Education in Portugal: Complete Guide

Knowing how education works in Portugal is one of the most common questions for families moving to the country with school-aged children. The Portuguese educational system is recognized for its quality, for the safety inside and outside schools, and for providing a multicultural environment that increasingly attracts foreigners. Moreover, it is compulsory in the country until the 12th grade.

In this article, we will explain in detail how the education system in Portugal works, from basic education to higher education, how the stages of schooling are divided, what the costs are, the best schools, how to enroll in public and private schools, and which documents are required.

How does the education system work in Portugal?

The Portuguese education system is divided into levels (grades of schooling).

Stages of the Portuguese education system: summary

Basic Education (Primary School)

Basic education in Portugal corresponds to what in Brazil is called elementary education. It is compulsory starting at age 6.

Secondary Education (High School)

Secondary education is equivalent to high school in Brazil. That is, the last three years of schooling — 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. At this stage, students must start choosing a profession and thinking about which university they would like to attend. It is also the time to prepare for the National Exam. To learn more about this exam, it is possible to consult past exams.

Within secondary education, there is also training for adults who, for some reason, had to drop out of school. This is equivalent to Brazil’s supplementary education. In Portugal, it is called Adult Education and Training (EFA).

Higher Education

Higher education in Portugal follows the European model defined by the Bologna Process, which standardized the university systems of EU countries. This brought significant differences compared to Brazil, especially in terms of course names and duration.

Bachelor’s Degree – 1st Cycle

In Portugal, there is no equivalent to Brazil’s “bacharelado.” The first cycle corresponds to the Bachelor’s Degree (Licenciatura), which usually lasts 3 years. In some fields, such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Architecture, the course is structured as an Integrated Master’s Degree, lasting 5 to 6 years and combining undergraduate and master’s studies in a single program. In other words, a Portuguese bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a Brazilian undergraduate degree but with a shorter workload.

Master’s Degree – 2nd Cycle

Master’s programs in Portugal are very popular among foreigners, especially Brazilians, as a form of specialization and also as a gateway to legally reside in the country. Unlike in Brazil, where master’s degrees are strongly tied to academic research, in Portugal they are oriented toward the job market, functioning similarly to an MBA.

This means that, in most courses, a master’s degree does not prepare the student for teaching or academic publishing, but rather for developing advanced professional skills.

If you want to better understand how the student visa works in Portugal or explore the best universities to pursue a master’s degree, check out our complete guides.

Doctorate – 3rd Cycle

Doctoral studies in Portugal are equivalent to PhDs in Brazil. Here, the focus is indeed on scientific research, publishing in academic journals, and preparing for a career as a university professor or researcher.

Programs usually last between 3 and 5 years, and many Portuguese universities offer scholarships and international partnerships, making this an attractive option for those seeking a solid academic career in Europe. Afterwards, it is even possible to pursue a post-doctorate and earn the PhD title, for example.

How do nurseries work in Portugal?

Nurseries in Portugal take in children from birth to 3 years old. Their purpose is to support child development through educational activities under the supervision of specialized professionals. They are also essential for parents who need to work in Portugal.

There are two main types of nurseries:

• Private: fully paid by parents, with tuition fees that vary depending on the institution.
• Public-private (IPSS – Private Institutions of Social Solidarity): the government subsidizes part of the cost, and parents pay according to household income.

Some important information about nurseries in Portugal:

• School year: usually begins in September.
• Enrollment: typically takes place between March and May.
• Schedule: can reach up to 40 hours per week, with flexibility to adapt to the family’s routine.

Since September 2022, the Portuguese government has offered free tuition for children in their first year of nursery, especially benefiting low-income families. To apply for the benefit and check which nurseries are included in the program, it is recommended to download the Creche Feliz app.

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Portugal with children.

How does preschool education work in Portugal?

The preschool period covers children aged 3 to 5 years. It is not legally compulsory, leaving it up to parents to decide whether or not to enroll their child.

Enrollment in preschool education is carried out online through ePortugal.gov or in person at the administration office of the school closest to the family’s residence.

Preschool education in Portugal is offered free of charge in the public network and in non-profit private institutions, as it is funded by the Ministry of Education. However, in private and corporate institutions, parents must cover the costs.

