Education Portugal

Enrollment in kindergarten

 

Age groups

 

Nursery: Accepts children from 3 months to 3 years old.

 

Kindergarten: Accepts children from 3 to 6 years old. Attending kindergarten in Portugal is not mandatory, but most parents prefer preschool education.

 

 

 

Choosing a kindergarten: Find out which kindergartens are available in your area through the municipality or local educational service websites.

 

 

 

Documents required for enrollment:

 

- Child's identification documents (birth certificate, NIF – tax identification number).

 

- Medical records with vaccination information.

 

- Parents' identification documents.

 

- Proof of residence (rental agreement or utility bills).

 

 

Application deadlines: Applications to public kindergartens are usually submitted in the spring (March-May) for the next academic year starting in September. Private kindergartens may have more flexible application deadlines.

 

 

 

 

 

Enrollment in school

 

Choosing a school: To search for schools in your area, you can use the Portuguese Ministry of Education's website or contact your local municipality.

 

 

 

Documents required for enrollment:

 

- Child's identification documents (birth certificate, NIF).

 

- Proof of residence (rental agreement or utility bills).

 

- Medical records with vaccination information.

 

- Parents' identification documents.

 

- Academic transcript (for children entering middle school or higher grades).

 

 

 

Application deadlines: Enrollment in public schools begins in spring. The application system operates through the online platform Portal das Matrículas (www.portaldasmatriculas.edu.pt), where you can register your child. Private schools have their own internal deadlines and admission procedures, which may vary.

 

 

 

Useful tips for foreigners

 

Submit documents in advance: The admission process to public institutions can be competitive, especially in large cities.

 

Seek assistance: Municipalities and educational services can help you navigate the admission process and provide information about available schools and kindergartens.

International and bilingual kindergartens

 

In Portugal, there are international and bilingual kindergartens where instruction is conducted in foreign languages such as English, French, and German. These kindergartens are usually located in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, where there is a large expat community.

 

 

 

Examples of kindergartens

 

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, Lisbon: offers an English-language program from an early age.

 

International Preparatory School, Lisbon: bilingual education in English and Portuguese.

 

Lycée Français Charles Lepierre, Lisbon: French program for preschoolers.

 

 

 

 

 

International schools

 

Portugal has a wide selection of international schools that offer education in various foreign languages. These schools follow international educational programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British system, or American system and provide high-quality education for foreign children.

 

 

 

Examples of international schools

 

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, Lisbon: International school in Lisbon with instruction in English following the American system.

 

St. Julian’s School, Carcavelos, Lisbon: Offers IB programs and British education.

 

The British School of Lisbon, Lisbon: Follows the British educational system with instruction in English.

 

Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (Lisbon): French school part of the AEFE (Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger) system.

 

German School of Lisbon, Lisbon: German school offering programs in German and Portuguese.

Public educational institutions

 

 

 

Features of public kindergartens

 

Affordability: Public kindergartens offer affordable programs, and many of them are partially subsidized by the government. Parents only pay small fees, which vary depending on the family's income.

 

Quality of Education: In public kindergartens, national educational standards are followed. Attention is given not only to the development of academic skills but also to social, physical, and emotional preparation.

 

Language Environment: The primary language of instruction is Portuguese, which facilitates the quick integration of children into the country's linguistic environment.

 

Operating Hours: The operating hours of public kindergartens can vary, but they are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the option for extended hours.

 

 

 

Features of Public Schools

 

Free Education: Education in public schools is free for all residents of Portugal, including foreign citizens.

 

Educational Program: All public schools follow a unified national curriculum developed by the Ministry of Education. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including Portuguese, mathematics, science, art, music, and physical education.

 

Integration of Foreigners: Public schools offer support programs for foreign children, such as additional Portuguese language lessons.

 

Quality of Education: The level of education in public schools may vary depending on the region and the specific institution. Generally, there is a wider selection of schools with high academic achievements in larger cities.

 

Accessibility of Schools: Each child is assigned a school based on their place of residence, although parents may request enrollment in another school if there are available spots.

 

 

 

Private Educational Institutions

 

 

 

Features of Private Kindergartens

 

Diversity of Programs: Private kindergartens often offer more specialized programs, such as bilingual education, advanced development programs, or international teaching methods.

