Germany and Brazil have more in common than most students realize. Southern Brazil — particularly Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná — was shaped by 19th-century German immigration. German is still spoken in communities like Blumenau and Novo Hamburgo. Beyond that cultural thread, Germany has long been one of Brazil's most important academic partners: the CAPES-DAAD cooperation has funded thousands of Brazilian researchers, and Germany ranks among the top five destinations for Brazilian students abroad. What makes Germany stand out today is the combination of no tuition fees, a strong industrial economy, and a 18-month post-study work visa that gives graduates a genuine pathway into the European labor market.
Why Germany works for Brazilian students
No APS certificate required — Brazilian degrees are directly recognized
No tuition fees at public universities — only €150–€350 semester contribution
Strong CAPES-DAAD bilateral scholarship program (PROBRAL)
DAAD has a dedicated office in São Paulo supporting Brazilian applicants
Over 1,500 English-taught degree programs
Large Brazilian community in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and university cities
BRL→EUR transfers are straightforward via Wise, OFX, or major Brazilian banks
18-month job-search visa after graduation opens the European job market
What to be aware of before you apply
You need a German national student visa — apply at the German Embassy in Brasília or consulates in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, or Recife
German visa appointment slots in São Paulo can be limited — book early
A 3-year licenciatura may require equivalency review at some universities; 4-year bacharelado is universally accepted
Most undergraduate programs are in German — master's programs offer far more English options
Blocked account (~€11,208) must be funded before your visa appointment
Your route from Brazil to Germany
- Research programs — DAAD database for English-taught degrees; direct university websites for German-taught
- Apply to universities — direct application or via uni-assist for ~170 universities
- Open a Sperrkonto (blocked account) and fund it with ~€11,208
- Apply for a German national student visa at the German Embassy/Consulate
- Travel to Germany, enrol, register at Einwohnermeldeamt, obtain student residence permit
The CAPES-DAAD connection
Brazil's strongest bilateral scholarship bridge
CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior) and DAAD have maintained one of the world's most active bilateral academic partnerships for decades. The PROBRAL program funds collaborative research projects between Brazilian and German universities at undergraduate and graduate levels. DAAD also runs individual scholarships specifically open to Brazilian students for study and research stays in Germany. If you are considering a master's or PhD, checking current CAPES and DAAD Brazil opportunities should be one of your first steps.
Deep-dive guides for Brazil students in Germany
Each guide covers its topic in full — not the surface-level overview you find everywhere else.
How to Apply
No APS needed — Brazilian degrees are recognized. Direct applications, uni-assist, and what documents you'll need.
Blocked Account
Sperrkonto requirements and how to transfer BRL to EUR via Wise or your Brazilian bank.
Student Visa
German national student visa for Brazilians — Embassy Brasília, consulates, documents, and timelines.
Cost of Living
Monthly budgets by German city and a comparison with what you spend in Brazil's major cities.
Scholarships
DAAD, CAPES-DAAD PROBRAL, CNPq, and German political foundation grants for Brazilian students.
Post-Study Work
18-month job seeker visa, EU Blue Card salary thresholds, and the path to permanent residence.
Student Life
Brazilian community, banks, health insurance, Anmeldung, and practical first-week steps.
German Language
When you need German, and the best ways to learn in Brazil before you go.
Ready to start your journey to Germany?
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