International Schools in Lisbon: a strategic choice for expat families

Preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education… Lisbon, a booming cosmopolitan capital, is seeing a growing number of international schools. This expansion is a response to the steady arrival of expat families and an increasingly diverse student population from around the world.

Given this rising demand, many schools now have long waiting lists. It is therefore essential to define your priorities from the outset: academic results, school environment, tuition fees, available scholarships, geographical proximity, etc.

Lisboète Magazine, a key media source in Lisbon, conducted in-depth research on the subject — and we’re pleased to share it with you.

Spotlight on Lisbon: the international students’ favorite destination

Portugal is attracting a growing number of international students. According to the OECD's Education at a Glance 2024 report, the proportion of foreign students in Portuguese higher education rose from 4% to 12% between 2013 and 2022. Among them, French students are strongly represented: about 8% for the 2023–2024 academic year. The University of Lisbon is the top choice, followed by the University of Porto and Nova University Lisbon.

Lisbon offers a particularly appealing lifestyle: Mediterranean climate, proximity to the beach, cosmopolitan atmosphere, safety, and a still affordable cost of living. The city also stands out for the growing prestige of its academic institutions.

Portuguese universities are gaining recognition in international rankings. The University of Lisbon is ranked 338th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, while Nova University Lisbon is in the 101–200 range in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and among the top 300 in the Shanghai Rankings. Nova stands out particularly in:

• Finance (top 100)

• Tourism (top 150)

• Civil engineering, economics, and political science (top 200)

Lisbon’s business schools are also gaining in reputation: Nova SBE ranks 24th in Europe, and Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics ranks 27th, according to the Financial Times.

Cost of living and student housing: how much does it cost to study in Lisbon?

Despite inflation, living in Lisbon remains more affordable than in cities like Paris or London. On average, a student spends between €800 and €1,200 per month, covering:

• Rent

• Transport (around €35–40/month)

• Groceries (about €200)

• Leisure (about €200)

Housing takes up the largest share of the budget, with average monthly costs of:

• Shared room: €300–700

• Studio or small apartment: €760–1,500

• University residence (limited availability): €243–600

Public universities in Portugal offer competitive tuition fees, generally between €700 and €1,500 per year. By comparison:

• France: up to €2,770

• Spain: up to €2,500

• Italy: up to €4,000

• Germany: between €0 and €1,500

Private institutions are more expensive, ranging from €3,000 to €12,500 per year, but often remain more affordable than their counterparts in other European countries.

European students may benefit from the Erasmus+ grant, which provides monthly support between €300 and €450.

Ranking of international schools in Lisbon

In the tables below, provided by Lisboète Magazine, you'll find a non-exhaustive overview of international schools in Lisbon — including preschools, middle schools, and high schools — along with testimonials from parents and students. According to rankings and student feedback, these institutions now rank among the best in Europe.

Source: Lisboète Magazine