With Portugal a leading destination for relocating families, understanding international school admissions in Lisbon has never been more useful. The city has grown a strong cluster of British, IB and bilingual schools to serve its expanding expat community, and while admissions are generally welcoming, the best schools and year groups still fill early. This 2026 guide explains how the process works, when to apply, what documents you will need, how assessments are handled, and how Portuguese-language support fits in.
How admissions work in Lisbon
Most international schools in Lisbon run rolling admissions rather than a single deadline. The usual sequence is enquiry and registration, submission of documents, an assessment or interview, an offer, and then a deposit to confirm the place. Because Lisbon receives families throughout the year, mid-year entry is often possible, though you will have more choice if you apply ahead of the September intake.
Curricula and entry points
Lisbon families typically choose between:
- British curriculum: IGCSEs and A-Levels, a familiar route for relocating families.
- International Baccalaureate: the IB continuum, offered by several Lisbon schools.
- American curriculum: US high school diploma with Advanced Placement.
- Bilingual Portuguese-English programmes: blending the Portuguese system with strong English provision.
When to apply
For September entry, begin the previous autumn or winter, roughly six to twelve months ahead for the most popular schools. If you are relocating at short notice, contact schools directly, since places do open up mid-year. Applying to two or three schools in parallel is sensible given that outcomes and waiting lists are hard to predict from abroad.
Documents you will need
Prepare a digital folder early. Schools commonly request:
- The last two years of school reports, translated into English or Portuguese if necessary.
- Passport copies and, where relevant, residency documentation.
- A reference or transfer letter from the current school.
- Any learning-support or educational psychology reports.
- Immunisation and medical records.
Assessments, interviews and Portuguese support
Selective Lisbon schools usually assess applicants in English and mathematics, sometimes adding an interview. For families whose children do not yet speak Portuguese, ask each school how Portuguese as an additional language is taught, whether assessments are adjusted for new arrivals, and how children are integrated. Good language support smooths the transition in the crucial first year.
A featured Lisbon school
St. Peter's International School
An international school in the Lisbon area offering an English-medium pathway with Portuguese provision, a familiar choice for relocating families. Review admissions details, fees and parent reviews on the St. Peter's International School profile.
A note on fees
International school fees in Lisbon are moderate by Western European standards, commonly ranging from around EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000 per year, rising in the senior and Diploma years. Budget separately for registration, deposits, transport and trips, and confirm the full schedule with each school during admissions.
Compare the best schools in Portugal
For a regularly updated ranking with reviews and fee guidance, see the best international schools in Portugal on ischooladvisor.com.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in Lisbon?
Begin six to twelve months before your intended September start for popular schools. Lisbon's rolling admissions make mid-year entry possible, but applying early and to more than one school gives you the most choice.
What documents do Lisbon international schools require?
Typically the last two years of school reports, passport copies, a reference from the current school, any learning-support reports, and immunisation records, with English or Portuguese translations where needed.
Is Portuguese-language support available for new arrivals?
Many Lisbon schools offer Portuguese as an additional language and may adjust assessments for children new to Portuguese. Ask each school how this support is delivered and how new students are integrated.