Study in Portugal with the IB Diploma
This guide explains how the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is used for admission to Portuguese universities and polytechnics, using only official Portuguese government and institutional sources. Portugal operates a binary higher education system with universities and polytechnics, and international students apply through the Concurso Especial para Estudantes Internacionais.
Last updated for the 2027 intake
Recognition
How Portugal Recognizes the IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is recognized in Portugal through a formal equivalency process managed by the Direção-Geral da Educação (DGE) — the Directorate-General for Education. This process grants equivalency between foreign secondary education qualifications and Portuguese secondary education (ensino secundário).
The equivalency is regulated by Decreto-Lei n.º 227/2005, of 28 December. The DGE is specifically responsible for processing IB Diploma equivalencies, as confirmed in their official FAQ. The process is free of charge and can be initiated at any time — there is no specific deadline.
Portugal is reorganising its education agencies in 2026, and the DGE says its work is passing to a new institute, EduQA, I.P. Check the DGE's page for the current contact before you apply.
You need the equivalence for the national competition. The special competition for international students accepts any qualification that gives access to higher education in the country where it was issued, without a Portuguese equivalence.
Equivalence
Do IB Students Need a Portuguese Diploma?
Equivalency needed for the national competition — and it is free
To apply through the national competition, you need a formal equivalency of your IB Diploma to Portuguese secondary education. The process is free of charge, has no deadline, and has a reference processing time of 30 days after all documents are submitted. You do not need a Portuguese diploma — the IB Diploma is the basis for obtaining equivalency.
Official Source
Admission System
How Admission Works for IB Students
Portugal uses a mixed admission system. There is a national general competition (concurso nacional de acesso) for Portuguese and EU applicants, plus a special competition for international students (Concurso Especial) where each university manages its own admission process under the framework of Decreto-Lei 36/2014. The national competition is run by the Instituto para o Ensino Superior (IES, I.P.), which replaced the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) in October 2025; its pages are still at dges.gov.pt.
Grade Conversion
How IB Grades Are Assessed
Portugal uses a 0–20 grading scale for secondary and higher education. When the DGE grants equivalency for IB qualifications, final grades are converted using tables established in Portarias 224/2006 and 699/2006. The passing grade is 10 out of 20.
Portuguese Grading Scale Reference
| Portuguese Grade (0–20) | Classification |
|---|---|
| 18–20 | Excellent (Excelente) |
| 16–17 | Very Good (Muito Bom) |
| 14–15 | Good (Bom) |
| 10–13 | Satisfactory (Suficiente) |
| 0–9 | Fail (below the pass mark of 10) |
Conversion of IB grades to the Portuguese scale is determined by the DGE using the tables in Portarias 224/2006 and 699/2006. Contact the DGE or the specific university for exact conversion details.
Entrance Exams
Are Entrance Exams Required?
Whether entrance exams are required depends on your admission route and programme. Portugal's public universities use Provas de Ingresso (national entrance exams) as a key component of the national general competition. Each programme lists the exams it requires.
Language Requirements
Language Requirements for IB Students
Programmes are taught in Portuguese or in English. Each institution sets its own language requirements as part of its autonomy over the conditions of entry, so check the level and the certificates your programme accepts.
Portuguese
- Required for Portuguese-taught programmes
- The level and accepted certificates are set by each institution
- Preparatory Portuguese courses are available at many universities for international students
English
- Required for English-taught programmes
- The accepted tests and scores are set by each institution
- IB English A or English B courses may satisfy English requirements — verify with the institution
Official Source
University Types
Types of Higher Education in Portugal
Portugal operates a binary higher education system consisting of universities and polytechnics, both public and private. The IB Diploma is accepted at all accredited institutions. The system follows the Bologna Process with standardized degree cycles.
Universities
- Focus on research and creation of knowledge. Offer Licenciatura (3–4 years), Mestrado (1.5–2 years), and Doutoramento (PhD)
- Some offer integrated Master's (5–6 years for Medicine, Architecture, etc.)
