Studying in Brazil: requirements

One of the basic requirements for accepting German applicants for a first degree in Argentina is a German university entrance qualification such as the Abitur . The State Education Council ( Conselho Estadual de Educação ) is responsible for recognition. The application is submitted by the respective Brazilian university.

However, this is not yet sufficient: for foreign applicants, too, it is mandatory to take off the aforementioned vestibular . In terms of its requirements, this aptitude test roughly corresponds to the German Abitur. However, due to the country-specific content, it is much more difficult for foreign applicants to pass. The questions asked depend on the subject for which the examinees are applying.

Usually the vestibular takes place in December or January. Brazilian applicants sometimes spend a whole year preparing for it. International applicants should have a very good command of Portuguese and deal intensively with Brazilian cultural studies . This is the only way they have a real chance of getting a place at university in Brazil.

Proof of sufficient knowledge of Portuguese is the CELPE Bras certificate . Some Brazilian universities offer special preparation and language courses for the vestibular and subsequent studies . In some cases it is possible for foreigners to answer in English in the exams, but the questions are always in Portuguese. And as a rule, the lessons are also held in Portuguese.

It is easier to go to Brazil for a semester or two abroad . Because anyone who is already studying at a German university does not need to take off the vestibular . After the official recognition of the academic achievements made so far, the students can apply directly to the relevant university. Regardless of whether you are in graduate or postgraduate studies or doing a doctorate.

Such a year or semester abroad is called matérias isoladas . The students can freely combine courses and lectures from different subjects and years. At the end of the semester, the students receive a certificate for the individual subjects. However, advanced knowledge of Portuguese is also required here, as there are usually no courses in English.

Costs and financing options

As a country located in South America according to travelationary, Brazil’s public universities do not charge tuition fees. Rather, they have a kind of administration fee that amounts to the equivalent of around one hundred euros per semester. The situation is different with private educational institutions. They charge tuition fees: These are mostly based on the choice of subject. The costs amount to the equivalent of around three hundred euros per subject.

The cost of living in Brazil is lower than in Germany. But of course that also depends on the lifestyle. Those who do not want to do without certain goods and standards will ultimately need just as much money as in Germany. In metropolises like São Paolo or Rio de Janeiro, the monthly expenses are of course higher than in the smaller cities.

Student dormitories are rather rare in Brazil and accordingly the places are mostly taken. The rooms are often reserved for locals in need of social needs. It is not uncommon for Brazilian students to live in houses that are completely rented by fellow students. A room in such a republic costs the equivalent of around EUR 100 per month. Foreign students can usually find a good place here.

Accommodation with a host family is recommended . So you can enjoy Brazilian hospitality and only pay around one hundred to three hundred euros a month. If you want to rent your own apartment, you should calculate around three hundred to four hundred euros a month. The Assessoria de Relações Internacionais (International Office) gives foreigners the opportunity to establish contact with landlords and host families. However, there is one thing to keep in mind when looking for accommodation: the districts with the cheapest housing offers are usually also the most insecure.

German students are allowed to work in Brazil if they have successfully applied for a work permit . However, the wage level in the country is quite low. Another option are various domestic and foreign scholarship programs. The DAAD and other public and private foundations have various offers aimed at particularly needy or talented students.

The Auslands-BAföG is also a good option . An application is sometimes also worthwhile for those who are not entitled to BAföG in Germany, as the assessment limits for the Auslands-BAföG are higher. Studying in Brazil can also be financed with a low-interest student loan .

Visa and entry into Brazil

German students need a passport that is valid for at least six months to enter Brazil. Upon arrival, the local police station ( Policia Federa l) will issue you the preliminary carteira de estrangeiro . If your stay lasts longer than 90 days , you have to apply for a student visa . For that you need

• a certificate of enrollment from the Brazilian university
• a current police clearance certificate
• several passport photos
• proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.

The student visa is valid for one year.

It is strongly recommended that you take out foreign health insurance while you are still in Germany . You should also refresh your vaccinations before your stay and do not forget to protect yourself against tropical diseases . Important: If you need to stay in hospital, you have to make some kind of advance payment. Without this there is no medical treatment.