Portugal Guide: Education

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  Introduction

  The education system in Portugal

  State education in Portugal is free and compulsory up until the age of 18. Recently, the Portuguese government has tried to improve the quality of the education by reducing class sizes and improving facilities.

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  Primary education

  Admission, subjects and grading

  Up to the age of fifteen, children receive general and mandatory education which covers a wide range of topics.

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  Secondary education

  General and vocational training

  Secondary education in Portugal lasts three years and is compulsory. Children enter this stage aged fifteen (providing they did not have to retake any years at primary school).

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  Choosing the right school

  State or Private?

  Portugal's education system is made up of state run and private education institutions at all levels of learning. Make sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages of both systems before making a choice.

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  School calendar

  Study times and holidays in Portugal

  Schooling hours and holidays in Portugal vary from region to region. State schools will have different hours and holidays to private schools, and international and foreign schools will follow the school calendar of their respective country.

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  Higher education

  Universities in Portugal

  Higher education (non-compulsory) is made up of two main systems: university and polytechnic institutions. At university you can study more theoretical and research based subjects such as Law, Mathematics, Medicine etc. Polytechnics provide more vocational courses such as Nursing, Accounting and Business, for example.

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