Country education guide
Portugal
National education authorities define the school framework, while schools and regional services implement programmes and certification.
📚 School stages
Grades, stages, and local pathways
Pre-school education
Optional pre-school education normally serves children from age three to school entry.
Basic education · 1st and 2nd cycles
The first two basic-education cycles cover four years and two years respectively.
Basic education · 3rd cycle
The three-year third cycle normally covers Years 7–9.
Secondary education · Years 10–12
Scientific-humanistic, professional, artistic, and other routes lead to school or dual certification.
Short-cycle and higher education
Higher-education access combines the qualifying credential with course-specific entrance conditions.
📝 Examinations and qualifications
Selectable records for Portugal
Each record links to the authority that publishes its current rules.
Secondary education diploma
Diploma de ensino secundário
Certification awarded after completion of the applicable upper-secondary study plan.
- Completion or score rule
- Completion depends on passing the course components and, where applicable, national examinations. Higher-education entry calculations are separate.
- Where it applies
- Portugal
🔗 Official source library