According to the Directorate-General for Education (DGE), preschool consists of 5 hours of daily activities guided by an educator, in addition to recreational and socio-educational activities, lunch service, and family support.

Rede pública x rede privada: como é em Portugal

Educação em Portugal: Pública ou privada?

Education in Portugal is offered in both public and private schools, just like in the United States. The key difference is that, while the quality of U.S. public schools can vary greatly depending on the district, in Portugal public schools consistently provide high-quality education, with many ranking among the best in the country.

More than 70% of students are enrolled in public schools. According to the latest Education in Numbers report, published in 2025 with reference to the 2023/2024 school year, there are 1,272,402 students in the public network and only 331,930 in the private network.

See the table by school cycles of enrolled students, according to the report from the Portuguese Ministry of Education:

As the data shows, less than 20% of students are in private schools, with the majority in the preschool and basic cycles.

International schools in Portugal are prominent within the private network, offering high-standard facilities, smaller class sizes, and extracurricular activities. In addition, many are bilingual, allowing students to complete their school cycle with strong fluency in English and a third language, which may be French, German, or Spanish.

School hours

School hours are based on the curriculum framework published on the website of the Directorate-General for Education, and vary according to the level:

School holidays

School holidays in Portugal follow a calendar defined by the Ministry of Education and vary depending on the school cycle, but in general they occur as follows:

• Summer: main holiday period, between July and September, longer than school holidays in Brazil.
• Christmas and New Year: short break, usually 1 to 2 weeks, allowing for family celebrations.
• Easter: around 10 days off, normally during Holy Week.
• Carnival: not an official school holiday in all schools, but some institutions may grant 1 or 2 days off.

Educational pathways in Portugal

Educational pathways represent the different types of teaching and school programs available to students at each educational stage in Portugal. They determine how content is organized, which methods are used, and which options students may choose, whether to complete basic school, secondary school, or vocational courses.

The aim of educational pathways is to adapt education to individual needs. This includes, for example, distance learning, alternative curricular paths, integration programs for young people with difficulties, or technical and vocational courses in secondary education.

Basic school (1st to 9th grade)

In basic school, there are five educational pathways, according to the Directorate-General for Education (DGE):

• Distance Learning (EAD): for students who cannot attend school in person.
• Itinerant Education: aimed at students who frequently change residence.
• Alternative Curricular Paths (PCA): adapts the curriculum to the student’s individual needs.
• Integrated Education and Training Program (PIEF): combines school and professional training for young people with integration difficulties.
• Individual Education and Homeschooling: an option for families who choose to educate their children outside the conventional school context.

Secondary school (10th to 12th grade)

In secondary education, students can choose from six main training options:

• Scientific-Humanistic Courses;
• Courses with Own Plans;
• Specialized Artistic Courses (ANQEP);
• Professional Courses (ANQEP);
• Recurrent Secondary Education;
• Vocational Courses.

ANQEP courses are comparable to career and technical education (CTE) programs in the United States, allowing students to complete high school with a focus on a specific career path and prepare for the job market.

School curriculum in Portugal

Basic school

The national curriculum of basic education includes:

• Portuguese;
• Portuguese as a non-native language (for foreign students);
• Mathematics;
• Experimental Sciences (Natural and Human);
• Foreign languages (English, German, Spanish, or French);
• Artistic and technological education;
• Moral and religious education (optional);
• School Offer (optional subjects, such as History, Culture, and Democracy).

In addition, there are inclusion programs for foreign students or those under international protection, with Portuguese language support and recognition of previously completed subjects.

Secondary school

In general, the national curriculum in secondary schools includes general training and specific training. In Portugal, unlike Brazil, there is this separation between general and specific training in secondary schools, allowing students to focus on the subjects most relevant to their interests and future careers. This way, they study fewer general contents superficially and can go deeper into areas that are more closely related to their professional goals.

In general training, we have:

• Portuguese;
• Philosophy;
• Portuguese as a non-native language (foreign students);
• Foreign Languages (English, German, Spanish, or French);
• Physical Education;
• Citizenship and Development;
• School Offer (History, Culture, and Democracy).

In specific training, it will depend on the option chosen by each student, but some examples include:

• Applied Mathematics;
• Latin;
• Philosophy;
• Political Science;
• Law;
• Economics;
• Geography;
• Geology;
• Materials and Technologies;
• Sociology;
• Arts Workshop;
• Theater;
• Design Workshop;
• Chemistry;
• Physics.

