INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Universidade (University)
Instituto Politécnico (Polytechnic Institute)
Escola Superior (Higher School)
Instituto Superior (Higher Institute)
Faculdade (Faculty)
School leaving and higher education credentials:
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Especialização Technológica
Bacharel (old system)
Licenciado
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
Básico - 1 Ciclo
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 6 to: 10
Basic Second Stage
Type of school providing this education:
Ensino
Básico - 2 Ciclo
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 10 to: 12
Basic Third Stage
Type of school providing this education:
Ensino
Básico - 3 Ciclo
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 12 to: 15
Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificado/Diploma
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 Profissionais
Specialized Tech./Voc.
Type of school providing this education:
Escolas
Secundárias Profissionais (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 Nível III.
School education:
Basic education lasts for nine years divided into
three stages of four, two and three 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 having
completed the third cycle of 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 one of the conditions for access to higher education. In order to develop
personal and profesional competencies, legislation has been passed to approve
the stimulation of post-secondary-level technological specialized courses
(CET). These courses qualify for the exercise of a profession (Nível IV) and
enable people to pursue studies at higher education level.
Higher education:
At present, higher education in Portugal is divided
into two subsystems: university education and non-university higher education
(polytechnic education), and it is provided in public and private universities and non-university
higher education institutions (both public and private).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 Science and Higher 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 46/86
(dated 14 October) on the Education System subsequently amended by Law 115/97
(dated 19 September) and Law 49/2005 (dated 30 August)
Year: 1986
Concerns: All university and non-university (polytechnic) higher
education institutions, as well as the structure of the higher education
system.
Decree: Decree-Law 296-A/98 (dated 25
September) subsequently amended by Decree-Law 99/99 (dated 30 March) and
Decree-Law 26/2003 (dated 7 February) and 76/2004
Year: 1998
Concerns: Access to public and private higher education
institutions
Decree: Decree-Law 42/2005 (dated 22
February) on the principles and instruments for the creation of a European
Higher Education Area Year: 2005
Concerns: All university and non-university (polytechnic) higher
education institutions, as well as the instrument for the implementation of the
Bologna Process.
Decree: Law 1/2003 (dated 6 January)
on the Development and the Quality of Higher Education
Year: 2003
Concerns: Public and private higher education institutions
Decree: Law 108/88 on University
Autonomy amended by Law 252/97 Year: 1988
Concerns: Public universities
Decree: Law 16/94 on the Statute of
Private and Cooperative Higher Education amended by Law 37/94 and Law 94/99 Year: 1994
Concerns: Private higher education institutions.
Decree: Law 37/2003 (dated 22 August) on the Funding of Higher
Education Year: 2003
Decree: Law 38/94 on the Assessment
of Higher Education amended by Law 1/2003 Year: 1994
Concerns: Public and private higher education institutions
Decree: Law 49/2005 (dated 30 August) introducing changes to
the Basic Law on the Eduaction System to comply with the Bologna Process Year: 2005
Decree: Law 54/90 on the Statute and
Autonomy of Polytechnic Higher Education Institutions (dated 5 September)
amended by Laws 20/92 and 71/93 Year: 1990
Concerns: Polytechnic institutions
Academic year:
Classes from: Sep to: Jul
Languages of instruction: Portuguese
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level: Polytechnic:
As from the publication of the law 49/2005:
Polytechnic institutions award the Licenciado degree after the 1st cycle of
studies and the Mestre degree after the 2nd cycle of studies. The Licenciado is
awarded after a period of study of 180 credits corresponding to six semesters.
In certain cases, namely education and training leading to regulated
professions, the Licenciado is awarded after seven or eight semesters,
corresponding to 210 to 240 credits.The Mestre degree is awarded after a period
of studies of three to four semesters, corresponding to 90 to 120 credits.
