Cross-border learning mobility is a central component of Portugal’s education and training strategy and is aligned with European objectives to promote quality mobility opportunities for pupils, students, teachers and youth workers. 

Policy framework

Portugal’s policy framework for cross-border learning mobility is shaped by its active participation in European cooperation programmes and by national strategies promoting internationalisation in education and training. Mobility is prioritised as a means of fostering European citizenship, intercultural dialogue and lifelong learning, consistent with EU-level objectives described by Eurydice in its national chapter on mobility and internationalisation for Portugal.

At the core of this framework is the Erasmus+ Programme (2021–2027), which provides structured opportunities for mobility and cooperation in school education, VET, higher education, adult education, youth work and sport. Erasmus+ is implemented in Portugal through two national agencies: the National Agency for Erasmus+ Education and Training and the National Agency for Erasmus+ Youth, Sport and European Solidarity Corps. These agencies operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security. 

In higher education, cross-border mobility is supported by a broader policy framework established in the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 78/2016, which defines Portugal’s internationalisation strategy for higher education and science. This policy strengthens global academic cooperation, encourages institutions to build strategic partnerships and supports the international promotion of Portuguese higher education.

Main cross-border mobility programmes for students in formal education

School education and Vocational Training (VET)

In formal education, the primary mechanism enabling cross-border mobility is Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (Learning Mobility of Individuals). Students in basic and secondary education, as well as VET learners, participate in short- and long‑term study periods, work placements, blended mobility projects and exchanges. According to the Erasmus+ National Evaluation Report (2024), the number of mobility projects in Portugal has increased steadily, with significant benefits for learners’ personal development, intercultural skills and academic performance.

VET mobility is further supported through cooperation commitments under the Council Recommendation on VET and the Osnabrück Declaration, which call for substantial expansion of European mobility and recognition of learning outcomes acquired abroad. National coordination of VET mobility is assured by ANQEP (National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education), which collaborates with the Erasmus+ national agency to facilitate placements and ensure the quality of participant support.

Higher education

In higher education, the main cross-border mobility programmes are Erasmus+ and the institutional partnerships established under the European Higher Education Area. The Directorate‑General for Higher Education (DGES) provides regulatory guidance for incoming and outgoing students, clarifying mobility regimes, qualification recognition procedures and institutional requirements. Portuguese higher education institutions maintain extensive networks of bilateral agreements, enabling mobility for study, traineeships, teaching assignments and staff training.

Many institutions develop comprehensive mobility support tools, including orientation services and mobility guides. For example, the Mobility Guide 2024–2025 illustrates how higher education institutions provide incoming students with detailed practical information on academic procedures, accommodation and integration into student life.

Promoting mobility in the context of non-formal learning, and of youth work

Portugal also supports cross-border mobility through non-formal learning and youth work. The Erasmus+ Youth strand enables young people aged 13–30 to participate in youth exchanges, volunteering activities and training courses abroad. These initiatives foster non‑formal learning, intercultural encounters, active citizenship and community engagement. The national agency for Erasmus+ Youth and Sport promotes these opportunities as part of the country’s broader youth policy framework, consistent with the European Youth Strategy.

Non-formal mobility opportunities are also developed through cooperation initiatives described in Eurydice’s overview of mobility and internationalisation, which emphasises Portugal’s commitment to expanding international experiences beyond the formal education system. These include activities coordinated by youth organisations, local authorities and NGOs, often within European networks dedicated to intercultural dialogue, cultural participation and solidarity. 

Furthermore, global citizenship and development education projects reinforce mobility in non-formal contexts. The National Report on Global Education in Portugal highlights the role of international cooperation in promoting global competencies, intercultural learning and development-oriented mobility experiences for young people. 

Quality assurance

Quality assurance of cross-border mobility in Portugal is ensured through multiple layers of monitoring, evaluation and regulatory oversight. Erasmus+ mobility is subject to stringent quality requirements set out by the European Commission and implemented by the national agencies, which monitor project implementation, assess funding applications and evaluate final reports.

The Erasmus+ National Evaluation Report for Portugal confirms that mobility projects adhere to EU standards of effectiveness, efficiency and European added value, demonstrating consistent improvement in mobility outcomes and institutional capacity over successive programme cycles. 

In higher education, quality assurance processes are coordinated by national bodies responsible for accreditation and external evaluation. Institutions must ensure that mobility is integrated into their quality assurance systems, including the recognition of study periods abroad, student support services, and monitoring of learning outcomes.

Additionally, the European frameworks for mobility — including the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the European Quality Charter for Mobility — provide further safeguards ensuring transparency, recognition and learner protection. National coordination mechanisms, involving the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, DGES, ANQEP and other bodies, ensure that these standards are consistently applied across all levels of education and training.