If you're moving to Lisbon with your family and want to ensure your child has an education taught in their native language and according to your home country's curriculum, then your best option might be to enroll them in an international school. Luckily, there are plenty of options scattered across Lisbon.
International schools follow the International Baccalaureate (IB), a program that grants them a diploma that is recognized globally and allows them to apply to universities around the world. Depending on which international school you choose, classes can be taught in English (most common), German or French. These schools are available from pre-school to the end of secondary education.
The school system in Lisbon
As the number of foreign-born residents has sharply gone up in Lisbon over the past decade or so, the number of new international schools has definitely been following the same trend. Perfectly aware of the fact that most parents will try to look for a curriculum better suited to the one their children followed back at home, these private schools are filling in what used to be a sizable gap in the city's school system.
As of 2025, the Ministry of Education has structured the Portuguese school system according to the following stages:
- Pre-school: 3 to 6 years old (not mandatory)
- Primary school: 1st to 4th grades (1st Cycle)
- Basic education: 5th and 6th grades (2nd Cycle) 7th to 9th grades (3rd Cycle)
- Secondary education: 10th to 12th grades
- Higher education: College, Masters and PhD
Currently, all students are officially required to complete their secondary education, after which they may enter the workforce or apply to college.
Even if your children attend an international school, they will still need to complete the final exams in high school in order to apply to a Portuguese university. They can either do their curriculum's exams (British, German, American, etc.) and apply as international students, or they can try to pass the official Portuguese exams and apply as any local student.
Popular international schools in Lisbon
As the number of immigrants and expats has been growing all over the capital, the international offer is also on the rise. Currently, these are some of the leading international schools in Portugal:
- , Lisbon (British): Possibly the most renowned and exclusive international school in Portugal, ranking as one of the top 100 private schools in the world according to the .
- : Considered the best American-curriculum international school in the city, as well as the only one accredited by the United States Department of State in the entire Iberian Peninsula. One of Portugal's former Presidents studied here.
- : One of the country's only two official French Schools, it is managed directly by the Agency for French Education Abroad, a public institution under the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- : Opened in 2010, this international school places a particular focus on STEAM projects, attracting students from all over the world (over 50 nationalities represented).
- : Taking huge pride in its student-centered approach, this international school boasts communal spaces and classrooms specifically designed to bolster creativity and playfulness.
- : Scattered across two different campuses - one in Lisbon proper and the other in the city district of Estoril, this school is recognized and directly financed by the Federal Government of Germany.
If you prefer a more alternative way of teaching, method schools are also available in Portugal, such as the Lisbon Montessori School.
Tuition fees in international schools in Lisbon
Naturally, tuition fees are not the same across the board, extensively depending on the school and grade. Furthermore, additional services such as meals, transportation or extracurricular activities are usually paid on the side. Be that as it may, these are the annual fees you can expect per cycle of studies:
- Pre-school: € 7,000 to € 10,000.
- Primary school and Basic education: € 10,000 to € 15,000.
- Secondary Education: €13,000 to € 20,000.
Aside from the tuition fees, it's also common for international schools to charge application fees, registration/acceptance fees and annual renovation fees. Traditionally, American-curriculum schools are the most expensive, requiring more resources and specialized staff. On the other hand, German and French schools are usually more affordable, with similar tuition fees regardless of the school year (€5,000-€6,000 per year).
If you enroll more than one child, most schools offer special prices and discounts.
Application and enrollment in international schools in Lisbon
Unlike public schools, the application process to an international school is slightly more complex. Typically, applicants will need to go through the following process:
- Fill out the application form online;
- Provide the required documents (ID/Passport copy, previous school report, immunization record);
- Pay the pre-registration fee (non-refundable).
Depending on the school, the administration may also require applicants to attend an interview, sit a placement test or undergo an admission evaluation for English/German/French proficiency. Moreover, priority in enrollment is usually given to current students or siblings of current students trying to get admission into the international school.
Once the application is reviewed, the school will inform the student and their parents of the result. Should the response be positive, an acceptance letter will be sent with all the terms and conditions, asking the parents to proceed with a deposit or with the payment of an acceptance fee. The whole process might take a few months, so it's highly recommended to start the enrollment as early as possible. Plus, there is currently a shortage of vacancies considering the spike in demand over the last 5 years or so. Start early and apply to several schools at the same time to guarantee your child gets a place.
How to choose an international school for your kids in Lisbon
Although there are plenty of international schools in Lisbon, that doesn't mean all of them are equipped to host your child. Every student has their very own specific needs depending on their educational history, health and strong/weak suits. Choosing a school will heavily impact your child's academic and personal development, so one needs to have several factors in mind when making such a pivotal decision.
First of all, depending on your home country and goals, you need to figure out what kind of curriculum is best for your child. Whether it's the British, American, French or German curricula, they all convey different teaching philosophies and evaluation methods. It's also particularly important that the curriculum matches that of the child's previous school, making it easier for the student to adapt and fit in as quickly as possible (even from the point of view of the language).
Obviously, logistic factors such as location and tuition fees also play an important role in your decision. Make sure your household budget can accommodate the costs of an international school, and don't forget to factor in extra costs (such as meals, transportation, uniforms, extracurriculars or registration fees) along with the monthly tuition fees. If different schools have accepted your child's application, compare both institutions based on their reputation and the academic/professional accomplishments of their alumni. Talk to other parents and do your research.
However, when all is said and done, the most important thing is to ensure your kid is happy and motivated about attending a specific school. Communicate with your son/daughter and let their feelings be an integral part of your important family choice.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
