School System

The Portuguese Education System is made up of pre- school, compulsory,  upper-secondary and higher education.

Pre-school education is optional and is designed for children between 3 and school starting age.
Compulsory schooling lasts for 9 years, from 6 to 15 years old. It is divided into three successive cycles that last 4, 2 and 3 years respectively.
Upper-secondary is structured into 3 academic years and is organised according to  differentiated forms with permeability between courses, which are designed for further study or the job market.
Non-higher post upper-secondary is organised into specialised technology courses, which aim to qualify students for the job  market and confer a level 4 vocational training.
The  education and training of young people and adults provides a new opportunity to those with low level qualifications. A wide range of courses guarantee double school and vocational education (which corresponds to  compulsory and upper-secondary education and a level 1, 2 or 3 vocational qualification).