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Study in Brazil

AuthorProspects Editor
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Imagine earning a world-class degree without paying tuition. In Brazil, public universities offer free education up to the postgraduate level, making it one of the most affordable destinations for international students

Brazil, the largest country in South America, spans nearly half of the continent. It is home to the mighty Amazon River, over half of the Amazon rainforest, and 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - from the modernist capital of Brasília to the Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia and the breathtaking Iguaçu National Park.

Its coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres, dotted with stunning beaches such as Rio de Janeiro's world-famous Copacabana. Rich in culture and tradition, Brazil's heritage - and its passion for football - draw millions of visitors each year.

Beyond tourism, the country is also an increasingly popular destination for international students, welcoming thousands annually with its excellent academic opportunities.

Before travelling, always consult the UK government's latest advice for visitors to Brazil.

Brazilian universities

Brazil is home to nearly 300 public universities and over 2,000 private institutions, making it a leading region for higher education in South America.

Public universities are government-funded and tuition-free for both Brazilian and international students. Admission is highly competitive, with roughly ten applicants for every available spot. Public institutions are generally categorised as:

  • Federal universities - managed by the national government.
  • State universities - managed by individual states.
  • Research centres - government- or state-operated, focusing on specialised research.
  • Technical higher education institutions - offering vocational and technical programmes under public oversight.

Private universities do not follow a formal categorisation system. While they charge tuition fees, they often have lower entry requirements and more flexible programmes compared to public institutions.

Brazil is a leader in South American higher education. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the country has 24 universities listed, with four ranked among the global top 500. It also dominates the QS Latin America Rankings 2025, featuring 96 institutions, including four public universities in the top ten:

  • Universidade de São Paulo - 1st
  • Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) - 3rd
  • Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - 5th
  • Universidade Estadual Paulista - 8th.

Degree courses in Brazil

Brazil's higher education system follows the Bologna model, offering Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees. More than 7.3 million students are enrolled in over 400 courses nationwide.

The academic year runs from February to December, with a mid-year break in July.

Undergraduate study is available in three main formats:

  • Bachelors (Bacharelado) - a comprehensive programme lasting three to six years.
  • Licentiate (Licenciatura) - focused on training primary and secondary school teachers, typically lasting three to four years.
  • Technology (Tecnologia) - professionally oriented programmes delivering specialised skills over two to three years.

You can explore degree courses in Brazil by subject and location at 56 Educations.com - Degree courses in Brazil.

Masters degrees

If you're considering a Masters in Brazil, understanding the two main types of programmes - Lato sensu and Stricto sensu - is key to choosing the right path for your goals.

Lato sensu programmes are designed for career-oriented students seeking practical skills and professional specialisation. Typically lasting one year, popular fields include:

  • engineering
  • finance
  • law
  • management
  • medicine
  • technology.

If your goal is to boost your career quickly or gain specialised expertise, a Lato sensu Masters might be the ideal choice.

Stricto sensu programmes are research-focused, usually lasting one to two years, and are the pathway to a PhD. These programmes require completing a thesis and presenting it in a public defence (defesa de dissertação), where you demonstrate the quality of your research and explain your methodology, results, and conclusions. If you're interested in an academic or research career, a Stricto sensu Masters will prepare you for advanced study and open doors to Doctoral opportunities.

To apply for either type, you'll need a Bachelors degree (or an international equivalent) or a professional diploma comparable to a Brazilian undergraduate qualification.

Choosing between Lato sensu and Stricto sensu comes down to your personal and professional goals: whether you want practical, career-focused skills or a research-oriented pathway that leads to a PhD.

PhDs

A Brazilian PhD, or doutorado, represents the highest level of postgraduate study in the country and is typically completed in three to four years. Each year, around 13,000 students graduate with a Doctorate in Brazil.

Leading institutions, such as the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, are internationally recognised for their research programmes, particularly in areas linked to Brazil's unique landscapes, rich natural resources, and diverse society.

Popular research fields include:

  • agriculture
  • biodiversity
  • engineering
  • social sciences.

To pursue a PhD in Brazil, you must hold a Stricto sensu Masters degree or an international equivalent. Since most programmes are offered in Portuguese, proficiency in the language is essential not only for academic success but also for daily life.

Student exchanges

The Brazilian government funds several schemes for exchange students:

  • Undergraduate (PEC-G) - Full undergraduate degrees in Brazil with no tuition or admission fees. Applicants must demonstrate Portuguese proficiency, usually via the Celpe-Bras exam.
  • Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PEC-PLE) - For students needing the Celpe-Bras. The first year is spent in Brazil on free Portuguese language and culture courses before continuing under PEC-G.
  • GCUB-Mob - For students with a Bachelors degree pursuing a Masters or PhD, providing academic support and scholarships.

Get the details on these programmes from Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition to government-funded schemes, universities and travel organisations offer exchange opportunities:

Many universities have partnerships with Brazilian institutions - check with your department or international office to explore available options.

