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EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
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| Portugal |
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Structure of Educational System Pre-higher Education System Higher Education System Administrative structure of higher education Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition |
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education
institutions: Universidade
(University) Instituto
Politécnico (Polytechnical Institute) Escola Superior
(Higher School) Instituto Superior
(Higher Institute) School leaving and higher education
credentials: Diploma de Ensino
Secundário Bacharel Licenciatura Especialização Mestre Doutor Agregação STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher
education: Duration
of compulsory education: Age of
entry: 6 Age of
exit: 15 Structure of school system: Basic First Stage Type of
school providing this education: Ensino Basico - 1 Ciclo Length
of program in years: 4 Age level from: 6 to: 10 Basic Second Stage Type of
school providing this education: Ensino Basico - 2 Ciclo Length
of program in years: 2 Age level from: 10 to: 12 Basic Third Stage Type of
school providing this education: Ensino Basico - 3 Ciclo Length
of program in years: 2 Age
level from: 12 to: 14 Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificado/Diploma General Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Escola Secundária Length
of program in years: 3 Age
level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploma de Ensino
Secundário Professional Type of
school providing this education: Escolas profissionais Length
of program in years: 3 Age
level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploma de Formação
Profissional de Nivel III and Diploma de Estudios Professionais Specialized
Tech./Voc. Type of
school providing this education: Escolas Secundarias Profssionais (Professional
Schools Length
of program in years: 3 Age
level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma
awarded: Diploma de Ensino Secundário, Certificado de Qualificação Profissional de
Nivel III School
education: Basic education lasts for eight
years divided into three stages of four, two and two years respectively. A
Diploma/Certificate is awarded at the
end of the third stage. Secondary education - public, private and cooperative -
is optional and consists of a three-year cycle after basic education. Access is
through the Certificate of Basic Education. There are two types of courses:
general courses and technical/vocational courses, providing instruction in
technical, technological, professional fields and in the Portuguese language
and culture. Permeability between the courses is guaranteed. The teaching and
practice of technical, technological or artistic courses are provided by
vocational schools and special schools for education in Arts. Courses are
sanctioned by the Certificado de Habilitações do Ensino Secundário/Diploma de
Ensino Secundário, which is the prerequisite for access to higher education. Higher
education: Higher education in Portugal is
divided into two subsystems: university education and non-university higher
education (polytechnical education), and it is provided in autonomous public
universities, private universities, polytechnic institutions and private higher
education institutions of other types. In addition, there is a university
institution which offers courses in Management, Anthropology, Sociology,
History, Economics and Psychology. The Portuguese Catholic University was
instituted by decree of the Holy See and is recognized by the State of
Portugal. Private higher education institutions cannot operate if they are not
recognized by the Ministry of Education. Access is regulated by the same
procedures as those for state higher education institutions. The two systems of
higher education (university and polytechnic) are linked and it is possible to
transfer from one to the other. It is also possible to transfer from a public
institution to a private one and vice-versa. Main
laws/decrees governing higher education: Decree: Comprehensive Law on
the Education System (Law 46/86), subsequently amended by law 115/97 Year: 1986 Concerns: All university and
non-university (polytechnic) higher education institutions Decree: Decree/Law 75/97
(amended by law 99/99) Year: 1997 Concerns: Access to Public and private
higher education institutions Decree: Law on Assessment of
Higher Education (Law 38/94) Year: 1994 Concerns: Public and private higher
education institutions Decree: Law on the Funding of Higher
Education (Law 113/97) Year: 1997 Decree: Organization of the
Higher Education System (Law 26/2000) Year: 2000 Concerns: All university and
non-university higher education institutions, public and private Decree: Statute and Autonomy
of Polytechnic Higher Education Institutions (Law 54/90) Year: 1990 Concerns: Polytechnic institutions Decree: Statute of Private
and Cooperative Higher Education (Law 16/94 amended by Law 37/94 and Law 94/99) Year: 1994 Concerns: Private higher education
institutions. Decree: University Autonomy
Law (no. 108/88) amended by law 252/97 Year: 1988 Concerns:
Public
universities Academic
year: Classes
from: Oct to: Jul Languages
of instruction: Portuguese Stages
of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies
(technical/vocational type): Non-university
level: Escolas and
Institutos Superiores provide courses in such fields as Education Sciences,
Teacher Training, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Nursing, Business and Management,
Agriculture and Sylviculture, Engineering and Technology. Polytechnical
institutions can award the Bacharel and Licenciado degrees, while the degrees of
Mestre and Doutor can only be awarded by universities. The Bacharel degree is
obtained after three years and the Licenciado after studies lasting between
four and six years depending on the field of study. The most common format in polytechnical education is the
"cursos bietápicos de Licenciatura". These courses are divided into
two cycles, the first leading to the Bacharel degree and the second to the
Licenciado degree. The first cycle lasts for six semesters, while the second
may vary between two and four semesters. University level studies: University
level first stage: Bacharel/Licenciado: In universities, the first stage leads to the
award of the Bacharel after 3 years. The Licenciado is conferred after
completion of a course usually lasting for 4 years. Many courses, however,
last for 5 or even 6 years. Most
Licenciatura courses are organized in credit units, but many are still
organized per semester or academic year. University
level second stage: Mestre: The Mestre is an advanced degree in a specific
scientific field, indicating capacity for conducting practical research.