Access to the Mestre is open to holders of the Licenciado or a foreign higher
education qualification that is recognized as satisfying the objectives of a
Licenciado by the appropriate competent body of the institution the student
wishes to attend. Before the publication
of the law 49/2005: Polytechnic institutions awarded the degrees of Bacharel (3
years) or Licenciado (4 years). "Cursos bietápicos de Licenciado"
were also offered at polytechnic institutions. These courses were divided into
two cycles, the first leading to the Bacharel degree and the second to the
Licenciado degree. The first cycle lasted for six semesters, whilst the second
varied between two and four semesters. Post-secondary courses were offered to
those who wished to enter the labour market with a high level professional
qualification. They were offered at universities and polytechnics. After completing
one of these courses, the student could pursue studies leading to a licenciado.
University level studies:
University level first stage: Licenciado:
As
from the publication of the law 49/2005: The Licenciado at universities is
awarded after a period of study of six to eight semesters corresponding to 180
to 240 credits. Before the publication of the law 49/2005: The Licenciado was
conferred after completion of a course usually lasting for 4 years. Many
courses, however, lasted for 5 or even 6
years. Most Licenciatura courses were organized in credit units, although some
were still organized per semester or academic year.
University level second stage: Mestre:
As
from the publication of the law 49/2005: The Mestre is awarded after a period
of study of three to four semesters, corresponding to 90 to 120 credits. The
Mestre can also be awarded after 10 to 12 semesters, corresponding to 300 to
360 credits for professions that are subject to EU regulations regarding their
duration. Before the publication of the law 49/2005: The Mestre was an advanced
degree in a specific scientific field, indicating capacity for conducting
practical research. Courses usually lasted for 4 semesters and included
attendance at lectures and the preparation and discussion of an original
dissertation. It was only open to those who had obtained 14 out of 20 in the
Licenciado or a legally equivalent course. Those who had obtained a mark below
14 could also be eligible for a Mestrado course after analysis of the
curriculum by the competent academic bodies.
University level third stage: Doutor:
The
Doutor degree is awarded by university institutions following the writing and
defence of an original thesis (doctoral thesis). There is no fixed period to
prepare for the Doctorate examinations. This degree is only open to holders of
a mestre degree or equivalent and those who have been awarded the licenciado
degree or a legally equivalent qualification with a final mark of 16. Holders
of a relevant academic scientific and professional curriculum may also apply
for the doutor degree following analysis of the curriculum by the competent
academic body.
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
Educators
and teachers for basic and secondary education obtain the adequate
qualification through higher education courses (which award the licenciado
degree) structured on the basis of professional performance needs according to
the corresponding level of educational training. The educational training of
educators and teachers for basic education (1st, 2nd and 3rd cycles) is offered
in Escolas Superiores de Educação or universities.
Training of secondary school teachers
The
educational training of teachers for secondary education is offered in
university institutions. The professional qualifications of teachers of
vocational and artistic subjects can be obtained through licenciatura courses
that are specially oriented towards the specific fields of study and completed
by adequate pedagogical training. The professional qualification of teachers
for secondary education can be obtained through licenciatura courses which
guarantee the scientific education in the adequate field of study complemented
by adequate pedagogical training.Educators and teachers of basic and secondary
education may acquire the relevant qualification to become teachers for
specialized education through courses that are specially orientated towards
this field and administered by higher education institutions. These courses can
only be attended by educators and teachers of basic and secondary education
with practice in regular or special education who have successfully completed relevant
courses in a higher education institution with its own appropriate resources.
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 holder of a DESE - Diploma de
Estudos Especializados (which is no longer offered)); 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:
Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior
(Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education)
Head: José Mariano Rebelo Pires Gago, Minister
Administrative officer: Armando Trigo de Abreu, Senior Administrative
Officer
International relations: Virginia Corrêa, Director
Palácio das Larangeiras
Estrada das Laranjerais n°197-205
1649-018 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 7231092
Fax: +351(21) 7271457
EMail: gmces@mctesgov.pt
WWW: http://www.mctes.pt
Role of governing body: Administrative
role.
