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Portugal’s education landscape is undergoing a remarkable evolution as more international families choose to make the country their home.
While government data from the Ministry of Education shows that the number of immigrant students in Portuguese schools increased by around 160% between 2018 and 2023, this surge is part of a new wave of international families relocating in search of safety, stability, and high-quality education.
In 2019, there were around 53,000 foreign students in Portugal’s primary and secondary schools, representing just over 5% of total enrolments.
By 2023, that figure had climbed to roughly 140,000, accounting for almost 14% of all students. Although these figures date back a year, they remain a clear indicator of Portugal’s growing appeal as a destination for international families.
The trend has only accelerated, fuelled by the country’s reputation for security, its favourable climate, and the expanding network of international schools that offer world-class education.
Across Portugal, international schools are playing a key role in attracting international families.
From established institutions in Lisbon and the Algarve to ambitious new developments in Cascais, the demand for international education has never been higher.
One of the most significant projects recently unveiled is a new €75 million campus in Cascais, which will deliver cutting-edge facilities and international curricula, reflecting investor confidence in Portugal’s educational future.
As the country continues to see an influx of students from abroad, the challenge for schools has shifted from accommodating numbers to providing the right support systems to help new arrivals integrate.
Many children come from non-Portuguese-speaking households, adding complexity to classrooms but also enriching the cultural fabric of the country’s schools. Government officials have described this transformation as a “good problem,” noting that immigration has helped reverse declining student numbers in some regions and injected new life into communities.
For the growing number of families choosing Portugal, education is just one part of a broader lifestyle decision. Safety, quality of life, and access to healthcare have all become powerful motivators.
Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, believes these factors are central to Portugal’s appeal.
“Families are choosing Portugal not only for the quality of its international education, but also for the sense of security and belonging the country offers,” he says.
“Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest nations in the world, and when combined with its excellent schools, healthcare, and welcoming culture, it creates a unique environment for parents seeking a better quality of life and a brighter future for their children.”
While the rapid growth in international enrolments presents challenges, it also highlights Portugal’s transformation into a truly global hub for education.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
About Portugal Investment Owners Club
The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.
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