 

Cost: The cost varies depending on the level of services and location.

 

International Programs: Many private kindergartens offer programs in foreign languages (English, French, German), which is particularly relevant for expats.

 

Flexibility: Private institutions often offer more flexible schedules, which can be convenient for working parents.

 

 

 

Features of Private Schools

 

Education in Foreign Languages: Private schools often offer education in English, French, or other foreign languages, making them popular among expat families.

 

International Programs: Private schools may offer international education programs.

 

Small Class Sizes: Private schools typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individual attention to each child.

 

Quality of Education: Many private schools offer a high level of academic preparation and a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, art, and music.

 

Cost: The cost depends on the school, programs, and services offered.

 

 

 

Examples of Private and International Schools

 

St. Julian's School, Carcavelos: Follows the British system with instruction in English, offers IB programs.

 

Lycée Français Charles Lepierre, Lisbon: A French school providing education according to the French system.

 

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, Lisbon: Offers American system education with programs in English.

Portugal's education system is based on the principles of inclusive education, aimed at ensuring equal access to education for all children, including those with special needs. Public schools are required to create conditions to support these students and provide additional resources and assistance for successful learning.

 

 

 

Every educational institution is required to have a team of specialists, including psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, and educators, who work with children with special needs.

 

 

 

Resources and Support

 

Assistants and Specialists: Special assistants or specialists may be present in the classroom to help children with their studies and adaptation.

 

Specialized Classes and Programs: Some schools have separate classes for children with special needs, where education takes place in smaller groups with an individualized approach.

 

Technical Means and Resources: Technical means are provided, such as adapted teaching materials, equipment for children with visual and hearing impairments, and specialized programs and applications.

 

 

 

Private and Specialized Schools

 

In addition to the public system, there are private and specialized schools in Portugal that are fully focused on children with special needs.

 

 

 

Parents are advised to contact the Direção-Geral da Educação or specialized centers to choose the best educational route for their child.

 

 

 

Examples of Public Specialized Educational Institutions

 

 

 

Agrupamento de Escolas de Santa Maria (Santa Maria, Lisbon): Works with children with autism, ADHD, motor and intellectual disabilities.

 

 

 

Agrupamento de Escolas de Sintra (Sintra): Works with children with disabilities and complex forms of impairment.

 

 

 

Escola Superior de Educação e Ciências Sociais (Leiria): Specializes in teaching children with motor impairments and intellectual disorders.

 

 

 

Examples of Private Schools and Centers

 

 

 

Centro de Educação para o Cidadão com Deficiência (CECD, Mira-Sintra): Specializes in education and social integration of children with autism, Down syndrome, motor and cognitive disorders.

 

 

 

Casa de Santo António (Lisbon): Center for children with intellectual and psycho-emotional disorders.

 

 

 

Centro de Desenvolvimento Infantil Diferenças (Lisbon): Specializes in the diagnosis and education of children with autism, dyslexia, ADHD.

 

 

 

Fundação AFID Diferença (Amadora, Lisbon): Integration center for children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other impairments.

 

 

 

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Centers

 

 

 

Associação Portuguesa para as Perturbações do Desenvolvimento e Autismo (Lisbon): Center for helping children with autism.

 

 

 

CERCICA (Cascais): Professional training center for adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

School Integration Programs

 

 

 

Multidisciplinary teams for inclusive education support: each public school has such a team that develops programs to support foreign children. Teams work with teachers, parents, and the student to ensure smooth integration into the learning process.

 

 

 

Individual Student Support Plan: for children experiencing difficulties adapting and learning the language, an individual learning plan is developed, which may include additional lessons and support.

 

 

 

Many schools offer educational support programs for children who are just starting to learn Portuguese:

 

Mentoring: Teachers and special educators help children quickly master the language and adapt to the school environment. Often, mentors can be teachers who speak languages familiar to foreign children.

 

Guidance programs: Some schools have programs where senior students or teachers help foreign children adapt, answering their questions and assisting with studies.

