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The school system in Porto

As the number of foreign-born residents has sharply gone up in Porto 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: 1^st to 4^th grades (1^st Cycle)
• Basic education: 5^th and 6^th grades (2^nd Cycle) 7^th to 9^th grades (3^rd Cycle)
• Secondary education: 10^th to 12^th 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.

Read also The school system in Portugal

International schools in Porto

Most international schools in Porto follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which provides students with a globally recognized diploma that opens doors to universities worldwide. Depending on the school, lessons may be delivered in English (the most common choice), French, or German. International education is available from preschool all the way to the end of secondary school.

Read also Study in Portugal

Top international schools in Porto

The growing presence of expats and foreign residents in Porto has led to a steady increase in the number of international schools. Some of the most reputable institutions include:

• : Arguably the most famous international school in Porto, CLIP has been around for 35 years. It prides itself in its diverse and multicultural community, with students hailing from all across the globe. Its curriculum was especially designed to facilitate the process of equivalency in other countries, making it easier for children to continue studying if they need to move.
• : Located in Foz do Douro, it stands as the oldest British school in Continental Europe, established in 1894. The students' remarkable IB results have helped the school get accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).
• (German): The only German-curriculum school in Porto. Classes are taught in German, but non-native students have special classes to learn the language. The school also partakes in exchange programs and special sports and music competitions with other schools from the same network.
• (French): The oldest French school in the city (1936). Unlike the other institutions, this school features a strong religious component.
• If you prefer a more secular setting, try the .

For families seeking a more alternative educational approach, options such as the Escola Montessori do Porto are also available.

Read also Study in Porto

Tuition fees for international schools in Porto

Costs vary significantly depending on the school, the grade level and any additional services provided. Expenses such as meals, transportation and extracurricular activities are typically billed separately. Here's a general idea of annual tuition fees:

• Preschool: €7,000 to €10,000
• Primary/Basic education: €10,000 to €15,000
• Secondary school: €13,000 to €20,000

Additional charges often include application fees, registration or acceptance fees, as well as annual enrollment renewal fees. Generally, American-curriculum schools tend to be the most expensive due to higher staffing and resource requirements. German and French schools are usually more affordable, with relatively consistent fees across all grades (€5,000 to €6,000 per school year). Many schools offer discounts for families who enroll multiple children.

Application and enrollment process for international schools in Porto

Enrolling in an international school involves a more detailed application process than public schools. The steps usually include:

• Completing an online application form;
• Submitting required documents (passport or ID, previous school reports, vaccination records);
• Paying a non-refundable pre-registration fee.

Some schools may also request an interview, a placement test, or a language assessment in English, French or German, depending on the curriculum. Priority is often given to current students and their siblings.

If the application is successful, the school will send an acceptance letter outlining the next steps, including the payment of a deposit or an acceptance fee. Because demand has surged in recent years and places are limited, it's wise to begin the process early and apply to more than one school at the same time. Do not be surprised if the entire process takes a couple of months to conclude.

Choosing the right international school for your child in Porto

Finding the right school depends on your child's educational background, needs and personality. The curriculum is a major factor, since British, American, French and German systems all have distinct teaching methods and styles of assessment. If possible, align the curriculum with what your child has previously studied to ensure a smoother transition and to make sure they fit right in upon enrollment. Not only will it help with their grades, but it will also make it much easier for them to make friends and adapt to a new country.

Practical considerations such as location, transportation and costs also matter. Be sure to include hidden expenses like uniforms, extracurricular activities and registration fees in your budget. Otherwise, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the extra costs. If you have multiple viable options and your child was accepted into more than one international school, compare both institutions based on their reputation, academic results and alumni professional achievements. Evidently, speaking with other parents can also be extremely helpful in order to gauge the overall experience.

Ultimately, the decision should also reflect your child's happiness and comfort, so do not make the mistake of not including them in the conversation or considering their preferences. A school that makes them feel welcome, motivated and supported will help them thrive both academically and personally – and that's all that matters at the end of the day!