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International Schools in Portugal

Compare 56 international schools in Portugal. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 10,325), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · Chief Marketing Officer

Schools listed
56
Curricula
24
Average annual fee
EUR 10,325
Fee range
EUR 2,200 – 26,760
More school facts
Most common curriculum
British Curriculum (22 schools)
Average school size
705 pupils
Largest by enrolment
PaRK International School - Praça de Espanha
Oldest
Deutsche Schule Lissabon (1848)
With boarding
3
About international schools in Portugal

International schools in Portugal are concentrated around Lisbon, Cascais, Porto and the Algarve and offer a wide spectrum of provision - from British Cambridge pathways and Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level options to the International Baccalaureate, American-style programmes and a number of French and German curricula. Instruction is commonly in English, but many schools run bilingual or dual-language streams that integrate Portuguese (and often a third European language such as French, Spanish or German), allowing pupils to maintain or learn the national language alongside an international programme. Typical annual tuition nationally is commonly in the region of about €8,000 - €20,000 a year, with Lisbon and full IB-continuum schools often at the higher end and some Porto or German-system schools noticeably cheaper; families should budget separately for enrolment charges, transport, lunches, uniforms and exam fees that commonly add 10 - 25% on top of headline tuition. Admissions are usually organised around a September intake but many schools operate rolling admissions, entrance assessments and deposits during peak months, so relocating families are advised to contact likely schools several months before arrival to confirm deadlines and documentation requirements.

View by curriculum (6)

27 international schools in Lisbon

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14 international schools in Algarve

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4 international schools in Porto

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2 international schools in Braga

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2 international schools in Madeira

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1 international school in Coimbra

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1 international school in Seixal

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1 international school in Torres Vedras

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1 international school in Ofir

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1 international school in Caldas da Rainha

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1 international school in Leiria

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1 international school in Setúbal

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Choosing an international school in Portugal

Curricula

There are 56 international schools in Portugal covering 24 curricula. The most widely offered are British Curriculum (22), Cambridge IGCSE (21), Bespoke Curriculum (17), Cambridge A Levels (17), Cambridge (Primary) (14). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Portugal runs from about EUR 2,200 to EUR 26,760, averaging roughly EUR 10,325. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Portugal run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

3 of the 56 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Portugal we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

Popular comparisons in Portugal

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FAQs for Portugal

What kinds of curricula will my child find in Portuguese international schools?
You will commonly find British (Cambridge/IGCSE and A-Level pathways), the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), American-style programmes and a number of French and German systems; some schools also offer Portuguese national sections or adapted national content alongside an international syllabus. School listings for Portugal show a wide spread of these options, so match the curriculum to your child’s future plans and university intentions.
How much should we expect to pay and what extras are typical?
Headline tuition at international schools in Portugal typically falls around €8,000 - €20,000 per year depending on age, curriculum and location, with Lisbon generally at the upper end and some schools in Porto or German-system schools charging less. Expect one-off enrolment or capital levies plus recurring extras - transport, meals, uniforms, exam entry fees and extracurriculars - which commonly add around 10 - 25% to the headline cost.
When should we apply and what is the admissions rhythm?
The main intake for most schools is the start of the school year in September, but many international schools run rolling admissions and accept applications throughout the year subject to space. Because entrance assessments, places and waiting lists are common, families relocating from abroad should contact short-listed schools several months in advance, confirm required documents and be prepared to pay application or deposit fees.
Will my child learn Portuguese or be able to join local exams?
Many international schools teach Portuguese as a subject and some operate bilingual streams that integrate Portuguese language and aspects of the national curriculum so pupils can maintain or develop proficiency. If your child needs formal recognition in the Portuguese system or plans to sit national assessments, check the school’s specific provision for Portuguese as a first or second language and any routes for official certification.
What should we check when choosing a school in Portugal?
Prioritise curriculum alignment with your child’s academic goals, the school’s language-support provision, safeguarding and pastoral care arrangements, accreditation or inspection status, and practicalities such as transport, extra costs and proximity to home. Also ask about class sizes, transition support for arriving pupils and the school’s approach to university guidance if long-term progression is important; these factors make a bigger everyday difference than marketing descriptions. (No single measure fits every family; balance the practical and educational priorities that matter to you.)