 

 

 

Language Courses

 

 

 

Additional Portuguese lessons: For foreign children who do not speak Portuguese, public schools organize free courses of Portuguese as a second language. These lessons focus not only on grammar and vocabulary proficiency but also on developing conversational skills, helping in quicker adaptation to school life.

 

 

 

International schools: Portugal also has a wide range of international schools offering education in foreign languages (English, French, German, and others). Such schools often conduct Portuguese as a foreign language courses for children who live in Portugal but study in their native language.

 

Bilingual programs: Some schools offer education in two languages, helping children gradually immerse in Portuguese culture and language while continuing their education in their native language.

 

 

 

Cultural Integration Programs: In addition to language courses, there are programs aimed at the cultural integration of foreign children into Portuguese society.

 

 

 

School Events and Extracurricular Activities

 

 

 

Cultural events: Excursions to historical places, participation in festivals and celebrations dedicated to Portuguese culture.

 

Sports sections and clubs: Involving foreign children in sports teams and clubs helps them establish contact with peers and better settle into school.

 

Theatrical and music clubs: These clubs not only allow children to develop their creative abilities but also practice the Portuguese language in an informal setting.

After-school groups

 

A popular form of additional time for children to remain at school after regular classes. These groups operate from the end of classes until the evening (usually until 6:00-7:00 PM). Children can participate in various activities such as sports games, creative workshops, reading, music, board games, and language studies. In public schools, these programs are often subsidized and are accessible to most families.

 

 

 

Clubs and circles

 

Sports clubs: Football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, and other sports offer children regular training and competition participation. Sports sections can be part of the school program or organized by independent sports clubs.

 

 

 

Creative circles: Art workshops, drawing, sculpture, photography, and design clubs; music schools; theater circles.

 

Scientific and technical clubs: Robotics, programming, engineering projects, and other activities; many schools and extracurricular organizations support children's participation in international competitions and olympiads.

 

Language clubs: Learning English, French, Spanish, and other languages.

 

 

 

Where to find clubs and circles?

 

School programs: Most public and private schools offer a wide range of circles and sections conducted after regular classes.

 

Extracurricular organizations: In large cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, there are numerous private organizations offering activities for children.

 

Municipal centers: Municipalities often organize free or subsidized programs in circles and sections for children.

 

 

 

Summer camps: A popular form of extracurricular activity in Portugal, allowing children to spend time in an active and beneficial way during the summer months. Camps can be either day or overnight.

 

Sports camps: Camps focused on developing sports skills such as football, tennis, swimming, and other sports.

 

Themed camps: Camps with a focus on creativity, science, ecology, and adventure.

 

Linguistic camps: Camps for learning foreign languages, where children can improve their knowledge of English, French, or other languages in an informal and interactive setting.

 

 

 

Organization of summer camps

 

Private camps: Many private companies organize themed camps across the country.

 

Municipal camps: Municipalities also offer summer programs for children, which are often more affordable or even free.

 

Duration: Camps can last from a few days to several weeks. Programs can be day camps or overnight on-site.

 

Platform for finding camps and clubs: www.coloniasdeferias.pt.

Primary school

 

For students in the first cycle of primary education (grades 1 to 4), the grading system is not numerical. Instead, a qualitative description of the child's achievements in various subjects is used:

 

 

 

Muito Bom (MB) – Very Good

 

Bom (B) – Good

 

Suficiente (S) – Sufficient

 

Insuficiente (I) – Insufficient

 

 

 

In the second and third cycles (grades 5 to 9), a numerical grading system is introduced:

 

5 – Excellent

 

4 – Good

 

3 – Satisfactory

 

2 – Poor

 

1 – Very Poor

 

 

 

The minimum grade to successfully complete the academic year is 3. If a student receives grades below this mark, additional classes may be organized, and if necessary, the student may repeat the school year.

 

 

 

Secondary education

 

The grading system at the secondary education level (grades 10 to 12) is more complex; grades are assigned on a 20-point scale:

 

18-20 – Excellent

 

14-17 – Good

 

10-13 – Satisfactory

 

Less than 10 – Unsatisfactory

 

 

 

A grade of 10 is the minimum passing grade. At the end of each academic year or cycle, students must achieve minimum grades in core subjects to progress to the next level.

