Asylum seekers and refugees have the right to Education in accordance with Law 9.474/1997 – Statute of Refugees. The Brazilian educational system includes several levels:
- 👦🏽 👧🏻 Early Childhood Education (0-6 years old), which includes kindergartens and preschools;
- 🙋🏻♂️🙋🏿 Elementary Education (7–14 years), divided from 1st to 9th grade, includes state and municipal schools;
- 👱🏿♀️🧔🏽♂️ Secondary Education (15-17 years), divided from 1st to 3rd years, also includes state and municipal schools.
In addition, refugees and asylum-seekers with university degrees can revalidate their degrees with the support of UNHCR and its partners.
Below you will find a series of information on how to access the Brazilian educational system.
Education for Children and Adolescents
Public Education for children and adolescents is free and divided into three levels, according to age:
Go to the school closest to your home to enroll your children. Take your personal identification documents! Find the school closest to you by clicking here
Please note that refugee children must be enrolled in school at all times, even if they do not have the complete documentation required . It is worth mentioning that the Brazilian refugee law determines that administrative procedures – such as enrollment in schools – must be facilitated for refugees .
If you need further guidance, please contact our partner organizations:
IKMR
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +55 11 97782-8904
- Instagram: @ikmr_brasil
- Site: http://www.ikmr.org.br
Adult Education
I am over 18 years old and did not finish high school. Can I continue my studies in Brazil?
There is a specific government program for adults (over 18 years old) who have not completed Elementary or High School: Youth and Adult Education – EJA. EJA is offered by state and municipal schools in face-to-face and distance learning modality.
If you live in São Paulo, click here .
If you live in Rio de Janeiro, click here .
If you are in other regions of the country, click here .
Technical Education
What is technical education and how can I apply?
The National Program for Access to Technical Education and Employment (Pronatec) was created by the Federal Government in 2011, through Law No. , projects and actions of technical and financial assistance.
For more information on enrollment, see the website .
In addition to PRONATEC, refugees and migrants can take a technical course at SENAI. To check available courses, as well as the selection process according to your region, click here .
University Admission
How can refugees begin or continue university studies at a Brazilian university?
Asylum seekers and refugees can study at public and private universities in Brazil if they have already finished high school. It is advisable to have an advanced level of Portuguese, as most courses are not available in other languages.
Universities usually have different types of entrance exams. You should consult the requirements and documentation for each institution. The most common exam adopted is the ENEM, which is carried out annually by the National Institute of Studies and Research (INEP). For more information, see the ENEM website .
In São Paulo, the Mafalda organization offers free pre-university courses to refugees and immigrants. Click here and learn more.
Education Without Borders offers preparatory courses for ENEM and Higher Education free of charge for migrants and refugees. Click here and learn more.
List of universities with facilitated entrance procedures for refugees
Bahia
Federal University of Bahia (UFBA)
City: Salvador, Vitória da Conquista and Camaçari
Site: www.ufba.br/
Telephone: (71) 3283.7820
Email: [email protected].
Federal District
University of Brasilia (UnB)
City: Brasilia
Site: http://www.unb.br/
Phone: (61) 3107-0254
Espírito Santo
Vila Velha University (UVV)
City: Vila Velha
Site: https://www.uvv.br/
Phone: (27) 99248-9654.
Email: [email protected]
Minas Gerais
Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF)
City: Juiz de Fora
Site: https://www2.ufjf.br/noticias/category/concursos-ingresso/
Telephone: (32) 2102-3911
Email: [email protected]
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
City: Belo Horizonte
Site: https://www.ufmg.br/
Phone: (31) 3409-4162
E-mail: [email protected]
Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM)
Cities: Uberaba and Iturama
Site: http://www.uftm.edu.br/
Email: [email protected]
Pará
Federal University of Pará (UFPA)
City: Bethlehem
Site: https://portal.ufpa.br/
Email: [email protected]
Paraná
Federal University of Latin American Integration (UNILA)
Cities: Foz do Iguaçu
Site: https://portal.unila.edu.br/ingresso/refugiados
Telephone:
Email: [email protected]
Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)
City: Curitiba
Site: http://www.ufpr.br/portalufpr/
Telephone:
State University of Midwest Paraná (UNICENTRO)
City: Guarapuava and Irati
Site: https://www3.unicentro.br/
Telephone: (42) 3621-1022
Pernambuco
Greater Recife Metropolitan College
City: Jaboatão dos Guararapes
Site: https://www.metropolitana.edu.br/
Phone: (81) 2128-0500 / 0800-500-0500
Email: [email protected]
Rio de Janeiro
Fluminense Federal University (UFF)
City: Niteroi
Site: www.uff.br
Telephone: (21) 2629-2732; (21) 2629-2727; (21) 996240897.
Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Rio Grande do Sul
Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)
City: Santa Maria
Site: http://site.ufsm.br/servicos/ingresso-e-reingresso
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
City: Porto Alegre
Site: http://www.ufrgs.br/ufrgs/inicial
Roraima
Federal University of Roraima (UFRR)
City: Boa Vista
Site: https://ufrr.br/
Email: [email protected]
São Paulo
Postgraduate Program San Tiago Dantas (UNESP – UNICAMP – PUC)
Sao Paulo city
Site: https://www.santiagodantas-ppgri.org/
Catholic University of Santos (UNISANTOS)
City: Santos
Site: http://www.unisantos.br/portal/editais/editais-abertos/
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
City: Campinas
Site: https://www.unicamp.br/unicamp/
Phone: (19) 35216410
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Federal University of ABC (UFABC)
City: Santo André and São Bernardo
Site: http://www.ufabc.edu.br/
Telephone: (11) 4996-0001 / (11) 2320-6120.
Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar)
City: San Carlos
Site: http://www.ufscar.br
Phone: (16) 3351-8152.
Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP)
Sao Paulo city
Site: https://www.unifesp.br/
Phone: (11) 3385-4101.
Email: [email protected]
Diploma revalidation
The revalidation of diplomas in Brazil is regulated by PORTARIA Nº 1.151, DE 19 DE JUNHO DE 2023.
Undergraduate university diplomas from universities outside Brazil need to be revalidated to be recognized in the country.
The requirements related to documentation, duration of the process and area of study vary according to the universities and degrees. However, there are some common common steps to follow in this procedure.
- Find out which Brazilian public university offers courses in the same area of knowledge as yours.
- Check the price of the revalidation fee;
- Verify that the revalidation process is fully operational and, if possible, get in touch with the course coordinator in advance to resolve other doubts.
- Before starting the revalidation process, you must have:-copy of diploma and academic transcript;
-pedagogical project or curricular organization of the course, indicating the contents or subjects and activities related to research and extension;
-name of professors linked to the subjects studied;
-other institutional information that may support the process, when available;
-National Migration Registration Card – CRNM/
-Individual Taxpayer Registry – CPF.
- Some universities also require a Portuguese language proficiency certificate for immigrants. The CELPE-Bras is the only official Brazilian certificate of proficiency in Portuguese. For more information, consult the CELPE-Bras website by clicking here .
👩🏾🎓👨🎓All revalidating institutions adopt the Carolina Bori Platform to carry out revalidation processes.
For refugees in Brazil, undocumented migrants, those who have humanitarian visa, and other justified cases, who DO NOT have revalidation documentation, may take a test of knowledge, content and skills related to the course, as an exclusive form of assessment for the revalidation process.
The revalidation institution may also accept personal statements about your academic background and professional experience, recommendations from classmates who have obtained the same diploma, recommendations from professors who can provide information about your academic performance, recommendations from people or companies with whom you have worked who can provide information about your professional performance in the area of training, and other documents.
👩🏾🎓👨🎓For more information, see the Ministry of Education website by clicking here .
Portuguese Classes
Fluency Academy , in partnership with UNHCR, is offering online Portuguese courses for Spanish speakers . For more information, visit the organization’s website by clicking here .
ON-SITE COURSES
Some public institutions and civil society organizations offer free Portuguese courses for asylum seekers and refugees. Due to the high demand for these courses, some of them may have waiting lists. Search for one of the UNHCR partner organizations throughout Brazil for more information.
Online and Free Courses
Below you will find a series of platforms with free online courses. To find out more information about the course, just click on the name of the organization.
Fundação Bradesco
SEBRAE
SENAT
SENAI
Governo do Brasil
Coursera
Curso de português online para falantes de espanhol ofertado pela Fluency Academy.
Sérgio Vieira de Mello Academic Consortium
Since 2003, UNHCR has implemented the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Chair (CSVM) in Brazil , in cooperation with public and private universities across the country and, likewise, with the National Committee for Refugees (CONARE). The objective of the chair is to promote education, research and academic extension aimed at the refugee population, in addition to offering a series of services.
Currently, CSVM is made up of 35 Higher Education Institutions spread across Brazil. Institutions with an active link and their respective services are:
Southeast
Espírito Santo
University of Vila Velha (UVV)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees.
Address: Avenida Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21 – Boa Vista II, Vila Velha – ES, 29102-920
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (27) 3421-2138
Social networks: Facebook
Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal assistance;
- Differentiated ticket for refugees.
Address: Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514 – Goiabeiras, Vitória – ES, 29075-910
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (11) 2320-6371
Social networks: Website | Facebook
Minas Gerais
Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-Minas )
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Psychological help;
- Legal assistance service;
- Assistance to resume studies at the university;
- Scientific production.
Address: Avenida Dom José Gaspar, nº 500 – Building 47, room 323, Bairro Coração Eucarístico – Belo Horizonte/MG.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (31) 3319-4069
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees.
