Schools in Portugal – what you need to know about the Portuguese education system

If you’re bringing your children to Portugal and planning to live there, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you face. It’s not only about academic standards – it’s about helping your children settle, make friends and thrive in a new environment. It’s why you shouldn’t wait on researching schools in Portugal.

Portugal offers a wide variety of schooling options, from state-run schools to international institutions that follow global curriculums. Which you choose depends on your family’s priorities, your children’s ages and whether you plan to stay long term or for just a few years.

To help you get started, here’s a full breakdown of your schooling options in Portugal in 2025 – including how the system works, pros and cons of state versus private education, and how to decide what’s best for your child.

Overview of the Portuguese education system

Education in Portugal is compulsory between the ages of six and 18. State schooling is free, and the curriculum is overseen by the Ministry of Education.

Children begin with optional nursery or kindergarten (known as Jardim de Infância) from age three. This stage is focused on play-based learning and social development. From age six, children must attend school full time. Education is generally split into three key levels:

• Educação Básica (basic education): ages 6–15
• Educação Secundária (secondary education): ages 15–18
• Ensino Superior (higher education): 18 and above

After age 15, high school students choose a more academic path or a vocational one, depending on interests and abilities. Many schools offer career-focused programmes in IT, mechanics, tourism and hospitality, recognising that university isn’t the only route to a successful future.

Portugal’s school year typically runs from mid-September to late June, with a long summer holiday, plus breaks over Christmas and Easter. Lessons are mostly taught in Portuguese at state schools, although foreign language teaching has expanded in recent years.

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Public schools in Portugal: how the state system works

The state school system in Portugal, although under pressure in some regions, provides a good standard of education and is completely free for residents. It’s most effective for younger children, who tend to adapt more quickly to language and cultural differences.

Basic education (aged 6 to 15) is structured in three cycles. The first cycle lasts four years and focuses on foundational subjects such as maths, Portuguese, science and arts. The second cycle spans two years, adding subjects like history and geography. The third cycle introduces additional complexity and runs from ages 12 to 15.

Enrolment is usually based on your residential address, although demand can lead to waiting lists in more popular areas. Schools do not charge fees, and costs for books or meals are kept low – in many municipalities, textbooks are now free for primary and lower-secondary students, helping parents save on start-of-year costs.

Secondary education then covers students aged 15 to 18 and branches into general academic or vocational streams. Common core subjects include Portuguese, physical education, philosophy and at least one foreign language. Students finish with either a diploma leading to higher education or certification for immediate entry into a profession.

State systems are not without challenges. Class sizes can be large, and teacher shortages remain an issue in some rural or high-growth areas. That said, many expat families successfully enrol their children – especially at primary school level – and discover a strong sense of community and local integration.

Public schools have application periods early in the calendar year, typically between April and June. Be sure to check with your local authority well in advance.

Private and international schools in Portugal

For many expats, especially those planning a shorter stay or concerned about language barriers, private and international schools offer peace of mind. They provide an education in English or another language and often follow UK, US or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculums. Tuition is obviously higher than state schools – but can be less than you’d pay in the UK or US.

Portugal is home to a growing number of international schools, especially in areas with larger expat communities such as Lisbon, Cascais, the Algarve and Porto. Well-known options include the International School of the Algarve, St Julian’s School in Carcavelos and the British School of Lisbon.

Prices vary. Smaller independent schools might charge from €4,500 to €6,000 per year. Premium international schools can range from €10,000 to €20,000 or more, depending on age group and services included. Many schools offer bilingual instruction – a combination of English and Portuguese – to help students transition between systems.

Compared to state schools, class sizes are usually smaller and facilities more modern. Teachers frequently come from international backgrounds themselves and are trained in diverse educational approaches. This can be hugely beneficial for children adjusting to a new culture – and gives older students consistency if they plan to return to their home system for university.

The main drawback? International schools can unintentionally create social bubbles, limiting your child’s experience of local culture and language. Combining this schooling with extracurricular activities in the community can help.

Adapting to a Portuguese school

Your child’s age will be the biggest factor in how easily they adapt. Younger children – especially those under 10 – often pick up Portuguese quickly and make friends naturally. They may even become fluent before you do!

Teenagers face trickier challenges, especially if they enter the school system with no language skills. Slotting into established social groups and keeping up with fast-paced lessons in a new language can be overwhelming. For this reason, older children may be better suited to an international or bilingual setting, particularly in the early years of your move.

Most state schools offer some support for non-Portuguese speakers, but the level varies by region. Some provide language catch-up classes or buddy schemes to help integrate newcomers. Parents are encouraged to be proactive – speak with the school, ask questions and don’t be afraid to request extra support where needed.

No matter which route you choose, balancing school with a stable home environment is crucial. Children take their emotional cues from adults, so presenting school as a positive adventure – and showing enthusiasm for their learning – will help them settle.

Finally, remember that each Portuguese school has its own personality. Visit in person if you can, meet the staff and talk to other parents. The right fit depends on your child’s temperament, goals and what works for your family as a whole.

Higher education in Portugal

Portugal offers a wide range of higher education opportunities, attracting both local and international students. Universities like the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto and Universidade NOVA de Lisboa are ranked among the best in Southern Europe. Courses are taught primarily in Portuguese, but many institutions now offer English-taught undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Higher education is broadly divided into two main systems:

• Universities – focused on academic and research-based degrees
• Polytechnic institutes – more career-focused, offering technical and applied science courses

Admission to university typically depends on your academic record and results from the national exams. International students may also need proof of language proficiency and a recognised secondary school qualification. The application process for EU and non-EU students differs slightly – with non-EU applicants usually submitting through a separate ‘international student’ track.

Tuition fees in Portuguese universities are relatively modest compared to UK or US standards. For undergraduate degrees, expect to pay between €1,000 and €4,000 per year at public institutions. Private universities charge more, but tuition rarely exceeds €9,000–10,000 annually.

Importantly, graduates of Portuguese universities are highly employable across the EU. Portugal participates in the Bologna Process, meaning its academic qualifications are recognised throughout Europe.

If your child is thinking of continuing their education in Portugal, it’s worth exploring universities early. Open days, language prep courses and international programme coordinators can all smooth the way, whether your child attended an international or state school prior.

Get personalised advice and support

At Your Overseas Home, we understand that moving with school-age children can feel daunting. That’s why we offer one-to-one guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

Whether you’re considering state schooling, scouting for the right international school, or navigating entry into Portuguese universities, our experts are here to help. We’ll connect you with local advisers, help plan your transition and make sure you avoid common (and costly) mistakes.

Start your Portugal journey today with a free consultation.

FAQs about schools in Portugal