EDUCATION SYSTEM

Madeira has a solid education system, based on the Portuguese educational model. Education is compulsory for children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18, covering primary and secondary education.

 

Here is some information about the education system in Madeira, including details on public and private schools, higher education institutions and Portuguese courses, as well as sports available for children and young people.

1. Public Schools: In Madeira, public education is free and covers pre-school, basic and secondary levels. Public schools are available in all areas of the island, including Funchal and other cities and towns. The curriculum in public schools follows the guidelines of the Ministry of Education of Portugal and includes subjects such as Portuguese, mathematics, science, history, geography, arts and physical education.

2. Private Schools: There are also several private schools in Madeira, some of which offer international curricula such as the British curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Private schools generally have smaller class sizes and more resources, but tuition costs can be significantly higher than public schools.

3. Higher Education: Madeira has the University of Madeira (UMa), located in Funchal, which offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses in areas such as science, engineering, health, education, social sciences and humanities. In addition, there are institutions that offer technical and professional courses in areas such as tourism, health and technology.

4. Portuguese Courses: For those who want to learn Portuguese or improve their language skills, there are several schools and institutions in Madeira that offer Portuguese courses for foreigners. Courses vary in duration and level of proficiency, from short-term intensive courses to more extensive programs.

5. Sports for Children and Young People: In Madeira, children and young people have access to a wide variety of sports and extracurricular activities. Many schools offer sports programs as part of physical education, and there are sports clubs and associations that offer activities such as football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, martial arts, among others. Furthermore, Madeira's unique nature provides opportunities to practice outdoor sports such as hiking, climbing and canyoning.

​

By understanding the education system in Madeira and the options available, you can make informed decisions about choosing the best school or institution for you or your children and take advantage of the educational and sporting opportunities that the island offers.