Study in Brazil

The big overview article about studying in Brazil will tell you about universities, tuition fees, levels of education,  financing, admission process, language requirements, exchange programs, student visas and living in Brazil.

Levels of study in Brazil

There are three levels of study in Brazil:

  1. Bachelor's degree (Bacharelado);

  2. Master's degree (Mestrado);

  3. Doctorate/Postgraduate degree (Doutorado).

These three stages correspond to the three cycles of the Bologna Process, the European higher education system, even though Brazil has no formal agreement with the European Union.

Besides, the Licenciatura degree is similar to the Bachelor's degree, but it is designed for students who want to become school teachers.

The Bachelor's degree in Brazil will not only give you a life in a student environment that will be the envy of your friends, it will also give you an excellent education. Brazilian universities are improving their quality, ranking higher and higher in the world's top 500 universities. Also, Brazil's economy is one of the most dynamic in the world, which means resourceful graduates can be part of the future development.

If you're thinking about pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in Brazil, you're sure to have a vibrant experience. Famous for its carnivals and diverse culture, Brazil also has a number of universities in the world's university rankings (QS World University Rankings 2014/15 ).

The University of São Paulo (Universidade de São Paulo (USP)) is the best university in Brazil, while the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) ranks second and the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro in third place.

The master's degree in Brazil is 2 years and the first stage of postgraduate study. Courses usually consist of both teaching and research activities, culminating in a thesis.

Universities of Brazil

There are more than 2,000 institutions of higher education in Brazil, where universities are divided into the following categories:

  • federal government universities;

  • public government universities;

  • municipal universities;

  • private universities.

It is generally recognized that public universities provide the highest quality education in the country and, therefore, competition for a university place is high.

In order to be admitted to Brazilian universities, applicants must pass an entrance exam, the so-called vestibular exam. The exams usually take place once a year (in December or January), although some universities may hold exams more frequently.

The academic academic year in Brazil usually begins in February.

For more information about the country's institutions, and postgraduate programs, check the CRUB website: Conselho de retoires das universidades Brasileiras - Brazilian Universities .

Cost of Education in Brazil

The cost of education in Brazil is virtually zero. Federal and state universities do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate or graduate programs. In this case, only international students will have to pay a registration fee after enrolling in a course.

Municipal universities tend to be small institutions and may sometimes charge tuition. Private universities are always fee-based.

The cost of tuition at private universities will vary greatly depending on the institution and course, so you should check each institution before you apply.

Financing to study in Brazil

International students are eligible for all educational scholarships available to Brazilian students, including subsidies for housing, books, food and transportation.

This means it will be easier to secure funding from an organization in the recipient's home country while you are still in your home country, so if you need financial support, plan for it before you leave.

If you plan to study in Brazil for one semester only, you may be eligible for financial support from the sending university. Discuss funding options with your university's finance department before you travel.

You can also seek scholarships and grants through your country's Brazilian embassy or consulate.

How to go to Brazil

You can apply for a postgraduate program on the website of a particular university, even though most are written in Portuguese.

To study in Brazil, you will need to submit all your degrees from an accredited higher education institution back home.

You will need to certify that you hold a licentiate degree (or bachelor's degree) when applying for graduate school, as well as provide additional documents such as:

  • application form;

  • certified copies of diplomas;

  • recommendations;

  • the topic of research;

  • a letter of recommendation from your supervisor or faculty member;

  • photos of personality.

These requirements may vary depending on your major and the school to which you are applying.

Brazilian language requirements

University classes and exams are usually in Portuguese, so you must prove your language proficiency to apply.

You can provide a certificate of proficiency in Portuguese as a foreign language (CELPE-Bras). Only the Portuguese language exam is recognized in Brazil. Please refer to the Embassy of Brazil in London - Certificate of Language Proficiency for more information. Embassy of Brazil in London - Certificate of Proficiency in Portuguese (CELPE - Bras) .

Few universities offer international programs taught in English, but basic knowledge of Portuguese is required.

Student Visa to Brazil

If you decide to study in Brazil, you should apply for a student visa through the Brazilian Consulate General in your country. The visa is issued for one year, but it can be renewed.

You can fill out the application online, but you must send a completed and signed copy to your country's Brazilian Consulate, along with the following documents, to fulfill all requirements:

  • a passport valid for at least 6 months after graduation;

  • a copy of your birth certificate;

  • two printed and signed visa application forms;

  • two passport-size photos;

  • copy of the letter of acceptance from the Brazilian university;

  • certificate of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay;

  • conviction history for the last three months;

  • medical certificate.

You must register at the local Federal Police Station within 30 days of arrival in Brazil, in order to process your stay in Brazil and obtain a foreigner identification card. If you do not do this, you will be required to pay tax for each day overdue after 30 days of stay. This may affect the further application for a new visa or for its extension.

It is important! Double check all information with the Brazilian embassy in your country before you travel.

Exchange and Internship Programs in Brazil

There are several programs offered by exchanges and internships that allow students to study at universities in Brazil. These programs include:

  • Study in Brazil (Study in Brazil) is a program designed to support education in Brazil for international students and student exchange organizations.

  • The Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) International Mobility Exchange Program is a student exchange program that helps students who wish to study in Brazil.

  • IAESTE  science, technology and engineering students have the opportunity to get 12-week paid internships during the summer and at other times of the year for an extended period.

Brazilian exchange internships are available for postgraduate studies at some universities in Russia and abroad. For more information, contact your university.

Doctoral programs in Brazil

Doctoral programs in Brazil include primarily a PhD, the highest degree of study. Doctoral studies are 3-4 years.

To enter doctoral programs in Brazil, you must have a master's degree (or its international equivalent).

Living and living expenses in Brazil

Brazilian universities usually do not offer housing for their students, so unlike other countries, most students live in the private sector.

You should contact the international department of your chosen university in advance to see if they can help with housing. It may be a good idea to book a place in a hostel for your first month, as it is much easier to find accommodation once you are there. Living Costs: Compared to other countries in South America, Brazil has relatively high housing costs. Meals and public transportation are more expensive than in other South American countries.

Renting, specifically what you can expect when renting accommodation in Brazil:

  • A room from a place owner-180-350 Brazilian reais per month

  • Pension -350-800 Brazilian reais per month (room, meals included)

  • Furnished apartment -500-2000 Brazilian reais per month, depending on the city and place where you live

2022-01-14 07:14:06
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