Masters Study in Brazil – A Guide for 2026

Brazil is the largest country in South America, with over 212 million people and Portuguese as its main language. It’s known for its world-class universities, mix of cultures, and wide landscapes that range from the Amazon rainforest to big cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Though it may not be the first place that springs to mind when considering postgraduate study abroad, a Masters in Brazil can be an excellent choice for international students in various subject areas.

Brazil is a fascinating location for any postgraduate student looking to live in a country known for exciting cities, dynamic culture, stunning beaches and an incredible biodiversity.

A Masters in Brazil gives you the opportunity to experience all of this while studying at some of Latin America’s most renowned universities. Here are some of the reasons why you should be thinking about a postgraduate degree in Brazil this year:

• Free tuition at most public universities, even for international students.
• English-language programmes, with nearly 700 courses taught in English.
• Highly ranked universities, dominating Latin American league tables.
• A unique lifestyle, from vibrant cities to beaches and rainforests.

Brazil's higher education system includes around 300 public universities and 2,500 private institutions. Public universities are generally considered the strongest academically due to government reforms and research investment.

Public institutions include:

• Federal universities
• State universities
• Research centres (these can be both federal and state run)
• Technical higher education institutions under municipal authority

All universities have acronyms (in Portuguese) and those starting with UF are the federal universities.

Brazil consistently places many universities among the best in Latin America, with strong global recognition.

Brazilian universities consistently rank among the best in Latin America. This is reflected by several universities being included in the top 800 in the world.

A Masters degree in Brazil is called a mestrado and usually lasts two years. It combines taught coursework with a research dissertation.

To graduate, students must:

• Sit a qualifying exam
• Pass taught course credits
• Write and defend a good dissertation
• Maintain good attendance record

The dissertation examination is very similar to that of a PhD. It's a public defence of your dissertation that's conducted before a panel of PhD-qualified examiners.

Quality assurance is an important part of the Brazilian higher education sector and graduate programmes are evaluated every two years, with scores ranging from one (lowest) to seven (highest). Programmes with scores of three or below are closely monitored by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), a federal agency within the Brazilian Ministry of Education.

Tuition fees

• Public universities: Usually free for international students.
• Private universities: BRL 18,450 - 37,730 (approx. USD $3,305 - 6,720)

Additional costs include application fees, health insurance, and student services.

Scholarships

There are several scholarships available to study in Brazil but a large number are for one-year study abroad (for example as part of a joint-Masters). Your university or department may also have funds for your research. The biggest expense (if you are studying in a public university) will be associated with living costs.

It’s worth noting that international students are entitled to all the educational loans available to Brazilian students, for accommodation, transport, meals, and books.

Bilateral agreements may have made by embassies, consulates or government agencies to provide bursaries to study in Brazil:

• The French embassy in Rio de Janeiro offers French students a bursary for Masters and PhD students in the social and sciences through the Réseau Français d’Etudes Brésiliennes (REFEB).
• The embassies of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola also have scholarships available to study in Brazil through bilateral agreements.
• The Brazilian Student Exchange Program for Graduates (PEC-PG) - see which countries are eligible on theCAPES website.

• The Fulbright program offers grants to talented American postgraduates to study in Brazil.

The Council on International Educational Exchange have grants available for American students to study abroad:

• Need-based grants (GAIN)
• Various merit-based scholarships

Applications are made directly through university websites. Some courses require entrance exams and interviews.

Typical application documents include:

• Application form
• Certified diplomas and transcripts
• CV
• Reference letters
• Supervisor agreement letter
• Application fee receipt

Deadlines vary, and because the academic year begins in February, early preparation is essential.

Entry requirements

• A Bachelor's degree (licentiatura or equivalent)
• Portuguese proficiency via Celpe-Bras certificate
• Some English-taught courses still require basic Portuguese knowledge

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.

After arrival, students must register with the Federal Police within 30 days. Working while studying is not permitted, and visas must be renewed annually.

Culture and daily life

Brazilians are friendly, social and relaxed. Football, music, dance and festivals are deeply woven into society in the cities.

Food and drink

Here are some famous examples of Brazilian food and drink for you to try during your time there:

• Feijoada (national dish)
• Tropical fruits such as papaya and mango
• Coffee
• Caipirinhas made with cachaça

Climate

Brazil's climate varies widely:

• North: tropical and rainy
• South: hot summers and cold winters
• Seasons are opposite to Europe and North America

Accommodation

Most universities do not offer housing to international students, making private accommodation your only option. Here are some typical monthly costs for accommodation:

• Shared room: R$800 - 1,200
• Small flat: R$1,000 - 1,500
• Utilities/internet: R$300 - 400

Everyday costs

• Transport pass: R$228
• Cheap meal: R$30
• Groceries: R$600 - 700/month

Average student budget: R$2,500 - 3,000 per month

Travel

• Long-distance buses are affordable and comfortable
• Domestic flights save time
• Driving is challenging in large cities

Banking

Students usually cannot open Brazilian bank accounts. International banks are recommended for transfers and access.

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available to residents, but private care is faster. Personal health insurance is strongly advised.

Brazil’s growing economy offers opportunities in agriculture, energy, finance, manufacturing and research. A Brazilian mestrado is also excellent preparation for PhD study worldwide. Portuguese language skills further enhance global employability. Brazil’s growing economy offers opportunities in agriculture, energy, finance, manufacturing and research. A Brazilian mestrado is also excellent preparation for PhD study worldwide. Portuguese language skills further enhance global employability.

Before you start packing for Brazil, here are a few personal tips to help you prepare and settle in more smoothly:

• Research your course carefully: make sure it matches your academic goals and language ability
• Learn Portugues early: even basic skills transform your experience
• Embrace the culture: food, music and festivals are part of learning in Brazil. Learn about the culture and have a party - sounds like a win-win to me!
• Budget realistically: costs vary greatly by city
• Start visa paperwork early: bureaucracy takes time
• Be patient and flexible: Brazil rewards those who adapt