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Search & filter all 5 schools Compare 5 schools in Setúbal

International Schools in Setúbal, Portugal

Compare 5 international schools in Setúbal, Portugal. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 9,143), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · Chief Marketing Officer

Schools listed
5
Curricula
7
Average annual fee
EUR 9,143
Fee range
EUR 5,620 – 17,280
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum (3 schools)
Average school size
1,500 pupils
Largest by enrolment
St. Peters International School
Oldest
Colégio do Vale (1992)
With boarding
1
About international schools in Setúbal, Portugal

Setúbal’s international-school market is relatively small and coastal, with most options clustered in nearby towns such as Palmela, Sesimbra and Charneca da Caparica rather than in Setúbal city itself. Schools in the district commonly combine the Portuguese national curriculum with significant English-medium provision (often using CLIL approaches) and offer international pathways such as Cambridge programmes or the IB, while some schools run dual-diploma or bespoke bilingual tracks. Published tuition varies: smaller bilingual preschools and primaries typically show annual equivalents in the mid-€5,000 - €8,000 range, while larger international/IB schools in the area commonly charge in the roughly €10,000 - €17,000 band, with extra one-off enrolment charges and transport or boarding fees added in some cases. Most schools plan for a September intake but operate rolling admissions where places exist, so families should start enquiries several months ahead and be ready with previous school reports, identity and health records; expect journeys to Lisbon or other parts of the district to be 30 - 45 minutes by car and many schools to operate school buses.

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British (4) IB (1)
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FAQs for Portugal

Which curricula will my child actually find in Setúbal’s international schools?
You will most often see the Portuguese national curriculum taught alongside bilingual English provision, British/Cambridge programmes (Primary and IGCSE phases) and at least one school offering the IB Diploma; some schools combine these with bespoke dual-diploma or online North American options. Check each school’s published pathway because institutions frequently mix Portuguese-language subjects with international assessments and certificated English programmes.
How much should I budget for tuition and extra costs?
Published annual tuition in the Setúbal catchment ranges from mid-€5,000s for smaller bilingual early-years or primary options to around €10,000 - €17,000 for larger international/IB schools, with enrolment fees, transport, meals, uniforms and activity costs extra. Some schools publish month-by-month or yearly schedules (for example a bilingual school in the area publishes monthly fees that equate to roughly €5,980 - €8,350 a year for different age groups), so always request the current fee schedule and a full list of additional charges.
When should we apply and what documents will schools ask for?
Most schools expect families to apply for a September start and recommend beginning enquiries several months in advance, though many operate rolling admissions for mid-year entry if space exists. Schools commonly require a completed application form and payment of any application or registration fee, plus recent school reports, proof of identity/visa status and basic health or immunisation records; some year groups will also include an interview, assessment or English language check.
What language support do international schools in Setúbal provide and will my child need Portuguese?
Instruction is often English-medium with structured Portuguese lessons and, in many schools, CLIL lessons where content is taught through English; smaller schools may label themselves explicitly bilingual. For families intending a long-term stay in Portugal it is useful for children to study Portuguese to at least a conversational level, and schools can advise on whether additional Portuguese classes or language-support services are provided.
How do age ranges and year groups at international schools map to the Portuguese system?
International schools in the area usually cover early years through upper secondary (pre-school up to 16 - 18), but each school publishes its own equivalence guides to Portuguese year groups. Remember that compulsory schooling in Portugal runs from about age six to 18, so ask schools for the formal equivalence paperwork if you need enrolment certified for residency or later transfer into the state system.
What should we look for on a visit or in admissions conversations?
Ask for the precise split between English and Portuguese instruction, the school’s official curriculum accreditations (for example Cambridge or IB), sample timetables, class sizes and pastoral support arrangements, and an itemised list of fees and optional extras. Also check transport options (school buses), inspection or accreditation documents and how the school supports transitions for children joining mid-year so you can compare practical day-to-day details as well as curriculum claims.