Course fees

As an international student in Brazil, you'll generally pay the same tuition fees as Brazilian nationals. At public universities, education is free up to the postgraduate level, as guaranteed by the Brazilian Federal Constitution.

Private universities, however, charge tuition fees ranging from R$10,000 to R$50,000 (£1,369 to £6,848) per year, depending on the institution and course. Some universities may also require you to pay an application fee.

Regardless of your university, you'll need to cover additional expenses, including:

  • accommodation, food, and leisure activities
  • course materials
  • health insurance
  • student services, sports facilities and library membership
  • transportation (student cards offer discounted fares).

Even when tuition is free, these additional costs can add up quickly, so it's important to budget carefully to ensure a comfortable and manageable student experience.

Funding to study in Brazil

If you're planning to study in Brazil as an international student, you may be eligible for the same financial aid opportunities available to Brazilian students. This support can help cover essential expenses, including:

  • accommodation
  • books
  • meals
  • transport.

On average, students in Brazil spend around R$1,700 (£232) per month on housing, though costs can range from R$260 to R$19,000 (£35 to £2,595) depending on the city and type of accommodation.

While only a few universities offer on-campus housing, many can assist in arranging a homestay. Short-term options, such as hostels, typically cost between R$35 and R$150 (£4 to £20) per day.

For longer-term stays, common options include:

  • Lodging - Renting a bedroom in a home where the owner also lives, costing R$160 to R$350 (£22 to £47) per month.
  • Pensionata - Private rooms with meals included, priced around R$350 to R$800 (£47 to £109) per month.
  • Furnished flats - Depending on the city, rents can reach R$2,000 (£273) per month, though some areas offer rates as low as R$55 (£7.50).

Financial aid policies vary by institution, so it's important to check directly with your university to understand the support available to you.

Student visas

International students must hold a Temporary Student Visa (VITEM IV) to study in Brazil. This visa is issued to students enrolled in recognised institutions accredited by the Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC).

The VITEM IV allows you to study in Brazil for up to one year, with the option to extend if needed. Because the application process can take up to three months, it's important to start early.

To apply for the VITEM IV, you'll need to provide the MEC with:

  • a criminal record certificate
  • a letter of confirmation from your university
  • a valid passport
  • medical records
  • proof of sufficient funds
  • two completed and signed application forms
  • two passport-sized photos.

Within 30 days of arrival in Brazil, you'll also need to register with the Federal Police in your city. This formalises your stay and provides you with a foreigner ID card, which you'll need to open a bank account.

To extend your stay, you'll need to submit a visa renewal application to the Federal Police at least 30 days before your visa expires.

For more details, visit the Embassy of Brazil in London.

How to apply

Admission to Brazilian universities generally requires passing the vestibular, a standardised entrance exam. Typically held over three days between November and January - though some universities offer it every semester - the exam includes multiple-choice and essay questions in subjects such as:

  • biology
  • history
  • literature
  • maths
  • physics
  • Portuguese language.

At public universities, the vestibular is highly competitive, often determining who secures a place. At private institutions, however, it is often more of a formality. When registering for the exam, you will also need to select your intended major. For more details on the vestibular, visit Brazileducation.info - Vestibular exam in Brazil.

Many public universities also operate quota systems, reserving places for applicants from specific racial or cultural backgrounds. If eligible, you can apply either through the national selection system or directly to a university that administers its own entrance exams.

For postgraduate programmes, applications are typically submitted online via individual university websites, though most forms are in Portuguese. In some cases, you may need to contact your chosen department directly to request an application form by email.

Required documents usually include:

  • academic references
  • a completed application form
  • a letter of confirmation from your university supervisor
  • copies of your qualifications, certified by your country's Brazilian embassy
  • CV highlighting relevant academic and professional experience
  • proof of payment for the application fee, if applicable.

Deadlines vary by university and can be relatively early, as the academic year begins in February. Always check with the admissions office of your chosen institution to confirm the exact dates.

Language requirements

To study in Brazil, you'll need to demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese, even for courses offered in English, as most lectures, exams, and coursework are delivered in Portuguese.

The Celpe-Bras certificate is the only Portuguese language test recognised by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). It evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Even if your course is taught in English, basic Portuguese is essential for daily life. Many universities offer intensive Portuguese classes for non-native speakers to help you build your language skills.

Some institutions also provide pre-sessional and in-sessional intensive courses to support your learning throughout your studies.

In the UK, the MEC-accredited institution administering the Celpe-Bras exam is King's College London. The exam is held twice a year, typically in April and October, and includes:

  • Written component (3 hours) - tasks based on video, audio, and text materials.
  • Oral component (20 minutes) - discussion on an unseen topic with an examiner.

For full details of the process, at gov.br.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Brazil's higher education system aligns with the Bologna Process used in the UK, so having your qualifications recognised is generally straightforward.

Typically, UK qualifications are accepted if the Brazilian institution offers an equivalent - for example, a UK Bachelors degree corresponds to a Brazilian bacharelado.

Find out more