 

 

 

Final exams: At the final stage of secondary education, students take national exams in Portuguese and mathematics. These exams are important for completing secondary education and for university admission.

 

 

 

Evaluation in Higher Education Institutions

 

Portuguese universities also use a 20-point system, similar to that used in secondary schools. To successfully complete a course, students must achieve a minimum of 10 points.

Main Admission Requirements

 

 

 

High School Diploma: International students must confirm that they have completed full secondary education equivalent to Portuguese (10-12 grades).

 

 

 

Recognition of a Foreign Diploma

 

Recognition Procedure: Foreign diplomas must be officially recognized in Portugal. This can be done through Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES) — the state body responsible for higher education.

 

Documents: To recognize a diploma, it is necessary to provide the original document, its notarized translation into Portuguese, and also request recognition from the Ministry of Education of Portugal.

 

 

 

Entrance Exams

 

To enroll in undergraduate programs at public universities, most students (including foreigners) are required to take national entrance exams.

 

 

 

Other Options

 

Portuguese National Exams: Students can take national exams in key subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Portuguese), which are required for admission to the chosen university.

 

Recognition of National Exams from the Country of Origin: Some universities accept the results of exams such as SAT, ACT, or national exams from the student's country, provided they meet Portuguese standards.

 

Admission Based on School Exams: Some universities allow admission based on the results of final school exams in the student's home country if their level meets Portuguese requirements.

 

 

 

Portuguese Language: If the chosen program is taught in Portuguese, foreign students are required to prove proficiency in the Portuguese language. This may require passing one of the language exams, such as:

 

DIPLE: Diploma of Intermediate Proficiency in Portuguese.

 

DEPLE: Diploma of Basic Proficiency in Portuguese.

 

Many universities also offer language courses for foreign students to help them improve their Portuguese before starting their studies.

 

 

 

English Language: If the program is taught in English, students must prove their English proficiency by providing results from international language tests such as:

 

IELTS: The minimum score varies by university but is usually 6.0 or above.

 

TOEFL: The minimum score also varies but is typically from 80 to 100 points.

 

 

 

Personal Statement and Resume: Many universities require foreign students to provide a personal statement and resume where they must explain why they want to study at the university and list their achievements and experience.

 

 

 

Letters of Recommendation: For admission to some programs (especially master's or doctoral), recommendation letters from previous teachers or employers may be required. These letters must be translated into Portuguese or English.

 

 

 

Tuition Fees: For students from non-EU countries, tuition fees at public universities in Portugal are generally higher than for EU citizens. The cost varies depending on the university and program, but on average it ranges from 1500 to 7000 euros per year for undergraduate programs and from 2000 to 12000 euros for master's and doctoral programs.

 

 

 

Scholarships: Many universities and government programs offer scholarships for international students. Scholarships can cover either a part or the full cost of tuition and living expenses.

 

 

 

Student Visa: For citizens from non-EU countries, a student visa is required to study in Portugal.

 

 

 

In the top 10 universities in Portugal according to international rankings are:

 

University of Porto, Porto: One of the largest and most prestigious universities in Portugal; known for its programs in engineering, business, and medicine.

 

University of Lisbon, Lisbon: The largest university in the country; strong areas include technology, natural sciences, law, and architecture.

 

New University of Lisbon, Lisbon: The university is known for its innovative programs and international cooperation; it focuses particularly on research in business, law, and social sciences.

 

University of Coimbra, Coimbra: Founded in 1290; known for its traditions and quality of teaching in the humanities, law, and medicine.

 

Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon, Porto, and other cities: A private university with strong programs in business, law, psychology, and medicine.

 

Lisbon Institute of Higher Technical Sciences, Lisbon: One of the leading technical institutes; known for its high level of teaching in engineering, information technology, and natural sciences.

 

University of Minho, Braga and Guimarães: A university with a wide range of programs in engineering, natural sciences, economics, and management.

 

University of Aveiro, Aveiro: Known for its strong programs in natural sciences and technology, including marine studies and communications.

 

Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Leiria: One of the leading polytechnic institutes; offers applied programs in technology, management, and design.

