Brazilian students apply directly to Spanish universities. Brazilian academic credentials are generally well-recognized in Spain — there is a bilateral framework for degree recognition through the Ibero-American space, and Brazilian universities (USP, UNICAMP, UFRJ, FGV, etc.) are known by Spanish admissions offices. For master's entry, a Brazilian bachelor's (bacharelado) is typically equivalent to the Spanish Grado and accepted directly. For bachelor's entry, the Brazilian ENEM (Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio) or completion of Brazilian Ensino Médio is the standard entry qualification.
Application Process for Brazilian Students
- Choose your program: studyineurope.eu, university websites. Spanish universities with strong ties to Brazil include Universidade de Salamanca, Universitat de Barcelona, UAM, UAB (Barcelona), and Complutense de Madrid. IE University and ESADE attract Brazilian business students.
- Check language requirements: Spanish B2/C1 for Spanish-medium programs. Many master's programs in law, humanities, business, and social sciences are Spanish-medium — Brazilian students can often reach the required level quickly.
- Prepare documents: Brazilian degree (Histórico Escolar + Diploma), ENEM results (for undergraduate), transcripts, language certificate (DELE B2 or SIELE), motivation letter, reference letters, passport.
- Apostille documents: Brazilian documents require apostille from the Cartório (notary office) designated by your state justice system — Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention. The Brazilian apostille is issued at cartórios de notas (notary offices) officially designated for the apostille service.
- Sworn translation (Tradução Juramentada): Official documents in Portuguese must be accompanied by sworn translation (tradução juramentada) into Spanish. In Brazil, sworn translators are certified by the state Junta Comercial.
- Apply to universities: Applications open January–March for September intake; deadlines May–July. Apply to 3–5 programs.
- After admission: Proceed with student visa application at Spanish consulate.
Brazilian Credential Recognition in Spain
| Ensino Médio (Brazilian secondary) | Recognized for bachelor's entry — ENEM scores may be requested by some universities |
|---|---|
| Bacharelado (Brazilian bachelor's) | Accepted for master's entry — equivalent to Spanish Grado (4-year) |
| Licenciatura (Brazilian teaching degree) | Accepted for master's entry — may need equivalence assessment |
| Mestrado (Brazilian master's) | Accepted for doctoral programs |
| Apostille | Brazilian cartório apostille — Brazil is a Hague Convention member; cartórios can issue directly |
| Sworn translation | Tradução juramentada by certified sworn translator (Junta Comercial certified) required |
Frequently Asked Questions
There is an Ibero-American framework for academic credential recognition that facilitates recognition between Brazilian and Spanish degrees. Specific bilateral agreements between individual universities also exist. For formal degree homologation (homologación) in Spain — needed for regulated professions like medicine, law, or engineering — you follow Spain's homologation process through the Ministry of Education regardless of nationality. Contact the target Spanish university for program-specific guidance.
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