- Examples: University of Lisbon, University of Porto, University of Coimbra, NOVA University of Lisbon
Polytechnics
- Focus on applied research and practical professional training. Offer Licenciatura and Mestrado degrees
- Also offer CTeSP (professional higher technical courses) — short-cycle programmes linked to the 1st cycle
- Tuition at public institutions is generally lower than at private institutions. International students may pay differentiated fees.
Official Source
Documentation
Required Documents for IB Students
Documents are typically submitted through the university's application portal. Requirements may vary by institution and admission route:
- IB Diploma and transcript of results
- Proof of identity (passport or national ID)
- For the national competition: a certificate of equivalence to Portuguese secondary education, giving your final grade on the 0–200 scale
- For the equivalence: documents legalised with the Hague Apostille or by a consulate, with an official translation into Portuguese
- Proof of language proficiency, if the institution asks for it
Non-EU/EEA students must also arrange a student visa; start as soon as you are admitted. Documents may need to be authenticated with the Hague Apostille and translated into Portuguese. Contact the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country for visa details.
Official Source
Timeline
Application Timeline for IB Students
The 2027 national competition calendar is not yet published. The dates below are 2026's.
Any time: Equivalence (national competition only)
If you will apply through the national competition, request equivalence of your IB Diploma. There is no deadline, it is free, and the reference processing time is 30 days after all documents are in. The special competition for international students does not need it.
Set by each institution: Special Competition for International Students
Each university or polytechnic sets its own application period every year and announces it on its website at least three months in advance. Apply through the institution directly.
Late July – early August: National Competition, 1st Phase
In 2026, applications ran from 20 July to 6 August. Applicants replacing entrance exams with foreign exams, such as IB exams, had to apply by 29 July. Results were published on 23 August.
Late August – September: 2nd Phase and Enrolment
In 2026, the second phase ran from 24 August to 20 September, with results on 30 September. Non-EU/EEA students also need a student visa, so start that as soon as you are admitted.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IB Diploma recognized for university admission in Portugal?
Yes. Under Decree-Law 227/2005, the IB Diploma can be made equivalent to Portuguese secondary education, which you need for the national competition. The equivalence is free, can be requested at any time, and the Directorate-General for Education (DGE) is responsible for IB qualifications.
How do international IB students apply to Portuguese universities?
Students without Portuguese or EU/EEA nationality usually apply through the special competition for international students (Decree-Law 36/2014). You apply to each institution directly, and each sets its own places, deadlines and selection criteria. A qualification that gives access to higher education in the country where it was issued is enough to apply.
Source: DGES/IES — Special competition for international students (in Portuguese)
Do IB students need to take Portuguese entrance exams (Provas de Ingresso)?
In the national competition, yes, but you can replace them with IB exams that the National Access Commission (CNAES) lists as equivalent, such as IB Biology SL or HL for Biology and Geology. You also need a certificate of equivalence of your IB Diploma. In the special competition for international students, each institution sets its own selection criteria.
Source: DGES/IES — Students with foreign secondary education (in Portuguese)
What language proficiency is required to study in Portugal?
Each institution sets its own language requirements, as part of its autonomy over the conditions of entry to its programmes. Check the level and the certificates your programme accepts, for Portuguese-taught and English-taught programmes alike.
What is the difference between universities and polytechnics in Portugal?
Portugal operates a binary higher education system. Universities focus on research and academic knowledge, offering Licenciatura (Bachelor's, 3–4 years), Mestrado (Master's, 1.5–2 years), and Doutoramento (PhD). Polytechnics emphasize applied research and practical professional training, offering Licenciatura and Mestrado degrees. Both types accept IB Diploma holders.
Learn how IB Match evaluates Portuguese admission requirements for your profile.
🇵🇹
Start Your Journey to Portugal
Create your free IB Match profile to discover programmes at Portuguese universities and polytechnics that match your IB Diploma subjects and scores.
100% free for students. No credit card required.