Lisbon has quietly become one of Europe's most popular destinations for relocating families. Mild weather, walkable neighbourhoods, the D7 visa and a competitive cost of living have attracted thousands of expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Brazil. The next question is always the same: which is the right international school in Lisbon for our child? This 2026 family guide walks you through curricula, top schools with verified profiles on International School Advisor, fee ranges in euros, and the practical points that matter when you actually visit a campus.
Available curricula in Lisbon
Lisbon offers an unusually broad mix of curricula for a city of its size. Families can choose between the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and DP), the British curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A Levels, the American high school diploma with Advanced Placement, the French national curriculum and the Portuguese national programme delivered in a bilingual format. A handful of schools also offer dual programmes that combine the Portuguese diploma with IB or American credentials, which is useful for families planning to keep options open for university entry in Europe and abroad.
If your child is between four and ten years old, the differences between curricula matter less than the school's pedagogical approach and language balance. From around year 7 onwards, the curriculum choice starts to shape university pathways, so it pays to look ahead.
Top international schools in Lisbon
The British School of Lisbon
A central, English-medium school following the British curriculum from Early Years through to IGCSE. The school is well regarded for small class sizes and a structured pastoral programme. Read the full profile of The British School of Lisbon on International School Advisor.
International Sharing School - Taguspark
Located in the Taguspark technology hub west of Lisbon, this school delivers the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes in English. The campus is popular with families working in tech and consulting in the Oeiras area. See the International Sharing School Taguspark profile.
St. Dominic's International School
An IB World School in São Domingos de Rana, on the Cascais line, with a strong reputation across the Lisbon expat community. The school offers PYP, MYP and DP and is a long-standing fixture in the area. Full details on the St. Dominic's Portugal profile.
Colégio Monte Maior
A bilingual Portuguese-English school in Odivelas, north of Lisbon, that combines the Portuguese national curriculum with strong English instruction. A solid option for families planning to integrate locally while preserving English fluency. View the Colégio Monte Maior profile.
Colégio Vasco da Gama
Located in Belas, this school offers a bilingual programme with optional Cambridge International qualifications. Useful for families living in the Sintra and western Lisbon area. See the Colégio Vasco da Gama profile.
International school fees in Lisbon (2026)
Lisbon is still significantly cheaper than London, Paris or Madrid for international schooling, but fees have risen sharply since 2022. Realistic 2026 ranges per academic year are:
Early Years (ages 3-5): around €7,000 to €13,000. Primary (ages 6-11): around €10,000 to €17,000. Middle and high school (ages 12-18): around €13,000 to €23,000, with the IB Diploma years at the top end. Add an enrolment fee of €500 to €2,500 per child and an annual capital or development levy of €500 to €1,500 in many schools. Lunch, bus, after-school activities and exam fees are usually billed separately.
Compared with London or Paris, expect to pay roughly half. Compared with Madrid, fees are broadly similar in absolute terms but lower in relation to local salaries.
Practical tips for choosing a school in Lisbon
Think about location first. Lisbon traffic in the morning rush is heavy, especially on the Marginal road towards Cascais and on the A5. A school that looks 12 km away on the map can easily be a 45-minute commute. Many families settle in Cascais, Estoril, Oeiras or Carcavelos when their child attends a school on the Cascais line, and stay closer to Parque das Nações or central Lisbon when the school is in the city.
Visit the school in person if at all possible. Photographs and websites tell you very little about the actual atmosphere, the quality of teacher-student interaction and the state of the facilities. Ask to sit in on a class, talk to current parents at pick-up and request a copy of the most recent inspection or accreditation report.
Plan your application timeline. Popular year groups, particularly Reception and Year 7, fill up early. Aim to apply between September and January for the following September intake. Some schools operate rolling admissions but waiting lists for the most in-demand campuses can be long.
Compare top international schools in Lisbon
Use the verified International School Advisor ranking of the best schools in Portugal to filter by curriculum, age range and location, and to read parent reviews before you book a visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best international school in Lisbon?
There is no single best school: the right choice depends on curriculum, location, languages and budget. The British School of Lisbon, International Sharing School Taguspark and St. Dominic's are consistently among the most popular options for English-speaking expat families.
How much does an international school in Lisbon cost in 2026?
Plan for €7,000 to €13,000 per year in Early Years, €10,000 to €17,000 in Primary and €13,000 to €23,000 in Secondary, plus enrolment and capital fees. Lunch, bus and exam fees are extra.
Can my child join an international school in Lisbon mid-year?
Yes, many international schools in Lisbon accept mid-year entries when places are available, especially in Early Years and Primary. Older students may face waiting lists in Year 11 and the IB Diploma years.