How much does a school cost in Portugal?

Public education

Education is free in public schools, but parents must bear some additional costs, such as meals, study trips, and personal school supplies. Books can be obtained free of charge through a voucher issued on the MEGA – Manuais Escolares Gratuitos website.

The cost of meals and study trips is determined by subsidy brackets, according to household income.

Meal and Study Trip Costs by Income Bracket ASE – School Year 2025

During Christmas and Easter holidays, schools continue to provide meals to students benefiting from school social support.

Private education

What is needed to enroll a child in Portugal?

In the public network, enrollment must be made at the school closest to the residence — it is not possible to freely choose the school. The full list of public schools in Portugal can be found on the website of the Directorate-General for School Establishments (DGEstE) or Gesedu.

The enrollment process generally takes place during the following periods, but may vary according to the school year and level:

Enrollments can be made online via the ePortugal portal or in person at the school office.

Required documents for enrollment

To enroll a student in Portugal, you must present:

• Passport or residence permit of the student;
• 2 passport-size photos (3×4);
• School transcript and statement of completion of the year*;
• Enrollment form;
• Vaccination record (tetanus vaccine is mandatory);
• Medical certificate, if necessary to prove health, vision, or hearing issues;
• NIF – Tax Identification Number of the guardian and the student;
• Proof of health insurance.

If the student comes from a Brazilian school, the transcript and statement must be apostilled under the Hague Convention and, when necessary, with a sworn translation into Portuguese.

How to validate basic and secondary education in Portugal?

If you are the parent of a foreign student and wish to enroll your child in schools in Portugal, it is necessary to validate basic and secondary education so that the student is placed in the correct grade.

The process is carried out at the nearest public school to the residence and requires the presentation of documents proving previous schooling. The main documents include:

• Certificate of completed studies with approval, authenticated by Portuguese consular services or with Hague Apostille;
• Sworn translation of the certificate into Portuguese, when applicable;
• Indication of the year, cycle, or course completed, along with final grades;
• Legible photo of the student’s passport or residence permit;
• Foreign education form provided by the Portuguese school, for equivalency analysis;
• Declaration from the previous school informing grading scales and passing criteria*;
• Additional information about the education system of the country of origin, including number of school years, admission conditions, and institution certification*.

Additional documents are not mandatory, but may be requested by Portuguese schools for equivalency analysis.

What are the best schools in Portugal?

The newspaper O Público, in partnership with Católica Porto Business School, conducts an annual study based on the analysis of grades obtained in the national exam to prepare the ranking of the best schools in Portugal, with a focus on secondary education.

According to the 2024 ranking, here are the top 5:

Note: the top five schools are private, where education in Portugal is stricter.

The top 5 public schools in Portugal appear in the ranking starting from the 40th position. They are:

When does the school year start in Portugal?

The school year in Portugal starts in September, regardless of the educational level or whether the school is public or private.

How does the school evaluation system work in Portugal?

One important difference compared to Brazil is that in Portugal, grades range from 0 to 20, with 10 being the minimum required to pass.

The evaluation system in Portugal combines different modalities, each with specific objectives:

1. Formative Assessment
   This modality follows the student’s continuous learning throughout the year. It includes exercises, assignments, and periodic tests that help teachers and students identify strengths and areas that need improvement. It serves as a way to monitor progress without necessarily determining final approval.
2. Summative Assessment
   Summative assessment aims to verify whether the student has mastered the content in general. It is broader and usually involves final exams or projects that integrate all the learning from a given period.
   • Internal summative: carried out by the school itself, by teachers and the pedagogical team, focusing on continuous performance and attendance.
   • External summative: applied at the national level, mainly in the Scientific-Humanistic Courses, through the National Exam, which functions similarly to ENEM.

How it works in practice

If a student scores less than 10 in two subjects, they can take the Equivalence to Attendance Exam, which allows them to recover the minimum grade required to pass the year. Some subjects, such as Physical Education and Moral and Religious Education, do not affect approval.

Interested in moving to Portugal?

If you are planning to move to Portugal and want to ensure they have access to the best educational system in the country, Atlantic Bridge can help. Contact us and discover the best visa options, school enrollment opportunities, and how to make the most of the experience of studying in Portugal.