Education in Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), an Atlantic island nation off West Africa, is one of the region's more stable and developed countries and has invested strongly in education. Portuguese is the official language and medium of instruction, while Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the everyday spoken language. Literacy is relatively high (around 87%), and the government has expanded free, compulsory basic education.
Structure & stages
The system is organized as:
- Pre-schoolEarly-childhood education
- Basic education (about 8 years)Compulsory, from around age 6
- Secondary education (about 4 years)General and technical tracks leading to further study
Compulsory education & enrolment
Basic education is free and compulsory, beginning around age 6, and Cabo Verde has extended compulsory schooling over time. The school year runs roughly September to June.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools, with instruction in Portuguese. Cabo Verde's investment in education has produced strong enrollment and literacy relative to the wider region.
Private & international schools
Cabo Verde has a modest private and religious school sector, concentrated on the more populous islands such as Santiago and São Vicente.
Curriculum & language of instruction
Instruction is in Portuguese, covering language, mathematics, sciences, and social studies. Cape Verdean Creole is central to daily life, and there have been efforts to strengthen its role in early learning.
Exams & qualifications
Students complete secondary-school examinations at the end of upper secondary, which govern progression to higher education.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the public University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV), alongside private institutions such as the University of Santiago and Jean Piaget University. Many Cape Verdean students also study abroad, especially in Portugal.
Studying in Cabo Verde from abroad
Cabo Verde is not a major destination for international students, though its Portuguese-language institutions welcome enrollees.
- LanguagePortuguese proficiency is essential
- Cape Verdeans abroadMany students study in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, aided by shared language and ties
- PracticalitiesCheck visa and entry requirements directly
Special education & support
Special-education provision is developing, with growing efforts toward inclusion, supported by government and NGO programs; resources vary by island.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon in Cabo Verde; education is school-based, with public and private options.
Costs & funding
Public basic education is free. Private schools and universities charge fees. The Cape Verdean Escudo is pegged to the Euro.
Key facts for families
- LanguagePortuguese (Kriolu widely spoken)
- StructureBasic education (8) + Secondary (4)
- CompulsoryFree basic education from ~age 6
- Higher edUniversity of Cabo Verde
- School yearSeptember to June
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current, official details: