Enrolling in a public school in Timor-Leste is free of charge for basic education, which is universal and compulsory for nine years from age six under the Education System Framework Law (Law No. 14/2008).
When to Enrol
Enrolment (matrícula) periods follow the official school calendar published by the Ministry each year , the Calendário Escolar 2026 is available under Publications. Schools announce their enrolment dates locally before the start of the school year; national examination calendars for Grades 9 and 12 are disseminated to school leaders in every municipality.
Entry Points
- Pre-school , children aged 3 to 5 (see Pre-School)
- Grade 1 of basic education , children who have turned 6
- Secondary education , students who have completed Grade 9 and its national examinations, choosing between general secondary and technical-vocational tracks
- Recurrent education , youth and adults who left school early (see Recurrent School)
What You Will Need
Requirements are confirmed by each school, but families should generally present:
- The child’s birth certificate (RDTL civil registry)
- School records or certificates from the previous school, for transfers and secondary enrolment
- Parent or guardian identification and contact details
Where to Get Help
Contact the school directly or your municipal education directorate , present in all 13 municipalities and the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno. Enrolment notices are also posted in the Announcements section.