Admission Requirements for Postgraduate & PhD Studies in Brazil
In Brazil, the graduate studies encompass masters or doctoral degree programmes. To gain admission in a graduate programme, students must hold a bachelor, licentiate degree or professional diploma. Admission to the graduate studies is subject to particular standards and requisites, which vary depending upon the institution and field of study. Candidates are generally assessed by way of an entrance exam (the entrance exam is subject specific), undergraduate records, letter of recommendation, and personal interviews. Though, the admission requirements depend upon the individual institution.
Master Degree Programmes at Brazilian Universities
Admission Requirements-
For admission to a Master’s programme, you need to hold a licentiatura or any international equivalent to a Bachelor degree. Also, you will have to take entrance examinations but check your university as there are other selection procedures.
Admission Procedure-
You can apply online via individual university website. Sometimes you will have to contact the institution or the chosen department and ask for an application form to be forwarded to you via email. The closing dates for applications for postgraduate studies will vary depending upon the institution and course of study.
Documentation-
Following documents are required-
- Application form and fees
- Undergraduate Transcripts: All previous education transcripts along with grade, course of study details.
- Curriculum Vitae: The curriculum vitae should have your academic background, experience details, academic/professional honors and awards, contact information, volunteer experience, skills and accomplishments. A CV must represent ‘You!’
- Letter of Recommendation: At least 2-3 letters of recommendation are needed. At least one must be from your academic background. It should include your qualities, skills, achievements in order to convince the admissions panel to take you. It should be signed by the individual writing it.
- Motivation Letter: It is a personal statement in which you must explain your interest in the particular course of study and the University. It serves as an opportunity to convince the admissions panel of your traits.
- Academic letter from the supervisor
- Receipt Copy: Indicates that you have paid your application fee
- Copy of Language certificates and entrance exam results- TOEFL/IELTS and CELPE-Bras results
Selection Ways and Means-
The selection procedure comprises of reviewing of qualifications, professional experience, entrance examination and the applicability of the course of study chosen for your future vocation. Check with the respective Institution about the selection ways and means as they vary.
Interview- The personal interview is the most important part of the admissions. Do research about the institution, department and the chosen course. Keep in mind that the interviewer in interested in knowing ‘you’ more- whether you fit in the course/program chosen. Be prepared, confident and positive!
PhD or Doctorate Degree Programme
Admission Requirements-
For admittance to a PhD program in Brazil, you need to hold a strictu sensu “master’s degree” or international equivalent to a Masters.
Also, you will have to take entrance examinations but check your university as there are other selection procedures.
Admission Procedure-
You can apply online via individual university website. You can even ask for an application form via email. Deadlines for applications for doctorate studies vary depending on the institution.
Documentation-
Following documents are required-
- Application form and fees
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Transcripts: Should include your grades, course of study, and other necessary information.
- A copy of your Masters’ thesis and a letter from an academic who has agreed to be your supervisor
- Curriculum Vitae: A CV should include a concise overview of your education-Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and academic achievements. It should also contain your personal details, relevant professional or research experience details, skills, honors and awards, and interest pertinent to the application.
- Letter of Recommendation: At least 2-3 recommendation letter are needed. It should emphasize on your skills and abilities, accomplishments and address your suitability to the program/course of study to which you’re applying.
- Receipt Copy: Showing that you have paid your application fee
- Research Proposal: It should include the topic and the reasons why- why this topic and its importance, what relevance your ideas have to your chose area. It should also contain research methodology and analysis techniques, background, and resources to be used. The most significant point is that you’re able to show a well thought idea and assess your contribution to the current literature and knowledge.
- Motivational Letter: It should state your reasons for applying to this particular institution and course of study, your research interest and future career plans.
Selection Ways and Means-
The selection process comprises of assessing of qualifications, work experience and the pertinence of the course chosen for your future vocation. A few of the universities follow a two-stage application procedure wherein if you’re selected, you may be asked to attend an interview in person or via teleconference. Find out with the respective Institution about the selection ways and means as they vary.
Interview- An interview is a great opportunity for the institution to learn more about you and for you to learn more about the institution. Take advantage of it!
Few common questions related to PhD studies-
- Why you want to pursue this particular PhD?
- What has led you down the path to academic research? Discuss your research interest.
- How can you contribute to the field?
- What are your long-term goals?
Portuguese Language Proficiency
Certificate of Proficiency in Portuguese for Foreigners or CELPE-Bras- International students applying to study in Brazil are required to prove their Portuguese language proficiency by taking a language examination known as CELPE-Bras.
Proficiency in English Language
Scores of either of the tests must be submitted-
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