Education system in Portugal: answers to the most popular questions

Why do many cosmopolitans choose Portugal as their permanent residence?

In the ranking of countries in terms of quality of life, Portugal ranks 18th. According to Expat Insider 2021, Portugal is one of the top 3 countries for cosmopolitans to live in. However, despite the high standard of living in Portugal, prices for goods and services, education and medical care are lower than in other European countries. It is also important to note that Portugal is a safe country. According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal ranks second in Europe in terms of security.

The national education system deserves special attention. Higher education in Portugal is respected all over the world. Four of the country's universities are included in the QS World University Rankings 2022, of which the University of Porto received the highest rating. Portugal's higher education system itself was ranked 34th among the best in the world by Ceoworld magazine.

We answer the most popular questions about the system of secondary and higher education in Portugal.

What international schools do foreigners usually choose for their children? What the cost of studying?

Some expats prefer international schools and choose according to several criteria: location, education system, language and price.Main languages of instruction: English, German, French and Portuguese.

Education systems: Portuguese, German, English and American. The fee for the academic year ranges from 4,000 Euros to 20,000 Euros.

The best international schools in Portugal:

School: Colégio Luso-Francês
City: Porto

Price: from 300 Euro to 450 Euro per month

The school occupies the 13th position in the ranking of the best schools in Portugal. It can be called the best international school in terms of GPA in Portugal.

School: St. Peter's International School
City: Palmela (near Setubal)

Price: not specified, only by personal interview. The school has excellent reviews and recommendations and is in 29th position.

School: Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura
City: Loulé (Algarve region)

Price: from 400 Euro to 1,000 Euro per month. The school takes 34th place in the ranking.

School: Nobel - International School Algarve
City: Lagoa and Almancil (Algarve region)

Price: 4,900 Euro to 12,800 Euro per year. Ranked 98th in the ranking.

Can a foreigner go to a local school? What is needed for this?

All foreigners have the full right to study in public schools in Portugal and there are no restrictions. The child will be accepted even if he does not speak Portuguese. They also offer free extracurricular activities. To enroll a child in a school, you must submit an application, which you can fill out on the website of the educational institution and provide the following documents:

Identification document of the child and parents
Tax number of the child and parents
Document confirming the place of residence
medical certificate
Private bussiness
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In public schools, education is free, parents only pay for meals and extended classes.

Now many are relocating to Portugal. What schools do they choose?

Expats tend to choose regular public Portuguese schools, as this helps the child to better integrate into society and adapt to the new environment.

But it all depends on the goals of the parents. If the move is short-term and they plan to return home in a couple of years, then alternatives should be considered.

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