Brazil

Applicants to a Masters programme often have to take entrance examinations, but check with your university as there are also other selection processes. Entrance examinations, when they are required, may include written and an interview during which the panel assesses the applicant’s motivations.

As with most countries, applications for most postgraduate courses can be made online via individual university websites. Sometimes you will have to contact your chosen department and ask for a form to be sent to you by e-mail. Deadlines for applications for postgraduate study vary depending on the university but can be relatively early. Remember that the academic year starts in February so make sure you check with admissions departments of individual institutions when the deadline is.

As part of the application, you will usually have to provide:

•     An application form
•     Official copies of diplomas (“Official” means that it may have to be stamped by a lawyer or by local authorities at your local town hall, consulate or embassy)
•     Undergraduate transcripts
•     A CV that includes participation in subject-relevant conferences/meetings/courses, experience in teaching, publications as well as relevant professional experience
•     Two or three reference letters
•     A letter from an academic who has agreed to be your supervisor
•     A copy of the receipt showing that you have paid your application fee (where applicable)

The selection process normally consists of reviewing your qualifications, professional experience and the relevance of the course chosen for your future career.

Entry requirements:

In Brazil, you need a licentiatura (or any international equivalent to a Bachelor degree) to apply for a Masters. If your long-term aims are to do a PhD, then make sure you select a Masters degree considered as strictu sensu.

By contrast, lato sensu degrees represent a specialisation in a professional area (such as Medicine or Law). A Masters in Management is the equivalent of an MBA.

Examinations and courses are generally delivered in Portuguese so it is essential that you have adequate levels of Portuguese proficiency. To demonstrate your knowledge of Portuguese, you will have to provide a Celpe-Bras certificate, the only Portuguese language test recognised in Brazil.

Even if your course is taught in English, you will require at least some Portuguese before you start your studies (and for everyday life). Most universities offer both pre-sessional and in-sessional intensive Portuguese courses so be sure to find out about those.
Masters student visas in Brazil

There is quite a lot of red tape and bureaucracy in Brazil and the process of getting a visa is rather lengthy.

As a student, you will have to apply for a visa belonging to the category of “temporary residence” visas, which involve considerably more bureaucracy than the simple tourist visa (which would not be long enough for your Masters or PhD). Visas for studies in Brazil are issued for up to one year (renewable).

You will have to apply for your student visa well before your departure to Brazil at a Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country. In most cases the application process takes two to three months, so allow plenty of time.

For a temporary residence visa, students have to submit the following documents:

•     A passport that is valid for at least six months.
•     Application form (Pedido de Visto) in duplicate.
•     Two passport-size photos.
•     Police statement of no criminal record (not older than 3 months), 1 original and 1 copy.
•     Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay (this may be bank statements, scholarship letter or a letter of guarantee from your parents).
•     Medical examination and yellow fever vaccination card (only if you are from countries it applies to).
•     Confirmation from your educational institution in Brazil stating your enrolment and the duration of your stay. Your host university must be recognised by the Brazilian Ministry of Education.

Once in Brazil you have to register with the federal police within 30 days of your arrival. Beware, federal police offices are sometimes found in international airports rather than the city you are living in (therefore, if you can bear it, complete your police registration when you land in the city you’ll be studying in). Police registration is necessary to formalise your stay and to get an ID card for foreigners. If you fail to present yourself for police registration, a tax will be charged for each day past the 30 days limit. It may prevent you from applying for visa extensions or visa renewal.

As a temporary residence visa holder, you may also apply for a visa for accompanying family members. Note also that as a student in Brazil you are not permitted to take up any paid work, and it’s the same for any dependents or spouse that come with you.

When you need to renew your visa, you will have to submit an application to the Federal Police Department at least 30 days before the expiration date.

Next steps:

If you’re tempted to study a Masters in the home of the samba, you can take a look at the Brazilian Masters listed on our website. You can also read our guide to postgraduate life in Brazil.

Already thinking about post-Masters opportunities in Brazil? As one of the emerging BRICS economies (and the largest economy in Latin America), Brazil offers employment possibilities in many sectors, from oil and agriculture to finance and manufacturing.

Any Portuguese you’ve picked up will stand you in good stead, whether in Brazil or further afield – it’s the sixth most spoken native language in the world.

A Brazilian mestrado is also excellent preparation for PhD study.

Please contact 01958-666999 & 01958-666900 for more info.