Barbara Queirós Updated: April 16, 2026
Braga is one of Portugal’s most historic cities, but has stepped into the limelight as being a perfect choice for families seeking a high quality of life in the picturesque north of the country. With two excellent international schools in Braga in 2026, CLIB and João Paulo II (which has just opened its international curriculum), they are perfect choices if you are moving to Braga and are seeking out the right education for your child.
We will cover:
International Schools in Braga: Key Takeaways
- There are two international schools in Braga: CLIB and João Paulo II, which opened its international school in January 2026.
- International schools in Braga prioritize small class sizes and focus on individual student learning growth.
- Fees for the João Paulo II school are €8,058 to €9,020, while you should contact CLIB directly as their fees are not publically available.
- Both schools are noted for their modern amenities and top-quality education and care.
- Braga is an ideal place for families. The city is safe, the education is well regarded, and there are plenty of activities to do.
Overview: International Schools in Braga at a Glance
The best overall international schools in Braga are CLIB – The Braga International School and the new international school, the João Paulo International School, which, starting in the 2026/27 school year, will be the first school in Braga to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. These are the two international school options in Braga.
International School | CLIB – The Braga International School | João Paulo II International School |
Curriculum | British | International, IB, and Portuguese |
Age range (years) | 3 to 18 | 3 to 18 |
Annual fees | Enquire on their website, not publically available | €8,058 to €9,020 |
Language of instruction | English | English and Portuguese |
Why Choose Braga for International Education
Braga seamlessly combines traditional Portuguese culture with modern infrastructure, and with a high quality of life guaranteed, families moving to this charming city will find a safe city to enjoy.
Living in Braga, you’ll be able to enjoy the surrounding natural landscapes, incredible gastronomy, modern atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage.
What’s more, Braga is home to CLIB – The Braga International School, one of the best international schools in the country, and the João Paulo II, which officially launched its international school on 30 January 2026 to cater to Braga’s growing expat family population. Alongside the international school options, you will also find many public schools.
Public schools in Portugal primarily use Portuguese, which is why opting for an international school can be a better option for non-native speakers. International schools also offer smaller class sizes and more extracurricular activities.
The range of residency options for families seeking to relocate to Portugal makes it relatively easier to relocate, compared with other EU countries, with visa options for expats from different walks of life, investors, and remote workers.
Top Braga International School Options
You may be interested to know what the best international schools in Braga are. There are two international schools in Braga, CLIB – The Braga International School, and João Paulo II.
Below, we provide you with a rundown of the two schools and other international schools that you will find close by in Porto.
In Braga:
- CLIB – The Braga International School: Founded in 1999, CLIB – The Braga International School (Colégio Luso Internacional de Braga) provides an international education with a focus on preparing students for global challenges. The upper school offers the Cambridge International Curriculum, with English as the primary language of instruction.
- Jão Paulo II International School: Colégio João Paulo II officially opened its international school in January 2026, and is the first in Braga to offer the IB. With a holistic approach and teaching in English and Portuguese, this is a top choice for families moving to Braga.
International schools in Porto:
- CLIP Oporto International School: CLIP offers an international curriculum with a strong emphasis on preparing students for challenges. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and provides instruction primarily in English.
- Oporto British School: As one of the oldest British schools in Europe, Oporto British School follows the British National Curriculum, including IGCSE and A-level examinations when they reach their senior years. The Oporto British School also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.
- Lycée Français International de Porto – LFIP: This French international school follows the French national curriculum, from primary through to secondary education, preparing students for the French Baccalauréat. The language of instruction is French, and the school promotes French cultural values while embracing international diversity.
- Deutsche Schule zu Porto Braga: A German international school that offers education following the German curriculum. The language of instruction is German, and the school is part of the global network of German schools abroad, focusing on a comprehensive and academically rigorous program.
If you are looking for education options elsewhere in the country, you’ll find many international schools in Portugal in Lisbon and the Algarve. In 2026, there are now more than 50 top international schools in Portugal. Education in Portugal is centrally governed by the Ministry of Education (Ministério da Educação).
