Ministry of Education Portugal
Portugal
Structure of Educational System
Pre-higher Education System
Higher Education System
Administrative structure of higher education
Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Universidade (University)
Instituto Polit»cnico (Polytechnical Institute)
Escola Superior (Higher School)
Instituto Superior (Higher Institute)
School leaving and higher education credentials:
Diploma de Ensino Secund?rio
Bacharel
Licenciatura
Especializa¡Ño
Mestre
Doutor
Agrega¡Ño
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 Basico - 1 Ciclo
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 6 to: 10
Basic Second Stage
Type of school providing this education: Ensino Basico - 2 Ciclo
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 10 to: 12
Basic Third Stage
Type of school providing this education: Ensino Basico - 3 Ciclo
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 12 to: 14
Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificado/Diploma
General Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Escola Secund?ria
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploma de Ensino Secund?rio
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 Forma¡Ño Profissional de Nivel III and Diploma de Estudios Professionais
Specialized Tech./Voc.
Type of school providing this education: Escolas Secundarias Profssionais (Professional Schools
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploma de Ensino Secund?rio, Certificado de Qualifica¡Ño Profissional de Nivel III
School education:
Basic education lasts for eight years divided into three stages of four, two and two 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 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 Habilita¡?es do Ensino Secund?rio/Diploma de Ensino Secund?rio, which is the prerequisite for access to higher education.
Higher education:
Higher education in Portugal is divided into two subsystems: university education and non-university higher education (polytechnical education), and it is provided in autonomous public universities, private universities, polytechnic institutions and private higher education institutions of other types. In addition, there is a university institution which offers courses in Management, Anthropology, Sociology, History, Economics and Psychology. 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 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 on the Education System (Law 46/86), subsequently amended by law 115/97 Year: 1986
Concerns: All university and non-university (polytechnic) higher education institutions
Decree: Decree/Law 75/97 (amended by law 99/99) Year: 1997
Concerns: Access to Public and private higher education institutions
Decree: Law on Assessment of Higher Education (Law 38/94) Year: 1994
Concerns: Public and private higher education institutions
Decree: Law on the Funding of Higher Education (Law 113/97) Year: 1997
Decree: Organization of the Higher Education System (Law 26/2000) Year: 2000
Concerns: All university and non-university higher education institutions, public and private
Decree: Statute and Autonomy of Polytechnic Higher Education Institutions (Law 54/90) Year: 1990
Concerns: Polytechnic institutions
Decree: Statute of Private and Cooperative Higher Education (Law 16/94 amended by Law 37/94 and Law 94/99) Year: 1994
Concerns: Private higher education institutions.
Decree: University Autonomy Law (no. 108/88) amended by law 252/97 Year: 1988
Concerns: Public universities
Academic year:
Classes from: Oct to: Jul
Languages of instruction: Portuguese
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Escolas and Institutos Superiores provide courses in such fields as Education Sciences, Teacher Training, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Nursing, Business and Management, Agriculture and Sylviculture, Engineering and Technology. Polytechnical institutions can award the Bacharel and Licenciado degrees, while the degrees of Mestre and Doutor can only be awarded by universities. The Bacharel degree is obtained after three years and the Licenciado after studies lasting between four and six years depending on the field of study. The most common format in polytechnical education is the "cursos biet?picos de Licenciatura". These courses are divided into two cycles, the first leading to the Bacharel degree and the second to the Licenciado degree. The first cycle lasts for six semesters, while the second may vary between two and four semesters.
University level studies:
University level first stage: Bacharel/Licenciado:
In universities, the first stage leads to the award of the Bacharel after 3 years. The Licenciado is conferred after completion of a course usually lasting for 4 years. Many courses, however, last for 5 or even 6 years. Most Licenciatura courses are organized in credit units, but many are still organized per semester or academic year.
University level second stage: Mestre:
The Mestre is an advanced degree in a specific scientific field, indicating capacity for conducting practical research. Courses usually last for 4 semesters and include lectures and the preparation and discussion of an original dissertation. It is only open to those who have obtained 14 out of 20 in the Licenciatura course. Those who have obtained a mark below 14 may also be eligible for a Mestrado course after analysis of the curriculum by the University.
University level third stage: Doutor:
The Doutor is conferred by universities to those who have passed the Doctorate examinations and have defended a thesis. There is no fixed period to prepare for the Doctorate examinations. Candidates must hold the degree of Mestre or the Licenciado degree (or a legally equivalent qualification) with a final mark of at least 16 out of 20 and have competences and merit that are recognized by the university.
University level fourth stage: Agrega¡Ño:
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
Teachers of basic education attend 4-year courses in Escolas Superiores de Educa¡Ño or universities to obtain a Licenciado degree.
Training of secondary school teachers
Teachers of secondary education must hold a Licenciado degree and follow courses that last for between 4 and 6 years. Studies are sanctioned by a Licenciado em Ensino or a Licenciatura - Ramo de Forma¡Ño Educacional, according to the issuing institution. Educators and basic and secondary education teachers, with practice in regular or special education, may obtain a qualification to teach in specialized education. Continuous training for teachers is offered in Centros de Forma¡Ño Continua.
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 estagi?rio (Licenciado); assistente (Mestre); professor auxiliar (Doutor); professor associado (Doutor and 5 years' service); professor catedr?tico (Agrega¡Ño and 3 years' service). Polytechnics: assistente (Licenciado); professor adjunto (Mestre or DESE); 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:
Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educa¡Ño)
Head: David Justino, Minister
Administrative officer: Antonio Borges BalÑo
International relations: Maria Emilia GalvÑo
Avenida 5 de Outubro, 107-13?
1069-018 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 796-4915
Fax: +351(21) 793-8206
Telex: 18428
EMail: gme@min-edu.pt
WWW: http://www.min-edu.pt
Role of governing body: Administrative role
Ministry of Science and Higher Education (Minist»rio da CiÕncia e Ensino Superior)
Head: Pedro Augusto Lynce de Faria, Minister
Administrative officer: Rui Miguel Trigoso
Pal?cio das Larangeiras
Estrada das Laragerais n?197-205
1649-018 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 723-1092
Fax: +351(21) 727-1457
Role of governing body: administrative role.
Directorate-General of Higher Education (Direc¡Ño Geral do Ensino Superior)
Head: Jorge Miguel Pedreira, Director
Administrative officer: Fernando Dores Costa, Deputy-Director
Avenida Duque d'Avila 137
169-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 312-6060
Fax: +351(21) 312-6061
EMail: jorgempedreira@desup.min-edu.pt
WWW: http://www.desup.min-edu.pt
National Council for Education (Conselho Nacional de Educa¡Ño)
Head: Maria Teresa Ambrosio, Chairman
Administrative officer: Manuel Migu»ns, Secretary-General
Rua Florbela Espanca
1700-195 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 793-5245
Fax: +351(21) 793-9093
EMail: cneme@mail.telepac.pt
WWW: http://www.cnedu.pt
Role of governing body: Administrative role
Portuguese Conference of Rectors (Conselho de Reitores das Universidades Portuguesas (CRUP))
Head: Adriano PimpÑo, Chairman
Administrative officer: Daniel Luzia, Secretary
Quinta de S. Miguel dos Arcos, Rua Visconde de Porto Salvo, N. 24
2780-683 Paco d'Arcos
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 440-2200
Fax: +351(21) 440-2252
EMail: crup@crup.pt
WWW: http://www.crup.pt
Coordinating Council for Polytechnic Institutes (Conselho Coordenador dos Institutos Polit»cnicos (CCISP))
Head: Luis Soares, Chairman
Avenida 5 de Outubro 89-3.?
1050-050 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 792-8350 +351(21) 792-8360
Fax: +351(21) 792-8369
EMail: ccisp@mail.telepac.pt
WWW: http://www.ccisp.pt
Council for Higher Education-Business Cooperation (Conselho para a Coopera¡Ño Ensino Superior-Empresa)
Rua Pinheiro Chagas 17-3
1050 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 357-5501
Fax: +351(21) 357-9111
Coordinating Council for Private and Cooperative Higher Education (Conselho Coordenador do Ensino Superior Particular e Cooperativo)
Head: Ant€nio Almeida e Costa, Chairman
Avenida 5 de Outubro 89-2
1050-050 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 797-2910
Fax: +351(21) 795-6793
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher education studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Diploma de Ensino Secund?rio
For entry to: All study programmes
Alternatives to credentials:
Special competition for students over 25 having passed a special (ad-hoc) exam; candidates already holding a qualification for a medium/higher level course.
