In this guide
Secondary fee range at a glance
Lisbon secondary fees are quoted in euro and remain modest by western European standards. The premium band is held by St Julian's School, Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and TASIS Portugal, where senior tuition reaches the high teens to low twenties of thousands and the IB Diploma and A-level years sit at the top. St Dominic's International School, United Lisbon International School and IPS Cascais occupy the upper mid band. Oeiras International School and newer international secondaries cluster in the mid band, and bilingual Portuguese international secondaries anchor the value end. The IB Diploma and A-level years carry the highest tuition because of small senior classes and examination cost. The bands below are 2026 estimates tied to our Lisbon fees report.
Secondary fee table by tier
| Tier | Annual secondary tuition (EUR) | Approx USD |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | EUR 16,000 - 23,000 | USD 17,300 - 24,800 |
| Upper mid | EUR 11,000 - 16,000 | USD 11,900 - 17,300 |
| Mid | EUR 9,000 - 13,000 | USD 9,700 - 14,000 |
| Value | EUR 6,000 - 11,000 | USD 6,500 - 11,900 |
Bands are 2026 estimates tied to our Lisbon fees report. Secondary and sixth form tuition sits at the top of each band; the IB Diploma and A-level years are the most expensive.
Added and one-off costs
| Cost item | Typical range (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application | 200 - 300 | Non refundable, paid per applicant on application |
| Registration | 500 - 900 | Payable on acceptance of a place |
| Refundable deposit | One term of fees, refundable | Held against the place, returned on departure subject to notice |
| Exam entries (IGCSE, A-level, IB) | 600 - 1,200 in exam years | Concentrated in the senior years |
| School bus | 1,300 - 2,600 a year | Distance based; optional but common |
What drives the cost
The biggest driver at senior level in Lisbon is the leaving qualification and the school offering it. St Julian's School runs both the English curriculum through A-levels and the IB Diploma, Carlucci American International School offers a US diploma with Advanced Placement, and TASIS Portugal and St Dominic's offer the IB Diploma. These programmes carry small sixth form classes, specialist teaching, university counselling and examination administration that concentrate into the final two years, which is why the premium band sits clear of the bilingual schools.
Lisbon's fees stay lower than London, Geneva or the Nordic capitals because Portuguese staffing and property costs are more moderate, even though demand from relocating families has grown sharply. Bilingual Portuguese international secondaries keep fees lowest by blending the national curriculum with an international stream, so the value band reflects a different model rather than a thinner version of the premium one.
Compare secondary fees across cities
Put Lisbon secondary fees next to other host cities side by side before you commit.
Hidden costs beyond tuition
Headline tuition is only part of the bill in Lisbon. The main extras are a non refundable application fee of EUR 200 to 300, a registration fee of EUR 500 to 900 on acceptance, a refundable deposit of about one term, examination entries of EUR 600 to 1,200 in the IGCSE, A-level and IB years, and a school bus at EUR 1,300 to 2,600 a year. Add devices, residential trips, uniforms at some schools and activity fees, and budget a couple of thousand euro a year beyond tuition.
Compare secondary fees
Lisbon secondary fees sit in the lower to mid western European band, below London, Geneva and the Nordic capitals and broadly in line with other southern European host cities. Use our compare fees tool to put Lisbon next to other European host cities and curricula, then read the full Lisbon school fees breakdown for the all stage picture and the all-in cost of a place.
FAQ
How much is secondary international school in Lisbon? Secondary international school fees in Lisbon run from about EUR 6,000 a year at bilingual Portuguese schools to EUR 23,000 at the premium English medium senior schools. The IB Diploma and A-level years sit at the top of each band, and Lisbon remains one of the better value western European capitals for international secondary education.
Which Lisbon schools offer the IB Diploma and A-levels? St Julian's School offers both A-levels and the IB Diploma, St Dominic's International School and TASIS Portugal offer the IB Diploma, and Carlucci American International School of Lisbon offers a US high school diploma with Advanced Placement. United Lisbon International School also runs the IB pathway at senior level.
Is Lisbon cheaper than other western European cities for secondary? Yes. Lisbon secondary fees of roughly EUR 6,000 to 23,000 sit below London, Geneva and the Nordic capitals, because Portuguese staffing and property costs are more moderate. This relative value is part of why Lisbon has become a popular base for relocating families with children at secondary age.
What are the hidden costs of secondary school in Lisbon? Beyond tuition, families add a non refundable application fee of EUR 200 to 300, a registration fee of EUR 500 to 900 on acceptance, a refundable deposit of about one term, examination entries of EUR 600 to 1,200 in exam years, and a bus at EUR 1,300 to 2,600 a year, plus devices, trips and activity fees.
Is the IB Diploma the most expensive stage in Lisbon? The IB Diploma and A-level years are the most expensive part of secondary because of small classes, specialist teaching, university counselling and examination costs. Expect the top of each tier band to apply in the final two years, with separate exam entry fees falling in those years.