CLIB - The Braga International School located in Gualtar
Located in the charming city of Braga, Gualtar is the Portuguese parish in which CLIB – The Braga International School is located. The language of tuition is English. If your children are between the ages of 3 and 18 years and you are looking for an excellent international school in the area, then this is the perfect school. The class sizes are around 20 students on average, and the school prepares students for the challenges of life in the best way.
In addition to this, the school also provides extracurricular activities and transportation facilities. The Braga International School has native-English-speaking teachers and conducts extra language classes (Portuguese and Spanish) for international students.
- Curricula: The upper school prepares students for the Cambridge International Curriculum, IGCSE examinations, and the AICE Diploma (AS and A2 level examinations), and there is a strong emphasis on academic excellence, cross-cultural character development, and leadership skills.
- Language and cultural immersion: English is the primary language used in most classes, while students also acquire proficiency in Portuguese and familiarity with Portuguese culture and history.
- Extracurricular activities and sports: The Braga International School offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, clubs, and societies, with the school aiming to further academic excellence and provide a well-rounded education.
- School facilities and resources: The school boasts a modern campus with state-of-the-art science labs, new technologies, art studios, computer labs, and libraries, alongside excellent sports fields and facilities for extracurricular activities, all designed to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
João Paulo II International School
João Paulo II School was founded in 2006, and after 20 years of delivering excellent education for Portuguese families, it expanded in 2026 to cater to the growing expat community in Braga and is now the first school in Braga to offer the IB.
The João Paulo II International School offers:
- Curricula: João Paulo II offers the Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 9 to 10 and the IB for Grades 11-12. The school also offers the Portuguese curriculum.
- Language and cultural immersion: João Paulo II offers English for its international track, with Portuguese offered as a foreign language, and support for a multicultural environment, embracing children from different nationalities.
- Extracurricular activities and sports: Extracurricular activities and sports provide a holistic learning curve for students that complements academic life.
- School facilities and resources: The João Paulo School offers modern classrooms, specialized labs, and is very much a person-focused school, where each student’s growth is at the heart of the school’s values, based on the Catholic values of Love, Justice, and Peace.
Looking to snap up your dream property in Braga? Check out our ultimate guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Braga Neighborhoods Close to International Schools
How much are the fees at the Braga International School?
Unfortunately, CLIB – Braga International School fees are not made public. You can contact the school in person or visit their website for more details.
How many international schools in Braga are there currently?
There are now two schools in Braga in 2026.
- CLIB – The Braga International School (Colégio Luso Internacional de Braga).
- João Paulo International School
Is Braga an expensive place to stay in Portugal?
Braga is one of the most economical Portuguese cities to live in your family in terms of European and Portuguese standards of living. The city has affordable markets, restaurants, and transportation facilities.
Are there good higher education opportunities in Braga?
Yes, Braga offers excellent higher education opportunities, including the renowned University of Minho, known for its strong programs in engineering, social sciences, and business.
What are the admission requirements for international schools in Braga?
Enrollment requirements vary but generally include an application form, previous school records, an interview, and possibly entrance tests.
What extracurricular activities are available at international schools in Braga?
Extracurricular activities at top international schools in Braga include sports, music, drama, art, and various clubs such as robotics, debate, and environmental awareness. These programs aim to develop students’ interests and skills outside the classroom.
How do international schools in Braga prepare students for university?
International schools in Braga prepare students for university with a robust academic curriculum, dedicated college counseling services, comprehensive standardized test preparation, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. These elements work together to build competitive university applications and ensure students are well-prepared for higher education.
What are the facilities like at international schools in Braga?
CLIB -The Braga International School and João Paulo International School both offer state-of-the-art facilities, featuring well-equipped science labs, sports fields, extensive libraries, art studios, and advanced technology centers. These modern amenities support both academic learning and extracurricular activities, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
What are the language options for students in international schools in Portugal?
Language options at international schools in Portugal commonly include English, Portuguese, and other foreign languages such as French, Spanish, and German. Many schools also offer bilingual programs and additional language support classes to enhance students’ language skills. You will also find schools where the teaching language is German or French.
How do international schools in Braga prepare students for university?
The CLIB – The Braga International School and the João Paulo International School in Braga prepare students for university with a robust academic curriculum, university and career guidance, comprehensive standardized test preparation, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
