Brazil (BR)

South America's largest country, combining major work hubs, world-famous culture, beaches, Amazon biodiversity, strong digital payments, and complex but navigable bureaucracy for expats.

Capital: Brasilia

Region: Americas

Language: Portuguese

Currency: BRL (R$)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)

Emergency: 190

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Brazil.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Creche publica Free in municipal system where place available

Age: 0-3

Subsidy available

Municipal public childcare is free but capacity and quality vary.

Municipal education office/online portal by city.

⏱️ Apply early through municipal channels and keep address documents ready.

Escola infantil privada R$1,500-5,000+ in major cities

Age: 0-5

Direct application to private school with child documents and vaccination record.

Bilingual/international preschool R$3,000-10,000+/month

Age: 2-5

Direct admissions, assessment and deposit; waitlists common.

🏫 Schools

Primary/lower fundamental education Free

Ensino Fundamental I

Ages: 6-10 · Language: Portuguese in public schools; bilingual/private options available

Municipal/state school assignment or direct private application; requires proof of address, birth certificate/passport and vaccination records.

Public school quality varies sharply by neighbourhood and municipality.

Fundamental II and high school Free

Ensino Fundamental II / Ensino Medio

Ages: 11-17 · Language: Portuguese in public system; international curricula in private schools

State/municipal or private school application; prior records may need translation.

University-bound students focus on ENEM and vestibular exams; international schools offer IB/US/British curricula.

International Schools

Major international schools are concentrated in Sao Paulo, Rio, Brasilia, Campinas, Curitiba and some expat/oil/mining hubs. Fees can exceed R$100,000/year plus enrolment, transport and capital fees.

University

Tuition fee

Public universities are tuition-free and highly competitive; private universities range widely from modest to high professional-course fees.

Semester fee

Public universities generally no tuition; private semester fees vary by course and institution.

Student visa

International students use VITEM IV/student residence route.

Health insurance

Private insurance is recommended; SUS emergency/public access exists but private care is often used by expats.

Application process

Brazilian undergraduate entry often uses ENEM/SISU or institutional vestibular exams. Foreign transcripts may need recognition/translation.

🗣️ Language Courses

Portuguese for foreigners

Provider: Private language schools/tutors · Duration: Ongoing · Levels: A1-C1 practical Portuguese

R$60-180/hour tutor; group classes vary

Brazilian Portuguese differs from European Portuguese.

University extension Portuguese courses

Provider: Universities in major cities · Duration: Semester-based · Levels: Beginner to advanced

Varies; sometimes low-cost

Corporate Portuguese

Provider: Employer/vendor · Duration: Custom · Levels: Workplace Portuguese

Often employer-paid for assignees

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