The measure, which came into effect on Tuesday, aims to improve Portugal’s adult education rates, given that around 62 percent of Portuguese adults aged 25 to 64 did not finish secondary school.
The pilot project starts this school year in two schools, and will be applied progressively until the 2018-2019 school year.
It may also be opened to students who, upon turning 16, are looking for employment or are at risk of dropping out and is applicable to Portuguese citizens living overseas.
Despite being an online distance learning course, there are Recurring Secondary Education Distance Learning (ESRaD) centres in local ‘headquarter’ schools, which will help students and accompany their progress.
Students can opt to study at home or in classrooms at headquarter schools, and will sit exams in January, April, June and July.