Portuguese municipal school support programs

Portuguese municipalities are implementing various support measures for students and families for the 2026/2027 school year.

In Viana do Alentejo, the municipality is distributing activity notebooks to local pupils and students from the area attending schools elsewhere. Families purchasing these notebooks can apply for reimbursement. Similarly, Seia has expanded its support to include all basic-education students, including those in the third cycle, while maintaining a €35 subsidy for school-material purchases for specific social-action tiers.

Other regions have established distinct programs. Alcobaça provides 100% reimbursement for workbooks for students in grades 1 through 6 via the ‘Ação Social Escolar Alargada’ program. For the 2026/2027 period, 1st and 2nd graders receive reimbursement for Portuguese and Mathematics workbooks, while those in 3rd to 6th grades include English. Applications must be submitted via the SIGA platform between August 5 and September 30, 2026.

In Lagoa, support includes free school supplies for pre-school and 1st-cycle students, 25-euro vouchers for older students, free workbooks, free school meals for eligible students, and free transportation for all students until the end of compulsory education.

Aguiar da Beira is maintaining several aid programs to reduce family expenses, including free school meals, milk, and fruit for pre-school and primary students, as well as free school transport. Additional support includes free access to ‘Escola Virtual’ digital platforms, curricular enrichment in arts and sports, and free public transport passes within the Viseu Dão Lafões intermunicipal community. The municipality also provides merit awards and financial assistance for students entering higher education.

In Vila Pouca de Aguiar, the municipality is investing in infrastructure, including a €443,000 renovation of the Pedras Salgadas Basic School and over one million euros in kindergartens. The region is also introducing a Specialized Technological Center and a partnership with the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland.