The Directorate-General for Education (DGE), under the authority of the Ministry of Education (ME), is the body belonging to the Portuguese State that is responsible for the educational, didactic and pedagogical component of the country.
The Portuguese school network is organized through school groups – a set of Pre-School, Basic and Secondary Schools that have common pedagogical objectives.
Students are expected to enter these teachings at the following ages:
- Pre-school: from 3 years old until entry into Basic Education
- Basic Education: from 6 to 15 years old
- Secondary Education: from 15 to 18 years old
In addition, the Portuguese educational system also includes Higher Education. Higher education is the highest of the educational systems and through it we can achieve higher academic degrees or diplomas, which prove it. It consists of a specialized education system, focusing on an area of intervention chosen by the student. Higher Education consists of:Degree, Master’s and PhD.
Therefore and since pre-school education is optional, the age of compulsory education (duty and obligation to acquire compulsory education) lasts for 12 years, that is, from 6 to 18 years.
All of the aforementioned education can have a public or private character, depending on the will of the students or guardians/parents.
- Public education is free, universal and its operation it is entirely of responsibility of the State, autonomous regions, local authorities or a person under public law.
- Private Education is the responsibility of natural or legal persons of a private nature and is paid through the monthly fee charged by the school and for the services / activities you require (extra-curricular activities, meals, etc.). This teaching is also regulated by the Ministry of Education.
However, those who follow the path of Public Education, can enjoy, if they wish, private educational services (for example, extracurricular classes).
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