The state system is governed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education. There is an extensive network of state schools and some private schools. However, Portugal has the highest levels of functional illiteracy in Europe.
Basic education consists of three cycles: Ensino Básico – 1º Ciclo; Ensino Básico – 2º Ciclo and Ensino Básico – 3º Ciclo. On completing the third stage students are awarded their diploma. Students can either choose general courses or technical/vocational ones.
Higher Education has a long history in Portugal, with the first university being founded to educate the clergy in 1290. Today, there are two types of institution: the university and the polytechnic. Private universities have to be recognised by the Ministry of Education and admissions procedures are the same as for state universities. Every student has to pass the ENES entrance exam but special procedures apply for mature students. Following the Bologna Process, all institutions of higher education can awarded first degrees and masters degrees. Only universities can award doctorates.
