Education

What is the difference between daycare and kindergarten?​
A daycare centre typically caters to children aged 0 to 3 years old, while kindergarten is designed for children between the ages of 3 and the start of primary school.

Is enrolment in preschool education mandatory?​

While the state is responsible for providing opportunities and facilities for preschool education, attendance at educational institutions during this period is not mandatory. 

Is preschool education free?​

Preschool attendance is free and funded by the Ministry of Education in public and private non-profit networks. Additionally, a parallel private for-profit network exists where services are fee-based. Nonetheless, the government may support economically vulnerable families within this system.

What are the school hours?​

Preschool education establishments typically operate in two periods: one for structured teaching activities (5 hours a day) and another for recreational and family support. In the public network, these establishments are open until at least 5:30 pm, ensuring a minimum daily duration of 8 hours. 

What is the curriculum for this phase?​

During this stage, educators follow the Curricular Guidelines for Preschool Education (OCEPE) provided by the General Directorate of Education. These guidelines assist early childhood educators in designing and implementing activities.

What is the class size?

Preschool groups typically consist of a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 25 children.

Are parents or guardians allowed to participate in the preschool routine?

Yes, parents and guardians can participate in the preschool routine by law. This is ensured by integrating elected or nominated representatives and parents' associations within the establishment's bodies and structures.

Do all children and adolescents have the right to access education?

Yes, all citizens aged six to eighteen, regardless of legal status, have the right to education with the same entitlements as those with regular status within the national territory. Specific legislation exists to ensure the enrolment of immigrants, even in irregular conditions. 

What are the requirements for entering the primary and secondary education system?

Candidates must provide proof of study equivalence to determine placement in the corresponding school year. Enrolment occurs at the chosen educational institution using a specific printed document.

Is there an enrolment deadline?​

Primary and secondary education enrolment can occur at any time during the year. Acceptance is subject solely to the availability of vacancies in the existing classes.

What documents are required for enrollment​?

• Certificate, child's Identity Card, birth certificate, or National Register of Minors;

• Completed enrolment form with a photograph (provided by the school);

• Vaccination report, health centre card, and "connection form". This form, conducted by the Health Centre, helps detect issues like visual and hearing impairments. Therefore, registering with the Health Centre in your area is essential;

• Copy of the National Health System Card or similar documents;

• Proof of qualifications translated if in a foreign language, and authenticated by the embassy or consulate of Portugal or the embassy and consulate of the foreign country in Portugal.

Can enrolment be denied?

For compulsory education years, the school in your residential area cannot deny enrollment unless all spots are filled. In such cases, the school must redirect the student to another nearby location. Ultimately, the   General Directorate of School Establishment (DGEsTE) is responsible for solving the situation.

What is the age of first enrolment in Year 1 of primary education?​

Children who turn six by September 15th must enrol in Year 1 of primary education. Those born between September 16th and December 31st can also enrol in Year 1 upon their guardian's request. Enrolment applications must be submitted at the school or the headquarters of the group of public schools in the parents' area of residence or professional activity. For private education, applicants must apply directly to the desired school.  

Where can I find more information about educational establishments?

You can access information about educational establishments through the School Network tool, which offers details such as addresses, contacts, and additional information.

What resources are available for students with learning difficulties?​

Educational support is provided to children and adolescents facing learning difficulties or health issues impacting their academic performance. These students will receive assistance from another teacher, who will help manage their study routines alongside the primary classroom teacher. 

How are parents supported?

In the 1st cycle, each class typically has one teacher. There is usually an opportunity for parents to meet with the teacher every fifteen days. Parents can also arrange meetings at the beginning or end of classes or schedule meetings through the school booklet. There are multiple teachers in the 2nd and 3rd cycles of secondary education. Communication is preferably established between the educational guardian (responsible for the student) and the class director (teacher in charge of the class).

How are students who do not speak Portuguese supported?

Portuguese as a Non-Mother Language (PLNM) classes are offered to students who do not speak Portuguese. Additionally, other support measures are implemented to ensure equitable learning conditions and promote the integration of students, regardless of their language, nationality, or social status.

How is higher education organised?
Portuguese higher education encompasses university and polytechnic education offered by public and private institutions. 

How is the bachelor's degree conferred?​
Both university institutions and polytechnics award a bachelor's degree. The university study cycle typically consists of 180 or 240 ETCS, lasting an average of six to eight curricular semesters. In polytechnics, the cycle usually lasts six semesters, equivalent to 180 ETCS. 

How is a master's degree awarded?
The master's degree study cycle typically ranges from 90 to 120 ETCS and spans three to four semesters.

How is the doctoral degree awarded?​
Universities and university institutes confer doctoral degrees to individuals who have successfully defended their dissertations and completed the required curricular units of the doctoral course, if applicable. The doctoral program typically lasts six to eight semesters and involves 180 to 240 ETCS.

Who can apply for higher education? 
Eligible applicants for higher education include:

• Portuguese citizens;

• Citizens of European Union member states;

• Non-EU citizens who have legally resided in Portugal for over two consecutive years as of August 31st of the application year.

As per the International Student Statute's approval, a special competition process has been established for accessing higher education. International Students are required to apply exclusively through this process.

Under the general regulations, students who meet the following criteria can apply to specific courses and institutions: 

• Completing secondary education with the necessary conditions for continuing studies or possessing an equivalent qualification.

• Successful completion of entrance tests specified by the institution/course, with a score equal to or higher than the minimum requirement.

• Fulfilment of any prerequisites established by the institution/course.

• Attainment of an application rating equal to or higher than the minimum value specified for the desired institution/course.

How can I find out more about courses and institutions in Portugal?
The General Directorate of Higher Education provides information on higher education courses and institutions. You can access information regarding access to higher education through the platform available here.  

How are transfers or course changes made within Portuguese higher education institutions?
Students seeking to transfer or change courses must have been registered and enrolled in a foreign higher education institution offering courses recognized as higher education under the country's legislation. They should approach the academic services of the institution they wish to transfer to, complete the application process, and obtain relevant competition information.