CELPE-BRAS Archives -

The Nigerian’s Guide to Studying in Brazil: How to Secure Your Undergraduate Admission

The Nigerian’s Guide to Studying in Brazil: How to Secure Your Undergraduate Admission I was just getting a question about this. Someone asked if it’s possible to move to Brazil for an undergraduate degree. And the answer is a resounding yes! But it’s not just possible; It’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Imagine getting a world-class education for free………………… And a powerful passport to boost your career. And a seamless path to building a new life. It’s a secret many don’t know about, but the time to act is now. So, how do you get started on this journey? The process begins with one very important step. You need a CELPE-BRAS certificate to apply for your undergraduate program. That’s the official Portuguese language proficiency exam required for admission. Are you willing to learn the Portuguese language? …………………………….. If your answer is yes, then you need to book a consultation time. This is where we map out your personalized plan for success. Click here Let me take you on a quick Self-Assessment to see if you Qualified Now, before you get too excited, let’s take a moment for a quick check. From my experience, a lot of people miss key requirements early on. You need to be a national of a PEC-G participating country. And I can tell you that Nigeria is one of them. That’s the first box to tick. …………………………….. You must also be living outside Brazil. This program is for those who are relocating. And you can’t be a dual citizen with Brazil. Now, let’s talk about age. You have to be at least 18 years old by January 1st of the next year. I know this is a big one for a lot of aspirants, so make sure you fit that criteria. And of course, you must have completed or be completing your secondary education. Your high school average must be 60% or more. These programs are competitive, and your grades are your first impression. …………………………….. You also need to demonstrate financial sponsorship. The program is free, but you need someone who can support you. This is a critical part of the process, and it needs to be proven. Lastly, let’s talk about the Portuguese language. This is where most people get tripped up. You have two pathways to meet this requirement. Option 1: You ALREADY meet the Portuguese requirement if: You studied Portuguese officially in high school. OR You have a Celpe-Bras certificate. OR You have an Intermediate Portuguese certificate from Instituto Guimarães Rosa (IGR). In this case, you can apply directly. This is the fastest route to get started. Option 2: You DON’T meet the Portuguese requirement yet: You can still apply for the PEC-PLE + PEC-G programs together. This is an amazing opportunity. You’ll get to take a free Portuguese & Brazilian culture course in Brazil. And you’ll take the Celpe-Bras exam in Brazil after the course. Once you pass, you can start your undergraduate studies.…………………………….. This is just a high-level overview to get you started. You might have questions about common mistakes and the exact documents you need. Stay tuned, because our next blog post will dive deep into those topics. I’ll share some insider tips to make sure your application is perfect. 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.

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

October 2, 2025

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.