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 2026 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.
Once equivalency is granted, IB Diploma holders have the right to apply for higher education in Portugal, either through the national general competition or the special competition for international students, depending on their nationality and residency status.
Equivalence
Do IB Students Need a Portuguese Diploma?
Equivalency required — but the process is straightforward and free
Unlike some countries where the IB Diploma is automatically accepted, Portugal requires a formal equivalency process through the DGE. However, this process is free of charge, has no deadline, and typically takes around 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) coordinated by DGES 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.
Official Source
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 (Insuficiente) |
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.
Official Source
Language Requirements
Language Requirements for IB Students
Most programmes are taught in Portuguese, but there is a growing number of English-taught programmes, especially at the Master's level and in fields like Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Medicine.
Portuguese
- Required for most undergraduate programmes at public universities
- Typically B1–B2 level required (university-dependent)
- Preparatory Portuguese courses are available at many universities for international students
English
- Required for English-taught programmes
- Typically B2 level — IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL iBT 80+, or Cambridge B2 First/C1 Advanced
- 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)
- DGE equivalency certificate (equivalência de habilitações)
- Certified translations of documents into Portuguese (if not already in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish)
- Hague Apostille on academic documents (for Hague Convention member countries)
- Proof of language proficiency (Portuguese or English, depending on programme)
Non-EU/EEA students must also arrange a student visa. Apply at least 2–3 months before the academic year starts. 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
Anytime: DGE Equivalency
Apply for equivalency of your IB Diploma through the DGE. There is no deadline — the process can be initiated at any time. Submit your application to a public school or directly to the DGE (if living outside Portugal). The process is free and typically takes 30 days after all documents are submitted.
January – March: Research and Preparation
Identify your preferred universities and programmes. Check whether you need to apply via the Concurso Especial (international student competition) or another admission route. Gather required documents and arrange translations and apostilles.
March – July: Application Period
Most universities open their international student application windows between March and July, with multiple phases. Submit your application through the university's own portal. Deadlines vary by institution and phase — some close as early as March, others remain open until July or later.
July – September: Admission Results and Enrolment
Universities announce admission decisions in waves. Admitted students complete enrolment, including document verification and fee payment. Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a student visa at least 2–3 months before the academic year starts (typically September).
Official Sources
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IB Diploma recognized for university admission in Portugal?
Yes. The IB Diploma is recognized in Portugal through a formal equivalency process managed by the Direção-Geral da Educação (DGE). Under Decreto-Lei 227/2005, IB Diploma holders can obtain equivalency to Portuguese secondary education (ensino secundário), which then qualifies them to apply for higher education. The process is free of charge and can be requested at any time.
Source: DGE — Equivalências Estrangeiras
How do international IB students apply to Portuguese universities?
International students (non-EU/non-Portuguese nationals) apply through the Concurso Especial para Estudantes Internacionais, a special competition established by Decreto-Lei 36/2014. Each university manages its own admission under this framework, setting specific deadlines and requirements. EU/EEA students may apply through the national general competition (concurso nacional de acesso) or other special competitions.
Source: DGES — Acesso ao Ensino Superior
Do IB students need to take Portuguese entrance exams (Provas de Ingresso)?
It depends on the admission route. Students applying through the national general competition (concurso nacional de acesso) typically need to take Provas de Ingresso. International students applying through the Concurso Especial may not need national exams — universities may use IB scores directly or administer their own admission tests. Requirements vary by institution and programme.
Source: DGES — Acesso ao Ensino Superior
What language proficiency is required to study in Portugal?
For Portuguese-taught programmes, proficiency in Portuguese is required, typically at B1–B2 level. For the growing number of English-taught programmes (especially at Master's level), English proficiency at B2 level is generally required (e.g., IELTS 6.0–6.5, Cambridge B2 First). IB English A or B courses may satisfy English requirements at some institutions — verify directly.
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.
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