Ministério da Educação (Ministry of Education)
Head: Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues, Minister
Administrative officer: Maria José Morgado, Senior Administrative Officer
International relations: Maria Emilia Galvão, Director
Avenida 5 de Outubro, 107-13°
1069-018 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 7964915
Fax: +351(21) 7938206
EMail: gme@min-edu.pt
WWW: http://www.min-edu.pt
Role of governing body: Administrative
role.
Direcção Geral do Ensino Superior (Directorate-General
of Higher Education)
Head: António Morão Dias, Director-General
Avenida Duque d'Avila n°137
1069-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3126000
Fax: +351(21) 3126051
EMail: sdges@dges.mcies.pt
WWW: http://www.dges.mctes.pt
Conselho Nacional de Educação (National Council for
Education)
Head: Manuel Porto, Chairman
Administrative officer: Manuel Miguéns, Secretary-General
Rua Florbela Espanca
1700-195 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 7975245
Fax: +351(21) 7939093
EMail: cneme@mail.telepac.pt
WWW: http://www.cnedu.pt
Role of governing body: Administrative
role.
CRUP - Conselho de Reitores das Universidades
Portuguesas (Portuguese Conference of University Rectors)
Head: José Dias Lopes da Silva, Chairman
Administrative officer: João Carlos Melo Borges, Secretary-General
Quinta de S. Miguel dos Arcos, Rua
Visconde de Porto Salvo, N. 24
2780-683 Paço d'Arcos
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 4402200
Fax: +351(21) 4402252
EMail: crup@crup.pt
WWW: http://www.crup.pt
CCISP - Conselho Coordenador dos Institutos
Politécnicos (Coordinating Council for Polytechnic Institutes)
Head: Luciano Rodrigues de Almeida, Chairman
Avenida 5 de Outubro 89-3.°
1050-050 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 7928350/ 7928360
Fax: +351(21) 7928369
EMail: ccisp@mail.telepac.pt
WWW: http://www.ccisp.pt
Conselho Coordenador do Ensino Particular e
Cooperativo (Coordinating Council for Private and Cooperative Education)
Head: António Almeida e Costa, Chairman
Administrative officer: Conceição Reis, Senior Administrative Officer
Avenida 5 de Outubro 89-2°
1050-050 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 7972910
Fax: +351(21) 7956793
EMail: ccepc@mail.eunet.pt
WWW: http://www.sg.min-edu.pt/ccepc
Conselho Nacional de Avaliaçao do Ensino Superior
(National Council for the Evaluation of Higher Education)
Head: Adriano Moreira, Chairman
Administrative officer: Horácio Lopes, Secretary-General
Praça das Indústrias, Edificio Rosa, 2°
andar
1300-307 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3616140
Fax: +351(21) 3616149
EMail: cnaves@cnaves.pt
WWW: http://www.cnaves.pt
Associação Portuguesa do Ensino Superior Privado
(Portuguese Association for Private Higher Education)
Head: Carlos Augusto Amaral DiasCarlos Augusto Amaral Dias, President
Administrative officer: Jacinto Jorge Carvalhal, Director
Av. Da República n°47 - 2° Dto
1050-188 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 799 4860
Fax: +351(21) 799 4869
EMail: contactos@apesp.pt
WWW: http://www.apesp.pt
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential
required: Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Minimum score/requirement: Minimum mark
required
For entry to: All
programmes
Alternatives to credentials: Special
competitions organized for applicants over 23 who do not hold the Diploma de
Ensino Secundário but who have to sit for a special examination (ad hoc exam);
candidates already holding a medium / higher level qualification; candidates
from other higher education systems.
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 approved by the Ministry of Science and Higher
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-Geral de Ensino Superior which is responsible for
placing applicants in courses according to their 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 for foreigners.
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
Av. Duque d'Ávila n°137
1069-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3126000
Fax: +351(21) 3126001
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, Direcção-Geral do Ensino Superior
Head: Manuela Paiva
Avenida Duque d'Avila, 137
1069-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3126098/ 3126041
Fax: +351(21) 3126051
EMail: manuela.paiva@dges.mctes.pt
WWW: http://www.naricportugal.pt
Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: University and Profession
Services provided & students dealt
with: The NARIC provides information to individuals, institutions,
professional bodies, private employers, job centers, 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 also deals with the recognition
of professional qualifications under 89/48/EEC.
Special provisions for recognition:
For the exercise of a profession: Access to
regulated professions is subject to recognition by competent authorities
according to Decree n° 289/91, amended by Decree-Law no. 396/99 and by
Regulation no. 325/2000. The Directive 2001/19/CEE introduced changes into some
of the articles of Directive 89/48/CEE.
Multilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Convention
on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the
European Region
Year of signature: 1997
STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
Direcção-Geral do Ensino Superior (Directorate-General
for Higher Education), Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education
Av. Duque d'Ávila n° 137r
1069-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3126000
Fax: +351(21) 3126001
WWW: http://www.asocialensinosuperior.pt
Category of services provided: Social and
welfare services
Student expenses and financial aid
Bodies providing information on student
financial aid:
Instituto Português de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento,
Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros (Portuguese Institute for Development,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Avenida da Liberdade 192-2.andar
1250-147 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3176700
Fax: +351(21) 3556456
Category of students: For students
coming from Portuguese-speaking African countries.
Publications on student services and
financial aid:
Title: Study Abroad 2005-2006
Publisher: UNESCO
Year of publication: 2005
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION &
EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Agência Nacional para os Programas Sócrates e Leonardo
da Vinci (National Agency for the Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci Programmes)
Head: Maria João Donato
Avenida Infante Santo, n°2-Piso 7
1350-178 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3944700
Fax: +351(21) 3944737
EMail: agencianacional@socleo.pt
WWW: http://www.socleo.pt
Bureau of International Relations for Science and
Higher Education, Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education
Av. 5 de Outubro n° 85 - 5° andar
1050-050 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 7828300
Fax: +351(21) 7828357
EMail: grices@grices.mctes.pt
WWW: http://www.grices.mctes.pt
Direcção-Geral do Ensino Superior (Directorate-General
for Higher Education)
Avenida Duque d'Avila n°137-2°Andar
1069-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3126000/ 3126145/ 3126098
Fax: +351(21) 3126001/ 3126051
EMail: dges@dges.mctes.pt
WWW: http://www.dges.mctes.pt;
http://www.naricportugal.pt
Gabinete de Assuntos Europeus e Relações
Internacionais, Ministério da Educação (Bureau for European Affairs and
International Relations, Ministry of Education)
Av. Infante Santo
1350-178 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 7931291
Fax: +351(21) 7978994
EMail: gaeri@min-edu.pt
WWW: http://www.gaeri.min-edu.pt
Instituto Português de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento,
Ministério de Negócios Estrangeiros (Portuguese Institute for Development, ,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Head: Ruth Albuquerque, President
Av. da Liberdade, 192, 2°
1250-147 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 3176700
Fax: +351(21) 3147897
EMail: cooperacao.portuguesa@ipad.mne.gov.pt
WWW: http://www.ipad.mne.gov.pt/
Participation of country in multilateral
or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: ERASMUS
MUNDUS
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: The result
achieved in a subject, whether through continuous assessment or in an
examination is generally expressed in a scale from 0 to 20.
Highest on scale: 20
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 institution they wish to attend. Students must be Portuguese nationals or
citizens of the European Union, political refugees, and citizens from a country
with bilateral agreements with Portugal to which this type of support may be
granted.
Data for academic year: 2005-2006
Source: IAU from Direcção-Geral do Ensino Superior, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e do Ensino Superior, Lisboa, 2006