Overview

The education system of Portugal was well established in the early part of the 19th century, but the system of university education dates back as early as to the thirteenth century, during which the administration was entirely carried out by the church clergies. In the 1980, the percentage of literacy touched 80%; however the structure of higher education is still set aside for a little percentage of the people. At present Portugal has a 93% literacy, which is considered low when compared to the western and central European nations. In higher education, the student’s percentage for enrollment is at 11%, which is lesser than nations such as Slovenia and Slovakia.

School education

The system of preschool education is not obligatory for kids. Children, who are of three years of age, are admitted for two to three years. The public school provides free education while the private school offers education by collecting some fees.

The fundamental school education commences at five or six years of age and continues for nine years. The complete study is segregated into three phases comprising of four, two, and three years correspondingly. At the compeletion of a stage, a credential of fundamental education is honored. There are two kinds of course in vocational and general courses. Permeability amid the courses is given. Once the secondary education certificate is rewarded, the admittance to the higher education can be sought.

The whole study is segregated into two sub systems- non university and university education

Tertiary education

The advanced education system of Portugal is split into two sub system –non university and university education. Both the private and public universities are authorized to grant degrees. The ministry of education together with the ministry of commerce checks and regulates the higher education.A most enthusiastic approach of the Portuguese education system is the suppleness in studies. Students have the facility to shift from polytechnic to university and vice versa, regardless of whether public of private. The ministry of education administers a majority of polytechnic and universities; however there are some public autonomous institutions.

The most ancient academia, the University of Coimbra, and Catholic University of Portugal are some of the well-known universities in Portugal. ,