Career Colleges and Vocational Schools in Portugal

In Portugal, vocational education and training means courses that lead to a recognised professional qualification, usually alongside a school certificate. The system is run jointly by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security. It is mainly designed for young people in upper secondary education and for adults who want a new or higher qualification, but many courses are open to foreign residents.

Compulsory education in Portugal lasts 12 years, until age 18 or the end of upper secondary school, and vocational courses are one of the ways to complete it. Attendance at public schools is free of charge.

How vocational training works

At upper secondary level (grades 10 to 12, usually ages 15 to 18), students can choose courses with dual certification, academic and professional. According to Eurydice, the European education information network, the options are:

• Vocational courses (cursos profissionais), taught in public, private and cooperative schools, including vocational schools and the schools of Turismo de Portugal
• Specialised artistic courses in dance and the visual and audiovisual arts
• Own-school-curriculum courses run by private schools and training bodies
• Apprenticeship courses for young people aged 15 to 29, organised mainly by the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), with training in companies

These courses last about three years, lead to a level 4 qualification of the National Qualifications Framework and allow students to go on to post-secondary or higher education.

After secondary school there are two further levels:

• Post-secondary, non-higher courses at level 5, such as the technological specialisation courses (CET), which usually last a year to a year and a half and are designed for people over 18 who have completed 12 years of schooling
• Professional higher technical courses (CTeSP) at universities and polytechnics: short cycles of 120 ECTS credits over two years, including an internship of at least one semester; they do not confer an academic degree

Adults can also obtain qualifications through recognition of prior learning (RVCC) and certified modular training at the network of Qualifica Centres. The qualifications themselves are listed in the National Qualifications Catalogue (catalogo.snq.gov.pt).

Who runs the system now

The National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP) was abolished with effect from 1 July 2026. Its duties have moved to the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT), the IEFP and the Institute for Education, Quality and Assessment (EduQA), so information on vocational courses for young people is now on the EduQA website.

Admission for international students

To enter any dual-certification course at upper secondary level, students need to have completed the 9th grade or equivalent training. Vocational courses are for young people up to 20 at the start of grade 10, with a typical starting age of 15; students choose the school and course, usually have an interview, and enrol through the national Enrolment Portal. Foreign school certificates and qualifications can be recognised, and pupils who do not speak Portuguese fluently can take the course in Portuguese as a Non-Native Language (PLNM).

Almost all vocational training is taught in Portuguese, so a good level of the language is essential for anyone who is not already at school in Portugal.

Private training schools

Besides the formal system, private schools run short professional and leisure courses. Two examples in our directory are Skydive Portugal, a skydiving school and centre at Évora aerodrome that runs courses such as the AFF (accelerated freefall) course, and Green Mountain Institute in Lisbon, which trains people in bodywork and massage therapy. Courses of this kind are outside the formal system and do not lead to a qualification of the national framework.

How to choose a vocational course in Portugal

• Qualification level: level 4 courses at secondary school, level 5 CET courses after secondary school, or a CTeSP in higher education
• Official or school's own certificate: check whether the course leads to a qualification in the National Qualifications Catalogue
• Work placement: how much of the course takes place in companies
• Language: courses are in Portuguese, so plan time to learn the language first

Frequently asked questions

Is vocational training in Portugal free?

Attendance at public schools, including their vocational courses, is free of charge. Private schools and training bodies set their own prices.

What is a CTeSP?

A professional higher technical course taught at universities and polytechnics: a two-year short cycle of 120 ECTS credits with an internship of at least one semester. It does not confer an academic degree.

Can I continue to university after a vocational course?

Yes. Upper secondary vocational courses give dual certification and allow students to continue to post-secondary or higher education.