The education system in Portugal starts with 9 years of compulsory primary school divided into 3 cycles. The first cycle is for pupils between the age of 6 and 10. The second is for 10-12 year old pupils and the last is for students between the age of 12 and 15.

After primary school students can chose to continue to secondary school which lasts three years. Secondary is unlike primary school not free, but students can choose between academic or vocational education centres. Students who successfully complete the academic secondary school can continue at a university of which Portugal has more than 15. Portugal has several international schools in major towns and cities.