Brazil: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Higher education in Brazil is provided by federal, state, municipal and private institutions, as well as other higher education institutions such as foundations, federations and independent establishments. Undergraduate programmes usually last four to six years and graduate programmes last from two to six years, depending on the level of research.

Some government initiatives exist to help expand state university places, such as the scholarship programme PROUNI (Programa Universidade para Todos) , implemented to encourage students to continue their education.

What courses are available?

• First stage: Bacharelado (Bachelors degree), Licenciatura. The Bacharelado is usually obtained after four to six years of study, depending on the institution and the field of study. The Licenciatura is generally awarded after four years' study to students who wish to become school teachers.
• Second stage: Mestrado (Masters degree). This is the first stage of postgraduate study, awarded upon completion of a minimum of one year's study following the Bacharelado or Licenciatura to students who have followed a certain number of courses, passed examinations and submitted a thesis.
• Third stage: Doutorado (Doctorate). The highest degree. The Doutorado normally requires three to four years' further study.

Where can I study?

Visit the following websites for details of universities and courses in Brazil:

• Universities Worldwide  - links to universities in Brazil.
• CRUB: Conselho de retoires das universidades Brasileiras - Brazilian Universities  - contains comprehensive information about each institution and the availability of postgraduate courses.
• Times Higher Education University Rankings  - links to universities in Brazil.
• Top Universities  - provides information on global university ranking, including Brazil.

Applying for postgraduate study

The entrance requirements vary depending on the university, but the following can be used as a guide:

Foreign students must hold a secondary school-leaving certificate that is recognised by the Brazilian Ministry of Education  and pass an examination (Concurso Vestibular) comprising papers in Portuguese language and Brazilian history and geography.

Students from Latin American and African countries that have signed cultural agreements with Brazil are exempted from this examination and from paying tuition fees.

Deadlines for applications for postgraduate study vary depending on the university. Check with admissions departments of individual institutions.

Applications for the majority of postgraduate courses can be made online via individual university websites or by emailing the department contact via the graduate/postgraduate section of individual university websites. The application usually requires a personal statement and at least one academic reference. Most Brazilian university websites are written in Portuguese only.

Deadlines for applications for postgraduate study vary depending on the university. Check with admissions departments of individual institutions.

Fees and scholarships

Costs will vary depending on the university and the course that you wish to apply for. Contact each university directly for specific details.

Foreign students are entitled to all the facilities available to Brazilian students, including scholarships, loans (for accommodation, transport, meals, books and documentation) and assistance with the payment of study fees.

For a detailed list of useful links relating to courses, research funding and institutions in Brazil, see the Centre for Brazilian Studies at the University of Oxford .

Are there any exchange programmes?

There is the possibility of exchange programmes to Brazil through some UK universities at postgraduate level that have specialist Latin America studies centres. Examples include:

• Centre of Latin American Studies, University of Cambridge;
• Centre for Latin American Studies, University of Essex;
• Institute for the Study of the Americas, University of London;
• Centre for Latin American Cultural Studies, University of Manchester.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

The UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  has information on the comparison of Brazil and UK qualifications and higher education structures. Your university careers service may have access to the login service on their website to access information on your behalf. If you have a specific job goal/employer/sector in mind, check via professional bodies or human resource departments of employers before committing to postgraduate study in Brazil.