IB: International Baccalaureate in Portugal for international students

Schools with IB in Portugal are in high demand and have been an important part of the country's thriving international school sector since 1986. There are currently 14 educational institutions where this program is available:

• Primary school — Primary Years Programme (PYP): offered in 4 Portuguese schools,
• Middle school — Middle Years Programme (MYP): offered in 4 schools in the country,
• Diploma program — Diploma Programme (DP): available in 13 schools.

IB schools are attended by children from more than 25 different countries, and teachers of various nationalities work there. Thanks to the international and multicultural atmosphere, excellent results are achieved at all stages of the program, which is focused on personal and career development.

IB for Russian speakers in Portugal is available from any age — educational institutions accept students from 3 to 18 years old. The country has coeducational IB day schools. There is currently only one school that accepts boys exclusively. Obtaining an IB in Portugal is provided in English, however, students attend Portuguese lessons daily + most schools additionally offer various world languages:

• Spanish,
• French,
• Russian,
• German,
• Chinese and others.

Every IB school in Portugal strives for innovative change; educators apply the best modern teaching methods so that students can adapt to the demands of a constantly changing world. Children grow and develop in a bilingual environment from their very first days.

Middle Years Stage (MYP)

Middle school (MYP) — grades 6 through 10, for students aged 11 to 16. The curriculum is focused on the independent child, encouraging them to become a creative, reflective individual who can make connections between subject groups and the real world. Students actively participate in the school's broad and balanced program, which fosters the development of responsibility.

Obtaining an IB in Portugal through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is built around concepts and the study of various themes; students develop communication skills and intercultural understanding — the most important qualities needed by world leaders.

Subjects:

• Language and literature,
• Arts,
• Sciences,
• Design,
• Individuals and societies,
• Physical education.

IB Diploma: the stage for senior students

The IB Diploma course is an academically challenging and balanced educational program for students aged 16–19. It develops students' intellectual, social, emotional, and physical qualities. The IB DP lasts 2 years, during which 3 compulsory and 6 elective subjects are studied. In the course of their studies, students shape their individual path needed to obtain a university specialization. The Diploma Programme is taught entirely in English, which stimulates students and deepens their academic knowledge.

Diploma Programme subjects:

• Foreign languages,
• Mathematics,
• Experimental sciences,
• Humanities.

IBDP graduates in Portugal demonstrate high exam results, speak several languages, and build the important skills needed to succeed. The diploma they receive opens doors to the best universities in Europe and the USA.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

Why the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Program is respected worldwide and recognized by leading universities around the world — a high percentage of graduates are admitted to their first-choice universities, more so than non-IB graduates. This encompasses nearly 3,300 universities in 90 countries, with many ranking among the top universities in their country and the world.

The IB Diploma Program offers rigorous academic development and a balanced, diverse curriculum that will excellently prepare you for future employment and give you the opportunity to engage in community work beyond the academic sphere.

The program cost is from 7,000–20,000€/year on average.

Additional expenses:

• Enrollment fee,
• Accommodation,
• Guardianship services,
• Meals,
• Medical insurance.

• Birth certificate/international passport and their copy,
• Completed application form,
• Grades for the last 2-3 years,
• Language certificate,
• Interview,
• Reference from previous school,
• Motivation letter,
• Portfolio of personal and academic achievements.