According to figures from the Ministry of Education, the number of immigrant students enrolled in Portuguese schools rose by around 160% between 2018 and 2023, marking a significant shift driven by families seeking safety, stability, and high-quality education.

Back in 2019, there were approximately 53,000 foreign students in Portugal’s primary and secondary schools—just over 5% of total enrolments.

By 2023, that figure had surged to roughly 140,000, representing nearly 14% of all students. Though these statistics date to last year, they clearly underscore Portugal’s growing status as a top destination for international families.

This rise continues to gain momentum, bolstered by Portugal’s strong reputation for security, its pleasant climate, and the rapid expansion of international schools offering globally recognised curricula.

Across the country, international schools have become key players in attracting international families. From long-established institutions in Lisbon and the Algarve to ambitious new developments in Cascais, demand for international education has reached unprecedented levels.

One of the most notable recent initiatives is a €75 million campus in Cascais, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and world-class programmes—signalling strong investor confidence in the country’s educational future.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client; In 2023, international students accounted for 14% of students in Portugal

As Portugal welcomes increasing numbers of students from abroad, the challenge for schools has evolved. The focus is no longer solely on capacity but on ensuring effective integration and support systems for new arrivals.

Government officials have called this shift a “good problem,” noting that immigration has revitalised schools in areas once facing declining enrolments and brought new energy to local communities.

For many relocating families, education is just one piece of a broader lifestyle choice. Safety, quality of life, and access to healthcare are equally compelling reasons behind the move.

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, believes these factors are central to Portugal’s attraction.

“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.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client; Safety, quality of life, and access to excellent healthcare in Portugal are major draws for international families

“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.”

The likes of Portugal’s Golden Visa, which allows for the inclusion of eligible dependent family members under a single application, have contributed to the increased demand for international schools.

While the sharp rise in international enrolments brings challenges, it also cements Portugal’s position as an emerging global hub for education—one that reflects both its openness to the world and its growing international identity.

To learn about the top international schools in Portugal and the key factors families should consider, register for Portugal Pathways' upcoming webinar: ‘Explore Portugal’s Top International Schools’, which will be held on November 11, 2025