Understanding British qualifications and classifications, comparing them with Portuguese ones and finding out about equivalents and the authenticating of translations  

On this page you can:

• understand British qualifications and compare them to the Portuguese ones
• compare British and Portuguese classifications
• find out about equivalence
• find out about the translation of certificates

Understanding British qualifications and comparing them to the Portuguese ones

Q
What are GCSEs and 'A' levels? How do they compare with my qualifications from Portuguese secondary school?

A
In the United Kingdom, after 11 years of compulsory education, students take a compulsory exam called GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education.

After two more years of study, students take 'A' level - Advanced level exams, which gives them access to higher education and is comparable to the 12th year of Portuguese schooling.

When getting information regarding entry requirements, candidates with Portuguese qualifications should consider the subjects and the respective grades demanded at 'A' level, given that they are comparable to the Portuguese 12th year. Therefore, when you see the term 'A' level you should see it as comparable with the Portuguese 12th year.

Comparing British and Portuguese classifications

Q
How do British classifications compare with Portuguese classifications?

A
Classifications or grades in the British system are given in letters, A being the highest and E being the lowest. Although there is no official table, as a guide we suggest that A corresponds to 18 to 20, B to 15 to 17, etc.

The following table is merely a guide and is in no way official.

Candidates with 12 or 13 points may find themselves at a disadvantage in relation to other candidates, if the required grades for the course are As and/or Bs at 'A' level, although this criteria may vary according the course and the institution.

Finding out about equivalents

Q
What is equivalent to British qualifications in Portugal?

A
In Portugal universities give equivalence or parity to foreign higher education level qualifications. As well as finding out about equivalents at Portuguese universities that offer the same or similar courses to the one you will take in Britain, you should contact the respective Portuguese orders or professional associations, in order to know what recognition is given to any British course.

We also recommend that you contact the NARIC – National Academic Recognition Information Centres regarding equivalence of British academic qualifications in Portugal:

Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior
Direcção Geral do Ensino Superior
NARIC - National Academic Recognition Information Centres
Avenida Duque de Ávila, 137
1069-016 Lisboa
T 21 312 6000
www.naricportugal.pt/naric

Find out more about the Bologna Process.

Finding out about the translation of certificates

Q
Does the British Council translate academic certificates?

A
We do not translate (or authenticate translations of) Portuguese qualifications. However, we can certify school, academic and professional British qualification documents. For more information, see our Portugal/UK equivalencies page.

Q
When should I send the authenticated translations of the academic certificates to the institutions?

A
Only when they ask for them.