portuguese Education System Faces Challenges Despite Progress
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OECD Report Highlights Generational Inequalities and Teacher Salary concerns
A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) paints a mixed picture of the Portuguese education system. While there has been progress in certain areas, notable challenges remain, particularly concerning generational inequalities and the compensation of teachers.
One of the persistent issues highlighted in the report is that The likelihood of access to higher education remains strongly linked to the educational level of parents. This suggests that systemic inequalities continue to hinder opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
However, the OECD also notes positive developments. Portugal progressed in access to higher education and with good approval rates. In 2019,38% of young adults between 25 and 34 years old held a university degree. By 2024, this figure had increased to 43%. Despite this betterment, Portugal still lags behind the average of 38 OECD countries.
The report also indicates that 41% of Portuguese students complete their degree within the standard timeframe. 65% require an additional year, and 74% finish after three more years.
On a more positive note, the abandonment rate in the first year for Portuguese university students is lower than the OECD average.
Teacher Compensation and Demographics
Teachers are relatively better paid than the OECD average, but their salaries are stagnant
The OECD report dedicates a section to teachers in Portugal, noting that Teachers are relatively better paid than the OECD average, but their salaries are stagnant.Between 2015 and 2024, the real salaries of teachers in Portugal decreased by 1.8%, while the OECD average saw an increase of 14.6%.
the profession is also getting older quickly. 56% of teachers are 50 or more years old, raising concerns about future workforce sustainability and potential knowledge gaps.
Educational Spending
Despite a notable fiscal effort in proportion to national income, The expense per student remains below the OECD average. The participation of education in the public budget increased from 9.1% to 9.5%.
In 2024, the expenditure per student (from basic to higher education) was 12,500 euros, which is less than the OECD average of almost 15,000 euros.
Frequently asked Questions
- What are the main challenges facing the Portuguese education system?
- The main challenges include generational inequalities in access to higher education, stagnant teacher salaries, and below-average spending per student compared to other OECD countries.
- What positive developments have been observed in Portuguese education?
- Portugal has made progress in increasing access to higher education, with a growing percentage of young adults holding university degrees. The first-year abandonment rate for university students is also lower than the OECD average.
- How does Portugal compare to other OECD countries in terms of education spending?
- Despite an increased fiscal effort, Portugal’s expenditure per student remains below the OECD average.