Courses usually last for 4 semesters and include lectures and the preparation
and discussion of an original dissertation. It is only open to those who have
obtained 14 out of 20 in the Licenciatura course. Those who have obtained a
mark below 14 may also be eligible for a Mestrado course after analysis of the
curriculum by the University. University
level third stage: Doutor: The Doutor is conferred by universities to those
who have passed the Doctorate examinations and have defended a thesis. There is
no fixed period to prepare for the Doctorate examinations. Candidates must hold
the degree of Mestre or the Licenciado degree (or a legally equivalent
qualification) with a final mark of at least 16 out of 20 and have competences
and merit that are recognized by the university. University
level fourth stage: Agregação: This is the highest
qualification reserved to holders of the Doutor degree. It requires the
capacity to undertake high level research and special pedagogical competence in
a specific field. It is awarded after passing specific examinations. Teacher education: Training
of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers Teachers of basic education attend 4-year courses
in Escolas Superiores de Educação or universities to obtain a Licenciado
degree. Training
of secondary school teachers Teachers of secondary education must hold a
Licenciado degree and follow courses that last for between 4 and 6 years.
Studies are sanctioned by a Licenciado em Ensino or a Licenciatura - Ramo de
Formação Educacional, according to the issuing institution. Educators and basic
and secondary education teachers, with practice in regular or special
education, may obtain a qualification to teach in specialized education.
Continuous training for teachers is offered in Centros de Formação Continua. Training
of higher education teachers Teachers at this
level receive no formal professional training, but minimum qualifications are
laid down for each category. University: assistente estagiário (Licenciado);
assistente (Mestre); professor auxiliar (Doutor); professor associado (Doutor
and 5 years' service); professor catedrático (Agregação and 3 years' service).
Polytechnics: assistente (Licenciado); professor adjunto (Mestre or DESE);
professor coordenador (Doutor and 3-years' service). Non-traditional studies: Distance
higher education At present, distance
higher education is provided by the Universidade Aberta. NATIONAL BODIES Administration
& co-ordination: Responsible
authorities: Ministry of
Education (Ministerio de Educação) Head: David Justino, Minister Administrative officer: Antonio Borges
Balão International relations: Maria Emilia
Galvão Avenida
5 de Outubro, 107-13° Tel: +351(21) 796-4915 Fax: +351(21) 793-8206 Telex: 18428 EMail: gme@min-edu.pt WWW: http://www.min-edu.pt Role of governing
body: Administrative
role Ministry of Science
and Higher Education (Ministério da Ciência e Ensino Superior) Head: Pedro Augusto Lynce de Faria,
Minister Administrative officer: Rui Miguel
Trigoso Palácio
das Larangeiras Tel: +351(21) 723-1092 Fax: +351(21) 727-1457 Role of governing
body: administrative
role. Directorate-General
of Higher Education (Direcção Geral do Ensino Superior) Head:
Jorge Miguel Pedreira, Director Administrative officer: Fernando Dores
Costa, Deputy-Director Avenida
Duque d'Avila 137 Tel: +351(21) 312-6060 Fax: +351(21) 312-6061 EMail: jorgempedreira@desup.min-edu.pt WWW: http://www.desup.min-edu.pt National Council for
Education (Conselho Nacional de Educação) Head: Maria Teresa Ambrosio, Chairman Administrative officer: Manuel
Miguéns, Secretary-General Rua
Florbela Espanca Tel: +351(21) 793-5245 Fax: +351(21) 793-9093 EMail: cneme@mail.telepac.pt WWW: http://www.cnedu.pt Role of governing
body: Administrative
role Portuguese
Conference of Rectors (Conselho de Reitores das Universidades Portuguesas
(CRUP)) Head: Adriano Pimpão, Chairman Administrative officer: Daniel Luzia,
Secretary Quinta
de S. Miguel dos Arcos, Rua Visconde de Porto Salvo, N. 24 Tel: +351(21) 440-2200 Fax: +351(21) 440-2252 EMail: crup@crup.pt WWW: http://www.crup.pt Coordinating Council
for Polytechnic Institutes (Conselho Coordenador dos Institutos Politécnicos
(CCISP)) Head: Luis Soares, Chairman Avenida
5 de Outubro 89-3.° Tel: +351(21)
792-8350 +351(21) 792-8360 Fax: +351(21) 792-8369 EMail: ccisp@mail.telepac.pt WWW: http://www.ccisp.pt Council for Higher
Education-Business Cooperation (Conselho para a Cooperação Ensino
Superior-Empresa) Rua Pinheiro Chagas
17-3 Tel: +351(21) 357-5501 Fax: +351(21) 357-9111 Coordinating Council
for Private and Cooperative Higher Education (Conselho Coordenador do Ensino
Superior Particular e Cooperativo) Head: António Almeida e Costa,
Chairman Avenida
5 de Outubro 89-2 Tel: +351(21) 797-2910 Fax: +351(21) 795-6793 ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission
to non university higher education studies Name of
secondary school credential required: Diploma de Ensino Secundário For
entry to: All study programmes Alternatives
to credentials: Special competition for
students over 25 having passed a special (ad-hoc) exam; candidates already
holding a qualification for a medium/higher level course. Admission
to university-level studies Name of
secondary school credential required: Diploma de Ensino Secundário For
entry to: All programmes Alternatives
to credentials: Special competitions organized for applicants over 25 lacking an entrance
qualification, yet having passed a special exam (ad hoc exam); candidates
already holding a qualification for a medium / higher level course; candidates
from other higher education systems (private and cooperative). Entrance
exams required: Students must sit for the Concurso nacional (for public institutions) or
the Concurso local (for private institutions) Numerus
clausus/restrictions: Each year, the institution (public and private)
establishes the number of places available for each course which has to be
supported by the Ministry of Education Other
admission requirements: In addition to passing entrance and access tests,
students must fulfil particular prerequisites for the chosen course.
Universities make their entrance requirements known in a booklet distributed to
applicants by the Regional Office of
the Direcção de Serviços de Acceso ao Ensino Superior which is
responsible for placing applicants in courses according to preference.
