For those who think about live and live in Europe, specifically in Portugal, understanding the education system is fundamental, as it plays a crucial role in the integration and success of both local residents and foreigners. Portugal today It is a country that has made impressive progress in the area of education, but still faces challenges that can impact its quality of life and professional opportunities.
Educational Progress in Portugal
Portugal has made considerable progress in recent decades. The illiteracy rate, which before democracy was almost 30%, fell to just 3% in 2021. Access to education has improved significantly, with 90% of young people completing secondary education in 2023, compared to less than 50% in 2000. In addition, the early school leaving rate fell from 30% to 8% in the same period.
However, despite easy access to education, the The challenge now is the quality of teaching. International tests, such as PIRLS (reading performance of 4th graders) and PISA (mathematics, reading and science skills), have shown that Portuguese students have fallen in all domains assessed. This indicates that many students struggle with essential skills such as reading and mathematical reasoning.
The Education System and Inequalities
Another important point is that although access has improved, socioeconomic inequalities still have a significant impact in school performance. Children from more vulnerable backgrounds face more difficulties and are less likely to continue to higher education. For foreigners planning to live in Portugal, this reality can also affect the educational inclusion of their children, who may face additional challenges in adapting to the new school environment.
Public or Private School?
Choosing between public and private schools in Portugal is an important decision for anyone moving to the country. public schools are accessible and increasingly diverse, with about 14% of the enrolled students being foreigners. However, the quality varies between different regions and types of schools. Private education, while offering greater flexibility and often better infrastructure, can be expensive and not accessible to everyone.
In terms of higher education, Portugal faces criticism for maintaining a university system dominated by the public sector, with little integration of private universities into the global competitive landscape. Public-private competition existing in countries such as Germany and Spain is not as strong in Portugal, which limits innovation and adaptation to the needs of the labor market.
Education and Job Market Opportunities
For those planning to build a life in Portugal, it is essential to consider the opportunities for continuing education and professional training. In 2022, 40% of students who completed secondary education opted for vocational education, a path that facilitates insertion into the job market in areas with high demand, such as technology and automation. In addition, around 44% of Portuguese adults are involved in lifelong learning, which helps keep your skills up to date in a constantly evolving market.
Portugal and Educational Excellence
Despite the challenges, Portugal today is focused on improving the quality of its education, both basic and higher. For families wishing to settle in the country, the education system offers a path to social mobility, as long as there is a proactive approach towards inclusion and the development of essential skills.
In short, for those who want to live and grow professionally in Europe, Portugal offers an education scenario in transition, where opportunities are expanding, but quality still needs to be improved. Choosing the best school or university for your children and investing in continued education can be the key to success in this new chapter of life.
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