How to support Brazilian students who want to study in Portugal

For many Brazilian students, Portugal has become one of the most attractive destinations for undergraduate study abroad. Beyond the shared language, Portuguese universities increasingly recognise the Brazilian National High School Exam (ENEM), making the application process more accessible than for many other countries.

One lesson I have learned through counselling Brazilian students, however, is that many initially choose Portugal simply because it feels familiar. While language certainly reduces barriers, students should still carefully consider factors such as teaching style, independence, career goals and long-term professional plans.

This becomes particularly important for regulated professions such as medicine, dentistry or law, where returning to Brazil may require diploma recognition or additional licensing procedures. These conversations should happen before students apply, not after they have already accepted an offer.

Applying to study in Portugal

There is no single application system for Portuguese universities. Unlike Ucas in the United Kingdom or Common App in the United States, each institution manages its own admissions process. This means counsellors should encourage students to read each university’s admissions website carefully and create a personalised application timeline.

Most institutions open their first application rounds between January and February, followed by additional rounds in the spring and summer, although exact dates vary every year. Starting early is essential, particularly for students who will also need to organise visa documentation and housing.

Interpreting Brazilian qualifications

Many Portuguese universities accept Brazilian students based on ENEM scores. This includes institutions such as the University of Porto, the University of Lisbon, the University of Aveiro, the University of Minho and the University of Beira Interior.

However, every university defines its own eligibility criteria, minimum scores and weightings for each programme. Some courses may require higher ENEM results, while others may also request additional documentation or entrance examinations.

I always remind students that using the ENEM does not mean admission is automatic. They should still research the competitiveness of their chosen programme and apply strategically to institutions with different admission profiles.

Choosing a Portuguese university

When discussing university choices, I encourage students to look beyond rankings. Families are often attracted to well-known institutions in Lisbon or Porto, but these cities also have significantly higher living costs.

Students who are open to studying in smaller cities, such as Covilhã, Aveiro or Braga, often find lower accommodation costs while still receiving an excellent education. For example, universities such as the University of Beira Interior offer comparatively affordable tuition and housing, while maintaining strong programmes in areas such as engineering, health sciences and technology.

Financial planning

Although Portugal is generally more affordable than destinations such as the United States or the United Kingdom, studying abroad still represents a significant investment for many Brazilian families.

Tuition fees vary widely between institutions and programmes, and accommodation, food, transportation and health insurance should all be included in the family’s financial planning. I encourage students to prepare a realistic annual budget before submitting any applications, so they fully understand the financial commitment involved.

Many Portuguese universities offer merit scholarships or tuition reductions for Portuguese-speaking students. Some institutions also provide discounts based on academic achievement or early application. However, eligibility criteria differ considerably, so counsellors should always encourage students to verify scholarship information directly with each university instead of assuming that funding opportunities are identical across institutions.

Applying for a visa

Once students receive an offer, the next step is preparing for the visa application. This stage is often underestimated by families.

Students will generally need an official acceptance letter, proof of financial resources, valid health insurance, accommodation arrangements and a valid passport before applying for a Portuguese student visa.

I recommend creating a document checklist as soon as the university offer is received, allowing sufficient time for gathering documentation and scheduling consular appointments. Delays at this stage can create unnecessary stress before departure.