Porto, the vibrant northern city of Portugal, is increasingly becoming a popular destination for expats, digital nomads, and international professionals.
This influx of global residents has led to a growing demand for high-quality international education. Families relocating to Porto often look for schools that provide globally recognized curricula, diverse student populations, and strong academic programs in multiple languages.
Fortunately, Porto boasts a variety of international schools that accommodate different educational philosophies and national curricula, including British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Montessori.
Whether you are a parent seeking an English-speaking environment, a bilingual education, or a smooth transition for your children moving from another country, Porto has excellent schooling options available.
In this article, we will explore international schools in Porto, their unique offerings, and key factors to consider when choosing the right school for your child.
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Why Choose Porto
In our Global Intelligence Unit’s latest Global Education Report, Portugal ranked 25th globally, making Porto an excellent choice for expats seeking quality international schools in Portugal.
The city offers several outstanding options, including CLIP – The Oporto International School, Oporto British School, and Lycée Français International de Porto.
These schools provide a variety of curricula, ranging from British and French to the International Baccalaureate, ensuring that expat children receive a globally recognized education.
In addition to its strong educational offerings, Porto is more affordable than Lisbon, making it easier for families to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, especially if they are Portugal Golden Visa holders.
Housing, tuition, and general expenses tend to be lower, while the city still offers a high quality of life. Porto is also known for being a safe and welcoming place, characterized by friendly locals and a strong sense of community.
The growing international presence in Porto means that children will be surrounded by a diverse group of peers with the Portuguese education system, which can help them integrate more easily.
Best International Schools in Porto
CLIP – The Oporto International School
CLIP emphasizes academic excellence and offers a wide range of recreational activities to develop students’ skills and interests. The international school focuses on providing a supportive and challenging educational environment, encouraging students to reach their full potential.
- Curriculum: British
- Language: English
- Age: 3 to 18 years
- Opened: 1988
- Tuition Fees: €7,585 to €10,945
Lycée Français International de Porto
Lycée Français provides a high-quality French basic education with a strong emphasis on language acquisition and cultural immersion. LFIP delivers a French-based education, promoting multilingualism and cultural openness. The international school equips pupils for higher education in France or other French-speaking countries, fostering a sense of global citizenship. Lycée Français promotes academic excellence and personal growth.
- Curriculum: French
- Language: French
- Age: 3 to 20 years
- Opened: 2022
- Tuition Fees: €4,703 to €5,460
Deutsche Schule zu Porto
Deutsche Schule zu Porto is a well-established German international school offering education from kindergarten to secondary level. It follows the German curriculum and prepares students for the Abitur, which provides access to universities in Germany and beyond. The school emphasizes bilingual education, with German as the primary language and Portuguese as a strong secondary focus.
- Curriculum: Abitur
- Language: German
- Age: 3 to 18 years
- Opened: 1901
- Tuition Fees: €4,282 to €5,290
Oporto British School
This international school offers a traditional British education while fostering a sense of community and international-mindedness. Established in 1894, the British school prides itself on delivering high-quality British education and preparing students for success in a globalized world.
- Curriculum: IB
- Language: English
- Age: 3 to 18 years
- Opened: 1894
- Tuition Fees: €7,625 to €13,040
Colégio Luso-Internacional de Braga (CLIB)
This Braga international school prepares students for a global future with focused academic programs and a multicultural setting. The international school emphasizes out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, and personal growth, ensuring students are well-equipped for higher education and future careers.
- Curriculum: British
- Language: English
- Age: 3 to 18 years
- Opened: 1998
- Tuition Fees: This school does not make its fees public
CJD International School
CJD International School, officially known as Colégio Júlio Dinis, is a private educational institution located in Porto, Portugal. It stands as one of the oldest schools in the country, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. In recent years, CJD has expanded its offerings to include an international curriculum, attracting a diverse student body worldwide.
- Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum
- Language: English
- Age: 4 to 18 years
- Opened: 1934
- Tuition Fees: This school does not make its fees public
Enrolment Requirements for International Students
International schools in Porto cater to children from preschool through high school, offering various curricula, including the Portuguese national curriculum.
Admission requirements and documents for international students may vary by school and student age, so parents should contact individual schools for specific details about the admission process and required documents. Families should start the process at least a year in advance to secure a place.
Schools accept students aged three up to 18, covering nursery/pre-school through secondary graduation. Placement is based on age and the last grade completed, and schools require previous school reports or transcripts to verify the student’s academic history.
Many schools conduct entrance assessments to evaluate readiness, including academic and cognitive reasoning tests. Additionally, some schools interview students (and sometimes parents) to assess personality, English proficiency, and motivation.
However, some schools do not accept students during significant examination cycles, while others may prioritize siblings of current students and children of alumni.
Language requirements
Most international schools offer instruction in English. Some schools require older students to take an English placement test, while younger students receive additional English support. Non-native English speakers may need to complete a language proficiency test if their previous education was conducted in a different language.
- Portuguese Language: Portuguese is often taught as a subject, but it is not an entry requirement.
- French and German Schools: The Lycée Français teaches in French, and the Deutsche Schule operates bilingually in German and Portuguese. Language assessments may apply to older students.
Tuition fees and costs
Tuition fees for international schools in Porto can vary significantly depending on the school and the grade level. For instance, the best international schools such as Oporto British School charges between €8,735 and €14,585 annually, while the Lycée Français International Porto has fees ranging from €4,915 to €5,975 per year, according to the International Schools Database. Generally, you can expect monthly costs for private schooling in Porto to be between €400 and €500. This range typically includes enrollment fees and books.
- Application and enrollment fees: Schools charge a non-refundable application fee (€50–€100) and an enrollment fee (€200–€500).
- Deposits: Some schools require a security deposit upon enrollment.
- Financial aid: Some international schools in Porto offer scholarships and financial aid based on academic excellence or financial need.
- Refund policies: Application and enrollment fees are non-refundable; tuition refunds depend on school policies.
Additional costs to consider include uniforms, textbooks, meals, transportation, extracurricular activities, and examination fees.
What to Consider in International Schools in Porto
Transitioning t to a new international school in a different country involves careful planning and consideration. Here are the key factors parents should evaluate:
Rigorous academic programs: Seek out institutions that provide a rigorous curriculum, including advanced courses like the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs.
Extracurricular activities: These activities are an essential aspect of a well-rounded education. International schools in Porto offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, music, and technology clubs.
Support for non-Portuguese-speaking students: Many international schools in Porto offer language assistance programs, including English as a Second Language and Portuguese language courses.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
If you’re considering making the move to Portugal, it’s essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8).
For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) – Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent.
However, moving to a new country isn’t just about visas. If you’re thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can’t forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.
