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Complete 2026/27 guide for expat families — public, private, international, universities
Everything you need to choose and apply to schools and universities in Portugal — from creche to universidade. Enrolment process, public matrícula, international schools in Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, Algarve and Madeira, and the practical tips that matter for foreign families.
Important: School and university details (curriculum, location, fees, admissions windows) change yearly and vary by institution. We do not publish specific tuition figures. Always verify current information directly on each school's official website before applying. Information here is provided as guidance only and is not legal or admissions advice.
Education in Portugal is compulsory from age 6 to 18 (raised from 15 in 2009) and free in the public system. Foreign children residing legally in Portugal have the same right to attend public schools as Portuguese children, regardless of their parents' visa type.
| Stage | Age | Compulsory? | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creche | 4 months – 3 yrs | Optional | Daycare. Public, IPSS (subsidised non-profit), or private. Public spots are limited and means-tested. |
| Pré-escolar (Jardim de Infância) | 3 – 6 yrs | Optional | Pre-school / kindergarten. Free in public network, but spots are limited. Highly recommended for language immersion before primary. |
| 1.º Ciclo (Ensino Básico) | 6 – 10 yrs (Years 1–4) | Yes | Primary. Single teacher, one classroom. AEC after-school activities (English, sport, music) typically free in public network. |
| 2.º Ciclo | 10 – 12 yrs (Years 5–6) | Yes | Lower middle. Subject specialists begin. English starts as a formal subject (already from Year 3). |
| 3.º Ciclo | 12 – 15 yrs (Years 7–9) | Yes | Upper middle. Final year of compulsory basic education ends with internal national exams. |
| Ensino Secundário | 15 – 18 yrs (Years 10–12) | Yes | Compulsory through age 18. Three streams: scientific-humanistic (university-bound), professional, and artistic. National exams (Exames Nacionais) gate university entry. |
| Ensino Superior | 18+ | Optional | University (Universidade) or polytechnic (Politécnico). Bachelor (Licenciatura) typically 3 yrs, Master (Mestrado) 1.5–2 yrs, PhD (Doutoramento) 3–4 yrs. |
If you're staying 5+ years, public or Portuguese private gives kids real fluency and integration. If you may relocate or want global mobility (IB, A-Level, AP), international schools deliver portable qualifications.