm whether it is certified by the Ministry of Education (up to secondary education),
the Ministry for Science, Technology and Higher Education (for higher education), or the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity / Institute of social Security, I.P. (for pre-school education).
Pre-school, basic (1st, 2nd and 3rd cycles) and secondary education
To find the most suitable school, contact one of the schools in the area where you live or the Direcção Regional de Educação [Regional Education Authority].
The final date for enrolment is normally 15 July (confirm this with the school you choose, as dates may vary). There is no final date for enrolment for pupils coming from a foreign school during the school year. You should contact the governing bodies of the school for further information.
Any pupils registered in the state school system between pre-school and year 9 whose mother tongue is not Portuguese are entitled to additional one-on-one language support outside their normal classes, should they need it.
Higher Education (Universities and Polytechnics)
Information on public and private higher education establishments can be obtained from the Portuguese Directorate-General for Higher Education.
Applications for higher education are generally submitted in July, and sometimes until early August, and must be made at the corresponding access services in the area where the applicant lives. Whenever available, electronic applications may be made through the Portuguese Directorate General of Higher Education's website.
International Schools
You can find German, French, Spanish and English-speaking international schools in Portugal, especially in primary and secondary education. These schools are particularly to be found in the Greater Lisbon area and the Algarve. For further information on location of schools, levels of education taught, enrolment procedures and cost, contact your embassy.
Text last edited on: 08/2009
Source: European Union © European Communities, 1995-2009 Reproduction is authorised.