Vacancies allocated by public institutions are filled by means of a national
competition organized by the Direcção-Geral do Ensino Superior. Each private
institute fills its places by means of a local competitive examination which
they organize. Foreign
students admission Admission
requirements: Foreign students must have a Secondary-School-Leaving Certificate
(certified copy). In order to enter university they must also pass an entrance
examination. They must present the notice of approval and length of scholarship
(if necessary) Entry
regulations: Students must have a study visa (obtained from the Portuguese consulate
in the country of residence) , or provide proof of adequate financial means for
the duration of their studies in Portugal. Health
requirements: Health visa. Language
requirements: Students must have a good knowledge of Portuguese. Some universities
organize language courses. Application
procedures: Apply to
national body for entry to: All types of institutions and programmes. Apply
to: Direcção-Geral do
Ensino Superior, Direcção de Serviços de Acesso ao Ensino Superior Ava Infante Santo no
2 Tel: +351(21) 391-2200 Fax: +351(21) 391-2241 Recognition
of studies & qualifications: Studies
pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Courses of study and
credentials are recognized by higher education institutions according to Decree
Law no. 283/83 of June 21. Studies
pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign
credentials): NARIC, General
Directorate for Higher Education, Ministry of Education Head: Manuela Paiva Avenida
Duque d'Avila 137-4° Andar Tel: +351(21) 312-6098 Fax: +351(21) 312-6041 EMail: manuela.paiva@desup.min-edu.pt WWW: http://www.min-edu.pt Deals
with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession Services
provided & students dealt with: The NARIC provides information to individuals and
institutions, professional bodies, private employers, job centres, etc. about
the recognition of foreign higher education qualifications. It replies to
written requests from those seeking to solve recognition problems relating to
the pursuit of studies or to exercise of a professional activity. It is also
the contact point for the general directives 89/48/EEC. Special
provisions for recognition: For the
exercise of a profession: Access to regulated professions is subject to
recognition by a professional body as per Decree n° 289/91, altered by
Decree-Law no. 396/99 and by Regulation no. 325/2000. Multilateral
agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Name of
agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher
Education in Europe Year of
signature: 1997 STUDENT LIFE Main
student services at national level Fundo de Apoio ao
Estudante, Ministério da Educação R. José d'Estaguy no
10, 1 Dto Tel: +351(21) 319-3400 Fax: +351(21) 319-3419 WWW: http://www.fae.pt Category
of services provided: Social and welfare services Student
expenses and financial aid Bodies
providing information on student financial aid: Institute for
Portuguese Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Instituto da Cooperação
Portuguesa, Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros) Avenida da Liberdade
192 2.andar Category
of students: For students coming from Portuguese speaking African countries. Student Support
Fund, Ministry of Education (Fundo de Apoio ao Estudante, Ministério da
Educação) R. José d'Esaguy,
no. 10, 1Dto Tel: +351(21) 319-3400 Fax: +351(21) 319-3419 Publications
on student services and financial aid: Title: Study Abroad
2000-2001 Publisher:
UNESCO/IBE Year of
publication: 1999 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal
national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and
exchanges in higher education: Bureau for European
Affairs and International Relations, Ministry of Education (Gabinete de
Assuntos Europeus e Relações Internacionais, Ministério da Educação) Av. 5 de Outubro,
107-7 Tel: +351(21) 793-1291 Fax: +351(21) 797-8994 EMail: gme@min-edu.pt WWW: http://www.min-edu.pt General Directorate
of Higher Education (Direcção-Geral do Ensino Superior) Division for
Recognition and Exchange Tel: +351(21)
312-6000 +351(21) 312-6145 Fax: +351(21)
312-6001 +351(21) 312-6041 Institute for
Portuguese Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Instituto da Cooperação
Portuguesa, Ministério de Negócios Estrangeiros) Av. da Liberdade,
192, 2° Tel: +351(1)
356-2031 +351(1) 793-1291 Fax: +351(1) 314-7897 National Agency for
the Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci Programmes (Agência Nacional para os
Programas Sócrates e Leonardo da Vinci) Head: Amável dos Santos, Co-ordinator Av. D.
João II. Lote 1.07.2.1 Participation
of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes Name of
exchange programme: LEONARDO DA VINCI Name of
exchange programme: SOCRATES GRADING SYSTEM Usual
grading system in secondary school Full
Description: Numerical grading system 0-20; 18-20 muito bom; 14-17: bom; 10-13:
suficiente. Highest
on scale: 20 Pass/fail
level: 10 Lowest
on scale: 0 Main
grading system used by higher education institutions Full
Description: Numerical grading system 0 - 20; 20: muito bom com distinção e louvor;
18-19: muito bom com distinção; 16-17: bom com distinção; 14-15: bom. Highest
on scale: 20 Pass/fail
level: 10 Lowest
on scale: 0 NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM In order to obtain financial
aid for first degree studies students must address themselves directly to the
welfare services of the institutions they wish to attend. Students must be
Portuguese nationals or citizens of the European Union, political refugees,
citizens from a country with bilateral agreements with Portugal to which this
type of support may be granted. Data for
academic year: 2001-2002 Source: Direcção-Geral do Ensino Superior, Ministério da Educação, Lisboa, 2002 Copyright © International Associations of Universities |
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STUDENT SERVICES
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