Expat Education Guide: Schools in Lisbon

Education Overview

Lisbon scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 15 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Lisbon offers a high-quality education system that generally performs well in international assessments, though with some variability across schools. The city features a diverse educational landscape with strong public options, prestigious private institutions, and a growing number of international schools catering to expatriate families. A distinctive feature is the increasing emphasis on English language education alongside the traditional Portuguese curriculum, with many schools now offering bilingual programs.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$5,220

Monthly Costs

$3,140/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $300

International School Application Fee $500

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $600/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,500/mo

Transportation Monthly $100/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Príncipe Real

Density 4/6

Types: International, private, and bilingual schools

Notable: Escola Básica Patrício Prazeres, Colégio de São José

Belém

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and international options

Notable: Colégio do Restelo, Escola Secundária do Restelo, Park International

Parque Das Nações

Density 4/6

Types: International, bilingual, and public schools

Notable: United Lisbon International School, Park International School

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Practical Tips

Enroll children in Portuguese public schools based on your residence address

public schools are legally obligated to accept students based on local residency, ensuring equal access

they offer discounted summer intensive Portuguese courses with smaller class sizes than the September enrollment period

Join the intercâmbio program at Faculdade de Letras on Tuesday evenings

they host free Portuguese-English conversation exchanges that don't require university enrollment, unlike most formal language programs

Apply for the Gulbenkian Foundation's education grants even as a recent arrival

they have specific programs for immigrants that many newcomers don't know about, with less competition than other scholarship programs

Useful Links

Ministry of Education Portal

Official government education portal with comprehensive information on the Portuguese school system, enrollment procedures and regulations.

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Directorate-General for Education

Government site providing curriculum information, school integration resources, and official education documentation requirements.

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University of Lisbon

Portugal's largest university offering numerous programs in English, with specific information for international students and researchers.

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NOVA University Lisbon

Prestigious university with strong international focus and English-taught programs, offering dedicated support for foreigners relocating to Lisbon.

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Camões Institute - Portuguese Language

Official Portuguese language and culture institution offering language courses, certifications, and cultural integration programs for foreigners.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Lisbon has 15 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Lisbon varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Lisbon, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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