In Brazil, you need a mestrado (or an international equivalent to a Masters) to start a PhD. This is the norm in Brazil and even if it is common practice in your home country to accept students directly from a Bachelors degree, it is unlikely to be sufficient in Brazil.
Please note that degrees considered as lato sensu postgraduate qualifications are not suitable for entry onto a PhD programme degree. MBA programmes in Brazil are classified as lato sensu programmes. You will need a stricto sensu Masters degree (comparable to academic Masters in the UK).
Entry requirements
Applicants to a PhD programme often have to take entrance examinations, but check with your university as there are also other selection processes. Entrance examinations, when they are required, may include written tests (often subject-specific) and an interview during which the panel assesses your motivations.
As for most countries, applications for the majority of postgraduate courses can be made online via individual university websites. Sometimes you will have to contact your chosen department and ask for a form to be sent to you by email.
Deadlines for applications for postgraduate study will vary depending on the university but can be really early, and remember that the academic year starts in February so make sure you check with admissions departments of individual institutions when you application needs to be submitted.
As part of the application, you will have to provide:
- Application form
- Official copies of diplomas
- Undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts
- A copy of your Masters thesis
- A CV
- Reference letters
- A letter from an academic who has agreed to be your supervisor
- A copy of the receipt showing that you have paid your application fee (where applicable)
The selection process normally consists of reviewing your qualifications, professional experience and the relevance of the course chosen for your future career. Some universities have a two-stage application process and if you are selected, you may be ask to attend an interview (in person or via video call).
Language requirements
Most examinations and courses are delivered in Portuguese so it is essential that you have adequate levels of Portuguese proficiency. To demonstrate your knowledge of Portuguese, you will have to provide a Celpe-Bras certificate, the only Portuguese language test recognised in Brazil.
For PhD students, there is a small number of departments that are willing to let you apply in English. However, you will require at least some Portuguese before you start your studies (and for everyday life). Universities offer both pre-sessional and in-sessional intensive Portuguese courses.