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Diploma de Ensino Secund?rio
For entry to: All programmes
Alternatives to credentials: Special competitions organized for applicants over 25 lacking an entrance qualification, yet having passed a special exam (ad hoc exam); candidates already holding a qualification for a medium / higher level course; candidates from other higher education systems (private and cooperative).
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 supported by the Ministry of 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 Direc¡Ño de Servi¡os de Acceso ao Ensino Superior which is responsible for placing applicants in courses according to preference. Vacancies allocated by public institutions are filled by means of a national competition organized by the Direc¡Ño-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.
Application procedures:
Apply to national body for entry to: All types of institutions and programmes.
Apply to:
Direc¡Ño-Geral do Ensino Superior, Direc¡Ño de Servi¡os de Acesso ao Ensino Superior
Ava Infante Santo no 2
1350-178 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 391-2200
Fax: +351(21) 391-2241
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, General Directorate for Higher Education, Ministry of Education
Head: Manuela Paiva
Avenida Duque d'Avila 137-4? Andar
1069-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 312-6098
Fax: +351(21) 312-6041
EMail: manuela.paiva@desup.min-edu.pt
WWW: http://www.min-edu.pt
Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession
Services provided & students dealt with: The NARIC provides information to individuals and institutions, professional bodies, private employers, job centres, 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 is also the contact point for the general directives 89/48/EEC.
Special provisions for recognition:
For the exercise of a profession: Access to regulated professions is subject to recognition by a professional body as per Decree n? 289/91, altered by Decree-Law no. 396/99 and by Regulation no. 325/2000.
Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Europe
Year of signature: 1997
STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
Fundo de Apoio ao Estudante, Minist»rio da Educa¡Ño
R. Jos» d'Estaguy no 10, 1 Dto
1700-267 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 319-3400
Fax: +351(21) 319-3419
WWW: http://www.fae.pt
Category of services provided: Social and welfare services
Student expenses and financial aid
Bodies providing information on student financial aid:
Institute for Portuguese Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Instituto da Coopera¡Ño Portuguesa, Minist»rio dos Neg€cios Estrangeiros)
Avenida da Liberdade 192 2.andar
1250-147 Lisboa
Portugal
Category of students: For students coming from Portuguese speaking African countries.
Student Support Fund, Ministry of Education (Fundo de Apoio ao Estudante, Minist»rio da Educa¡Ño)
R. Jos» d'Esaguy, no. 10, 1Dto
1700-267 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 319-3400
Fax: +351(21) 319-3419
Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001
Publisher: UNESCO/IBE
Year of publication: 1999
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Bureau for European Affairs and International Relations, Ministry of Education (Gabinete de Assuntos Europeus e Rela¡?es Internacionais, Minist»rio da Educa¡Ño)
Av. 5 de Outubro, 107-7
1050 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 793-1291
Fax: +351(21) 797-8994
EMail: gme@min-edu.pt
WWW: http://www.min-edu.pt
General Directorate of Higher Education (Direc¡Ño-Geral do Ensino Superior)
Division for Recognition and Exchange
Avenida Duque d'Avila n?137-4?Andar
1069-016 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(21) 312-6000 +351(21) 312-6145
Fax: +351(21) 312-6001 +351(21) 312-6041
Institute for Portuguese Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Instituto da Coopera¡Ño Portuguesa, Minist»rio de Neg€cios Estrangeiros)
Av. da Liberdade, 192, 2?
1250 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351(1) 356-2031 +351(1) 793-1291
Fax: +351(1) 314-7897
National Agency for the Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci Programmes (AgÕncia Nacional para os Programas S€crates e Leonardo da Vinci)
Head: Am?vel dos Santos, Co-ordinator
Av. D. JoÑo II. Lote 1.07.2.1
Ed. Administrativo do Parque Expo, Piso 1 Ala B
1990-096 Lisboa
Portugal
Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes
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: Numerical grading system 0 - 20; 20: muito bom com distin¡Ño e louvor; 18-19: muito bom com distin¡Ño; 16-17: bom com distin¡Ño; 14-15: bom.
Highest on scale: 20
Pass/fail level: 10
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 institutions they wish to attend. Students must be Portuguese nationals or citizens of the European Union, political refugees, citizens from a country with bilateral agreements with Portugal to which this type of support may be granted.
Data for academic year: 2001-2002
Source: Direc¡Ño-Geral do Ensino Superior, Minist»rio da Educa¡Ño, Lisboa, 2002
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