Study in Brazil
The largest South American nation, offering a wide range of public and private institutions. The official language of instruction is **Portuguese**. Requires a **VITEM IV (Temporary Student Visa)** and compulsory registration with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) for the National Migration Registration Card (RNM).
Application timeline
4-8 weeks (Consular Visa)
Living cost
USD 500 - 1,000/month (Moderate)
Hourly wage
BRL 7 - 15 (USD 1.4 - 3) (Market rate for part-time/internships)
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Brazil.
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Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
VITEM IV (Temporary Student Visa) + RNM
Long-stay, Academic
Validity
Up to 1 year (VITEM IV), 1 year (RNM, renewable)
Processing time
4-8 weeks (Consular Visa) + Compulsory RNM registration within 90 days of arrival.
Fee
USD 100 - 150 (Variable/Reciprocity Fee) + RNM/Registration Fee (BRL 200 - 500).
Work rights
Yes, students are **allowed to work part-time** with the VITEM IV and RNM registration, but a formal work permit (Carteira de Trabalho e Previdência Social - CTPS) registration is required for official employment.
Documents required
Acceptance Letter, Financial Proof, Valid Passport, Health Insurance, Police Clearance (for over 18), Visa Application Form, and a sworn statement of no criminal record.
Dependents
Yes, dependents can apply for a family reunion visa (VITEM XI). · Yes, once the family reunion visa and subsequent RNM are processed, a work permit is typically permitted.
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
Rio de Janeiro · Global Top/National Top
Chemical Engineering (Portuguese)
5 years · Free (0 USD/yr, Only registration fees apply)
Master in Economics (Portuguese)
2 years · Free (0 USD/yr, Only registration fees apply)
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)
Rio de Janeiro · Private Top
Bachelor in International Relations (Portuguese/Some English electives)
4 years · USD 10,000 - 15,000/yr (High Intl Fee)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
CAPES/CNPq Scholarships (Postgraduate)
Monthly stipends/Tuition waivers (Very competitive).
High-achieving postgraduate students in specific, prioritized fields.
Bilateral Exchange Scholarships
Travel grants/Partial stipends.
Specific to agreements between the Brazilian government and home country government/university.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
Erasmus+ Program
1-2 semesters
Students from partner countries/universities in Europe.
Bilateral/International Agreements
Variable
Specific agreements with North American and European countries.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Security Concerns
Students must be mindful of safety, especially in major urban centers like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, due to high levels of petty and serious crime.
Bureaucracy
The post-arrival process of registering with the Federal Police for the RNM card is mandatory and often complex and time-consuming. Start immediately upon arrival.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Attain high-level Portuguese proficiency (essential for public university and jobs); immediately register with the Federal Police (PF) upon arrival to get your RNM card; secure formal
degree-related internships.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
Portuguese
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Time zone
UTC-05:00 to UTC-03:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
Internships (Estágios)
BRL 8 - 15/hr (USD 1.5 - 3/hr)
Formal, paid internships in an academic field are common for students and offer excellent professional experience. Part-time work is allowed up to 30 hours a week.
Language Teaching/Tutoring
BRL 20 - 40/hr (USD 4 - 8/hr)
Teaching English or other in-demand languages privately (often informal/freelance).
Retail/Hospitality
BRL 7 - 12/hr (USD 1.4 - 2.5/hr)
Jobs in malls, shops, or restaurants, particularly common in major cities. Requires Portuguese and RNM registration.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Medium. Work is officially allowed, but highly competitive and almost always requires excellent **Portuguese proficiency**. Best prospects are in formal internships (estágios).