Updated: September 4, 2024

 

Situated in northern Portugal, Braga is renowned for its rich history, religious heritage, and cultural significance. The beautiful city is home to historical monuments and ancient churches and is known to be one of the Portuguese cities where residents have the highest quality of life.

Are you planning to relocate to Braga with your family and children? If so, in this article, we will provide you with a list of the international schools in Braga and nearby.

Why Choose Braga for International Education

Braga Luxury in the NorthBraga 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 where 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. Alongside this, you will also find many public school options.

Public schools in Portugal primarily use Portuguese which is why opting for an international school can be the better option for non-native speakers.

Top Braga International School Options

international schoolsYou may be interested to know what the best international schools in Braga are. However, there is just one school in this city, the CLIB – The Braga International School. Below, we provide you with a rundown of this school 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 school offers a rich curriculum, with English as the primary language of instruction.

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. There are a total of 51 top international schools in Portugal.

CLIB - The Braga International School located in Gualtar

document signatureLocated in the charming city of Braga, Gualtar is the Portuguese parish in which CLIB – The Braga International School is located. The language of instruction 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 focuses attention and prepares students in the best way for the challenges of life.

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 (14-18 years) 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, and 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.

Looking to move to Braga?

If you are looking to move to Braga, you’ll want to consider housing options. You should know that Braga is one of the more affordable parts of Portugal, with an array of spacious properties nearby, perfect for families. You can find out more in our guide: Braga Portugal Real Estate: Luxury in the North.

Looking to snap up your dream property in Portugal? Check out our ultimate guide

Click Here Arrow Icon

Frequently Asked Questions about Braga Neighborhoods Close to International Schools

Unfortunately, CLIB – Braga International School fees are not made public. You can contact the school in person or visit their website for more details.

There is only one international school in Braga – CLIB – The Braga International School (Colégio Luso Internacional de Braga). The upper school (14-18 years) prepares students for the Cambridge international curriculum, IGCSE examinations, and the AICE Diploma (AS and A2 level examinations).

Portugal has a solid educational infrastructure in place, with 51 international schools in the country that are mostly concentrated in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. In international schools, you will also find many good public schools and Portuguese private schools. However, international schools are often the better option for exapts, where children may not know Portuguese and where international schools can set them up exceptionally well for the future.

From offering international curricula, including the Advanced International Certificate of Education from the Cambridge International Curriculum and the IB (International Baccalaureate), international schools in Portugal offer a variety of options. Each school prepares students for the challenges of life to set them up in the best way.

Braga is one of the best Portuguese cities to live in with your family. Places like Briteiros, Vila Verde, and Espinho should be on your list. If you are looking to live in a neighborhood close to an international school, then Gualtar can be an excellent place for you to stay as it is close to the Braga International School.

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.

Yes, Braga offers excellent higher education opportunities, including the renowned University of Minho, known for its strong programs in engineering, social sciences, and business.

Enrollment requirements vary but generally include an application form, previous school records, an interview, and possibly entrance tests.

Extracurricular activities at 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.

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.

CLIB -The Braga International School offers 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.

You will find a wide range of curricula taught in international schools in Portugal, including the American curriculum, British curriculum (GCSE, A-Levels), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, alongside many learning styles, including the Montessori Method of teaching. If you are interested in enrolling your child in a school that offers the IB program, you can find a list of schools on the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) website.

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.

The CLIB – The Braga International School prepares students for university with a robust academic curriculum, university and career guidance, comprehensive standardized test preparation, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.