Study in Brazil in English: 2025 Guide to English-Taught Programs

Can You Study in Brazil in English?

You might be actively looking to japa, or maybe it’s your sibling, your friend, or that cousin who just finished NYSC… And recently, you heard about the Brazil Study Route. With opportunities like:

Free tuition.
Fully funded scholarships.
A visa that can lead to residency.
A beautiful country.

Sounds perfect… until one question pops up: “But wait, don’t they speak Portuguese in Brazil? How can I cope? Can I even study in English?” Let’s break it down.

So, Can I study in Brazil without Portuguese?

Yes, but not everywhere. Most universities in Brazil teach in Portuguese. But there are some programs, especially Master’s and exchange programs, that are offered in English. Examples:

COPPEAD Business School (UFRJ) offers a full MBA taught in English.
PUCPR (a private university) offers undergraduate English tutorial classes.
FAAP (São Paulo) has international programs in English for foreign students.

So yes, it’s possible. Just not common.

How Most Students Actually Do It?

Let’s be honest, most Nigerians going through the Brazil study route are not finding full-English programs. Instead:

They apply to a school where classes are taught in Portuguese.
Start learning Portuguese early. They can make use of Duolingo, private tutors, or online classes.
Then continue learning when they arrive.
Some schools even offer Portuguese prep programs or free language support for new students.

What If You Don’t Speak Portuguese Yet?

You’re not alone. A guy on Reddit said: “I couldn’t speak Portuguese when I first got to Brazil. But I picked it up quickly, especially because I had no choice. Everything was in Portuguese.” The truth is, if you’re motivated, you’ll learn fast. The immersion helps. Your brain starts thinking in Portuguese. You don’t have to be perfect… just good enough to survive classes and daily life.

Some students take a 6-month to 1-year language program before they start their actual degree.

If you want to avoid Portuguese completely – stick to these options:

International exchange programs.
Postgraduate programs with English track.
Some private universities like PUCPR, FAAP.

But be ready to pay the price; because most of them come with higher fees. And you’ll still need basic Portuguese to survive outside class.

So, What’s the Smart Move?

If you want to japa through the Brazil Study Route:

Start learning basic Portuguese on time (before you even apply).
Look for universities that offer language support.
Apply early, so you have time for orientation and adjustment.
Get along with Nigerian students that are already in Brazil, they’ll give you the real gist.
For undergraduate study, you need a CELPE-BRAS certificate to apply. That’s a Portuguese language proficiency exam.

Are you willing to learn the Portuguese language? If the answer is Yes, you need to book a consulting time here: Click here.

Don’t even go through that stress of thinking because plenty of Nigerians have done it successfully.

Studying in Brazil in English is possible, but if you’re open to learning Portuguese, your options multiply.

So ask yourself:

“Do I want only English? Or am I ready to step out of my comfort zone for bigger opportunities?”

Either way, you’re not alone. I can help you find the right path.

Need help finding the right university or program?

I wrote a detailed report on Brazil Grad School application

Click here to get this free guide or click this link to book a paid consultation.