Portugal has over 45 private international schools offering British, IB, American, French, and German curricula. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one for your family.
The curriculum your child follows will shape their university options and future. Here's a clear breakdown of each type available in Portugal.
Follows the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels. Widely recognised globally. Strong presence in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve. Schools include St. Julian's, British School Lisbon, Oporto British School, and CLIP Porto.
The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide. Many schools in Portugal offer the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) or combine IB with another curriculum. Ideal for families who move frequently.
Follows the US system, typically leading to the American High School Diploma and SAT/AP exams. Schools include TASIS Portugal and CASL. Strong choice for families with ties to the US.
Follows the French national curriculum, leading to the Baccalauréat. Lycée Charles Lepierre in Lisbon and Lycée Français Porto are the main options. Excellent for French-speaking families.
Deutsche Schule Lissabon and Deutsche Schule Porto follow the German curriculum, leading to the Abitur. Fees are often lower than British or IB schools. Strong community feel.
Some schools follow the Cambridge Assessment International Education pathway independently of the full British curriculum. Leads to IGCSEs and Cambridge A-Levels. Schools include Prime School, PaRK International, and St. George's.
Many of the best international schools are in Cascais, Sintra, and Oeiras — not central Lisbon. Factor in daily commute time. Some families choose their neighbourhood based on school location.
Popular schools like St. Julian's and CASL have waiting lists. Apply 12–18 months in advance if possible. Most schools have open days in October–November for the following September.
Published fees are usually tuition only. Add registration fees (€500–€2,000), capital levy (sometimes €3k–€5k one-off), uniforms, trips, and lunch. Budget 15–20% above the headline fee.
Not all schools cover all ages. Some are primary only (to age 13), others go through to 18. Check the school covers the full range you need before committing.
If you're in Portugal for 2–3 years, curriculum continuity matters — choose a school that matches what your child was doing before. If you're staying long-term, consider whether PEBI might be a better fit for younger children.
British curriculum leads naturally to UK universities. IB is accepted globally. American curriculum suits US college applications. French and German curricula are best for those systems. Think ahead.
The headline fee is rarely the full picture. Here's what you should budget for.
The main annual fee. Usually paid termly (3 instalments). This is what schools advertise.
One-off fee when you first apply. Non-refundable in most cases.
Some schools charge a one-off capital contribution on enrolment. Not all schools charge this.
Most international schools have a uniform. Budget for the full set including PE kit.
Usually optional but most families use it. Adds €1k–€2k per year.
Day trips, residential trips, sports fixtures. Varies hugely by school and year group.
Budget 15–20% above the headline tuition fee to cover all extras. For a school charging €15,000/yr in tuition, expect to spend €17,000–€18,000 in total in a typical year.
The process varies slightly by school, but this is the typical journey from research to first day.
Start by deciding which curriculum suits your family — British, IB, American, French, or German. Then filter by location. Use our school finder to see all options in your city with fees and age ranges.
Most schools hold open days in October–November. This is your chance to see the school, meet the head, and ask questions. Book early — popular schools fill open day slots fast. Some schools also offer private tours on request.
Contact the school's admissions office directly. They will send you an application form, ask for school reports, and may request a reference from your child's current school. Some schools require an entrance assessment.
Complete the application form with your child's previous school reports, passport copies, and any required references. Pay the application fee (typically €100–€300). Applications for September usually close in February–April.
If your child is offered a place, you'll need to confirm by paying a deposit (typically one month's fees or a fixed amount). This secures the place. Read the terms carefully — deposits are often non-refundable.
Before the school year starts, you'll complete final enrolment: uniform orders, medical forms, emergency contacts, and payment setup. Some schools require proof of Portuguese residency (NIF, address registration).
Portugal's free PEBI programme offers genuine bilingual English–Portuguese education in state schools at zero cost. For younger children especially, it's worth considering before committing to private school fees.
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