 

University of Algarve, Faro: Known for its programs in marine and biological sciences, tourism, and management.

Recognition of academic qualifications

 

Recognition of foreign academic qualifications in Portugal is carried out through the Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES), the agency responsible for higher education. This procedure is necessary to confirm that a foreign diploma or certificate meets Portuguese higher education standards.

 

 

 

Types of recognition

 

Academic level recognition: Recognition can be full or partial, depending on the program and the country where the diploma was obtained.

 

Professional recognition: If the foreign diploma is related to professional activities, recognition may also be required to work in a specific field in Portugal.

 

 

 

Application procedure for recognition

 

 

 

Required documents:

 

- Diploma and certificates: originals of diplomas and certificates.

 

- Transcripts and supplements: documents describing subjects, courses, hours of study, and grades obtained at the educational institution.

 

- Certified translations: all documents issued in a language other than Portuguese must be translated and notarized.

 

- Passport: A copy of the passport or other identification.

 

 

 

Document submission: The application for diploma recognition is submitted on the platform www.dges.gov.pt. In some cases, documents can be submitted directly to universities or through the Portuguese embassy in the student's country.

 

 

 

Processing time: The recognition process can take from several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the application and the need for additional document verification.

 

 

 

Recognition through universities

 

Some Portuguese universities offer self-recognition procedures for foreign diplomas, which can speed up the admission process. In such cases, universities independently assess the student’s documents based on internal criteria.

 

Universities with expedited procedures: Some universities may not require official recognition through DGES if it is not mandatory for the program or specialization.

 

 

 

Nostification of diploma

 

Nostification is a procedure that allows foreign diplomas to be recognized as fully equivalent to Portuguese diplomas. This may be necessary for some professions or specialties.

 

Nostification is conducted by universities that offer similar programs of study. The application for nostification is submitted to the selected university. This process may include a comparison of the curriculum and the number of study hours.

Language courses

 

Portuguese as a Foreign Language courses: For foreigners wishing to learn Portuguese, there are numerous courses available in Portugal as Portuguese for Foreigners. These courses are organized by various educational institutions and are aimed at people with different levels of language proficiency— from beginner to advanced.

 

Where to take courses

 

Universities: Many universities, such as the University of Lisbon or the University of Porto, offer Portuguese language courses for foreigners.

 

Language schools: Private schools such as CIAL Centro de Línguas and LUSA Language School offer intensive and evening courses.

 

State programs: Through the Employment and Vocational Training Institute and local municipalities, you can find free or subsidized courses for immigrants.

 

 

 

International language courses

 

Portugal also offers a wide range of foreign language courses, including English, Spanish, French, and German. These courses are especially useful for those who wish to expand their language skills for work or study abroad.

 

Professional courses and programs

 

Technical and technological programs: Courses related to programming, network technologies, web design, and other aspects of information technology. Centers like Flag and Academia de Código offer such programs.

 

Programs in tourism and hospitality: Programs can be found in institutions like Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo de Lisboa.

 

Management and business courses: Many courses in management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance are available at both public institutions and private business schools.

 

For immigrants who already have professional experience, there are skill enhancement programs and courses accredited by various professional associations in Portugal.

 

Courses for healthcare workers: Foreign medical specialists can undergo retraining or certification in Portugal through organizations like Ordem dos Médicos.

 

Education for teachers and educators: Qualification enhancement programs for instructors and teachers are offered by universities and educational associations.

 

Integration and social support programs for immigrants

 

 

 

The High Commissioner for Migrations provides support to immigrants for successful integration. Includes: consultations on legal status; Portuguese language courses; Assistance in accessing education, healthcare, and the labor market.

 

How to benefit: Visit Immigrant Support Centers (website: www.acm.gov.pt).

 

 

 

Employment and vocational training programs

 

 

 

The State Employment Institute (IEFP) offers programs for the unemployed and job seekers: Professional courses and training; internships; help in job searching.

 

How to benefit: Register at a local IEFP center (website: www.iefp.pt).

 

 

 

Professional internships: Opportunity to gain work experience with state financial support for young people up to 30 years old (in some cases up to 35 years old).

 

Through IEFP or directly with employers participating in the program.