Education in Portugal: Everything Expats Need to Know

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for expats and international families seeking a high quality of life, affordable living costs, a mild climate, and long-term stability. As more families consider relocating, one factor consistently plays a decisive role in the decision-making process: education.

Understanding the education system in Portugal is essential for families moving with children, whether they are toddlers, school-aged pupils, or university-bound teenagers. From free public schools to internationally recognised private and international institutions, Portugal offers a diverse, high-quality education landscape that caters to a wide range of needs and budgets.

Relocating to a new country with children involves more than finding a home or securing residency. Education directly affects a child’s emotional wellbeing, academic continuity, and long-term prospects. For parents, understanding how schools in Portugal for expats work helps reduce uncertainty and ensures a smooth transition.

Portugal supports both local and foreign students across all levels of education, and its system is well-equipped to integrate international families. With proper planning, families can raise their children in a stable environment, ensuring their academic success for their children.

With expert guidance from Portugal Homes, families can make informed decisions about schooling, location, and residency options, ensuring their children’s educational needs are fully met from day one.

Public education is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 18, making Portugal particularly appealing to families seeking quality education without high costs.

Families relocating to Portugal can choose between:

Notably, the proportion of foreign students in Portuguese universities is almost twice the OECD average according to OECD Education at a Glance 2025, highlighting Portugal’s strong appeal to international students.

The school system in Portugal is divided into five main stages:

The academic year generally runs from September to June, with summer holidays in July and August. However, this is not a rule and the schedule might change from school to school, with some of them even dividing the year into 3 periods rather than 2.

Childcare in Portugal is well-developed, particularly for young children.

Portuguese kindergartens, known as Jardins de Infância, serve children aged 3 to 5 and may be public or private. Public kindergarten places can be limited, so early application is essential.

Primary education in Portugal begins at age 6 and is divided into three cycles:

Core subjects include Portuguese, Mathematics, Science, History, and English. Public primary schools are widely trusted by families and attended by children from all social backgrounds.

Children are usually assigned schools based on proximity to their home or a parent’s workplace, and registration typically needs to be completed around six months before the school year starts.

Secondary education, or high school, covers ages 15 to 18 (10th to 12th grades) and is compulsory under the Portuguese education system.  

Key features include:

This stage prepares students either for higher education or direct entry into the workforce.. 

From kindergartens to secondary schools, Portugal is home to more than 75 international schools, making it a popular choice for expat families seeking continuity with their home education systems.  

Key characteristics:

International schools often teach in English or multiple languages and offer a more personalised, student-focused approach. 

Higher education in Portugal includes:

While universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees, polytechnic schools offer undergraduate and master’s programs in specific fields. The main difference is that universities focus more on theoretical studies and research while polytechnic courses feature a more practical and project-based approach.

Portugal has three universities ranked among the world’s top 500 in the Times Higher Education 2026 Ranking. In addition, the country hosts four business schools ranked in the global top 50 according to the Financial Times 2025 ranking.

Tuition fees apply even at public universities, but they remain highly affordable compared to other European countries.. 

One of Portugal’s strongest advantages is affordability.

Typical education costs include:

For example, the University of Coimbra, one of the country’s most expensive,  charges €7,000 per year for international students, compared to €697 per year for Portuguese residents or EU nationals.

Overall, education in Portugal is considered high-quality and cost-effective, especially when compared with other Western European countries.. 

Early planning is crucial, particularly for public schools.

Private schools manage enrolment independently and may have different timelines and requirements.  

Portugal offers two main student visas:

Both require an official acceptance letter from the educational institution, and those who wish to study in Portugal must submit an application at a Portuguese consulate. 

Short-term student visas only apply to the student. Families planning long-term relocation usually require residency visas.

The Portugal Golden Visa allows investors and their families to:

At the end of the day, your chosen visa route will depend on wider goals you might have for yourself and your loved ones. What will not vary is the fact that, no matter what, Portugal remains a great destination for students of all ages, offering a great and diverse array of options and opportunities. 

Portugal combines educational quality, affordability, safety, healthcare, and lifestyle, making it one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for families and students alike. From free public schools to internationally recognised universities, the country offers flexible solutions for every stage of education.

Is education in Portugal free?

Yes, Portugal offers free education to all children from 6 to 18 years old through the public education system. A network of selected nurseries are also free.

Is it possible to find private schools in Portugal?

Yes. You will find many private education institutions for all levels of the education system across the country.

Can I enrol my kids in an international school in Portugal?

Yes. Regions like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve hold many of the 75+ international schools currently present in Portugal.  

Does Portugal have a good education system?

Yes, both private and public schools offer high-quality education at all levels. Some neighbourhoods will have better schools than others and that is often a criterion when choosing a house, as students in the public system must attend a school that is either close to their residence or to the work location of a family member.

How is the Portuguese education system divided?

Compulsory education in the Portuguese school system is divided primary and secondary education. Primary education is split into the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycles, including the 1st to 9th grades. Then, children move on to secondary education, which covers the 10th to 12th grades.

Are universities free in Portugal?

No. Public and private universities in Portugal charge tuition fees. However, they are extremely affordable when compared to other countries in Europe and around the world.

Can my child study in the Portuguese public education system if they don’t speak Portuguese?

If they are legal residents of Portugal, they can. However, all classes are taught in Portuguese, though some schools offer language support for non-native speakers. Many expats prefer to enrol their children in private international schools where the curriculum is taught in English or another language.

How long is a school day in Portugal?

That will vary from school to school, but it is usual for school days to run from 8 AM to 6 PM.

How is the school year in Portugal?

This will also vary from school to school, but the school year tends to start in mid-September and run to the end of June of the next year, with a small winter break from Christmas to the beginning of January.