Portuguese Language Tests for Masters Study

If you're applying for a Masters in Portugal or Brazil and Portuguese isn’t your first language, you’ll likely need to prove your language skills. The two main tests are CAPLE (for European Portuguese) and CELPE-Bras (for Brazilian Portuguese). CAPLE has five levels you choose from, while CELPE-Bras uses one test to assess your level. Both are widely recognised by universities and employers in their respective countries.

Thinking about doing a Masters in a Portuguese-speaking country? If Portuguese isn’t your native language, you may need to take one of these exams. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the CAPLE and CELPE-Bras tests — what they are, how they work, and which one you’ll need. I’ll also share advice on how to prepare, what to expect on test day, and a few practical tips to keep you sane along the way.

CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira) is the official test system for European Portuguese. It’s developed through a lovely bit of bureaucratic collaboration between:

• The University of Lisbon

• The Portuguese Department of Education

• The Camões Institute

CAPLE is designed for non-native speakers, and proves to universities (and anyone else who’s asking) that you can handle Portuguese in an academic setting.

CAPLE Qualifications

There are five levels of Portugues language proficiency in the CAPLE with each tied to the CEFR. For a Masters in Portugal, you'll usually need the DAPLE (C1) or DUPLE (C2), but here's the full list of levels for reference:

Exam Format

You’ll be tested on the usual language suspects: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There’s also a grammar component — officially called “syntactic competence” — but let’s be honest, it’s still grammar, just with a fancier name.

Exam length:

• DIPLE: 3 hours 35 minutes

• DAPLE: 4 hours 30 minutes

Exams take place three times a year – in May, July, and November.

Check the CAPLE website for registration dates and sample papers.

How to Prepare – CAPLE

Develop a Structured Study Plan
Make a weekly timetable for your studies. Split your time across reading, writing, speaking and listening so no skill gets neglected. Yes, even grammar.

Engage with Authentic Materials
Watch Portuguese TV, listen to radio or podcasts, and read the news in Portuguese. Not only will it improve your comprehension, but you’ll finally understand all those football commentaries.

Practice Speaking
Talk to native speakers if you can – language exchange partners, tutors, or long-suffering Portuguese friends. Even talking to yourself helps (though maybe don’t do it on public transport).

CELPE-Bras (Certificado de Proficiência em Língua Portuguesa para Estrangeiros) is Brazil’s official Portuguese proficiency exam, approved by the Ministry of Education. If you want to study at a Brazilian university, there’s no getting around it – this is the one they want to see.

It’s also recognised by Brazilian employers and professional bodies. So even if your degree doesn’t demand it, your future job might.

How it works

Rather than choosing a level up front, you sit one exam, and your score places you into one of four categories:

• Intermediate

• Upper Intermediate

• Advanced

• Upper Advanced

Exam format

The exam includes two parts:

Written section (3 hours):

• Two tasks combining listening (audio or video) and writing

• Two tasks combining reading and writing

Oral section (20 minutes):

• A live interview with a real person (not as scary as it sounds)

CELPE-Bras is held twice a year, usually in April and October, both in Brazil and abroad.

Head to the CELPE-Bras website for more info and sample questions.

How to Prepare – CELPE-Bras

Familiarise Yourself with the Exam Format
Knowing the structure in advance is half the battle. It helps you manage your time and reduce exam-day nerves.

Enhance Listening Skills
Listen to Brazilian news, podcasts, and videos to get used to the rhythm and variety of spoken Portuguese. Brazilian soap operas are oddly effective, too.

Practice Integrated Tasks
CELPE-Bras mixes reading, writing, and listening into one seamless panic-inducing blend. So practise tasks that combine those skills.

Always check your university’s exact requirements. Some institutions may accept alternative certificates or waive the language requirement altogether.

How much do the tests cost?

The cost of taking a CAPLE or CELPE-Bras exam depends on the level, country, and test centre. Here’s a general guide:

• CAPLE (Portugal & abroad): Prices range from €65 to €145 (roughly £55 to £125). Beginner levels like CIPLE are cheaper, while advanced levels like DUPLE are more expensive. If you're taking the exam outside Portugal — say, at a UK or US test centre — expect to pay a bit more due to admin fees or exchange rates.

• CELPE-Bras (Brazil & abroad): In Brazil, it usually costs around R$230 to R$300 (about £35 to £45). However, international test centres (in the UK, Europe, or North America) may charge between £60 and £90, depending on the location and local admin costs.

As always, check with your specific test centre — they set the final fee, and prices can change slightly each year.

Let's get you test ready with these extra tips, I couldn't help but think of if I was in your very shoes. . .

Firstly, make sure to register early. Test centres fill up fast, especially if you’re outside a big city. And double-check if your course even needs a language certificate — no point cramming for an exam you don’t actually need.

Not sure of your level? Start lower. It’s better for your confidence (and your sleep schedule). You’ll get a feel for the format without spiralling over complex grammar at 2am.

And finally — be patient. Some days you’ll feel fluent, other days you’ll forget how to say “hello”. That’s normal. Stick with it. It clicks eventually — even if your brain freezes now and then.