Address: Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627 – Pampulha – Belo Horizonte – MG
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
Phone: (31) 3409-4025
Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal assistance.
Address: Av. João Naves de Ávila, 2121 – Santa Mônica, Uberlândia – MG, 38408-100
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (34) 98414-8211
Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees.
Address: Campus Universitário, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n – São Pedro, Juiz de Fora – MG, 36036-900
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (32) 2102-3911
Social networks: Website
Rio de Janeiro
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RJ)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Community pre-university course;
- Legal assistance and guidance;
- Psychological support
Address: Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225. Vila dos Directorios, House 20, Gávea, Rio de Janeiro – RJ.
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (21) 3527-1557 | (21) 3527-1558 | (21) 3527-1560
State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees.
Address: Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ – CEP 20550-900.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (21) 99265-3634
Fluminense Federal University (UFF)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal service;
- Psychological support.
Address: Rua Prof. Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis S/N°, Gragoatá Campus – Block E, room 412 – Niterói/RJ
Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (21) 2629-2732 | (21) 2629-2727 | (21) 996240897
Sao Paulo
Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Get in touch with the PUC-SP CSVM to find out more about the services offered by the entity.
Address: Rua Monte Alegre, 984, Perdizes – São Paulo – SP CEP: 05014-901.
Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (11) 3209-8482
Catholic University of Santos (UNISANTOS)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Differentiated entrance exam for refugees;
- Exemption from enrollment and monthly fees, in case of approval in any higher education course;
- Service, in partnership with civil society organizations.
Address: Av. Conselheiro Nébias, 589/595 – Boqueirão, Santos – SP, 11045-003.
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (13) 3305-5555
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Revalidation of diplomas
Address: R. da Reitoria, 109 – Cidade Universitária, Campinas – SP, 13083-872
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (19) 3521-5898
Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Legal assistance;
- Differentiated ticket for refugees.
Address: Rod. Washington Luiz, s/n – Monjolinho, São Carlos – SP, 13565-905
Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (16) 3351-9771
Social networks: Website
Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Differentiated ticket for refugees.
Address: R. Sena Madureira, 1500 – Vila Clementino, São Paulo – SP, 04021-001
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (11) 3385-4100
Federal University of ABC (UFABC)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal assistance;
- Differentiated ticket for refugees.
Address: CSVM Room: Ground Floor, Delta Block, São Bernardo Campus, UFABC
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (11) 2320-6371
Social networks: Blog | Facebook
University of São Paulo (USP)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
Address: Cidade Universitária Avenida Professor Lúcio Martins Rodrigues, Tv. 4 and 5, S/N – Butantã, São Paulo – SP, 05508-020
Telephone: (11) 3091-0566
Midwest
Federal District
University of Brasilia (UnB)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Translation;
- Portuguese courses;
- Psychological support.
Address: ICC Sul, Subsoil, Module 4, room CSS 85. Darcy Ribeiro University Campus – North Wing. CEP: 70910-900 – Brasília/DF.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (61) 3107-7321 | (61) 3107-7330
Goias
Federal University of Goiás (UFG)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees.
Address: Avenida Esperança s/n, Câmpus Samambaia – Rectory Building. CEP 74690-900 Goiânia – Goiás
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (62) 3521-1000
Social networks: Website
Mato Grosso do Sul
State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Course of Portuguese as a Host Language.
Address: Av. Dom Antonio Barbosa, 4155 – Jardim Santo Amaro – CEP 79115-898. Campo Grande, MS
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (67) 3901-1888
Social networks: WhatsApp | Instagram | Facebook
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Differentiated ticket for refugees.
Address: Cidade Universitária, Av. Costa e Silva – Pioneiros, MS, 79070-900
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (67) 99181-2000
Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Legal service;
- Support in local integration;
- Courses in Portuguese as a Host Language.
Address: Rua Quintino Bocaiúva, 2100 – Jardim da Figueira, Dourados – MS, 79824-140
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (67) 3410-2462
Social networks: Instagram | Facebook | Whatsapp
South
Paraná
Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal service;
- Differentiated ticket for refugees;
- Revalidation of diplomas
Address: Rua XV de Novembro, 1299 – Centro, Curitiba – PR, 80060-000
Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (41) 3360-5000
Federal University of Latin American Integration (UNILA)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
Address: Lorivo Commercial Building – Av. Silvio Américo Sasdelli, 1842 – Vila A, Foz do Iguaçu – PR, 85866-000
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (45) 3522-9695
UNICURITIBA
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal service;
- Differentiated ticket for refugees;
Address: R. Chile, 1678 – Rebouças, Curitiba – PR, 80220-181
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (41) 3012-1434
Social networks: Facebook | Instagram | Others
Santa Catarina
University of Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Legal service
- Portuguese courses
Address: R. Uruguai, 458 – Centro, Itajaí – SC, 88302-901
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
Telephone: 08007231300
Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- legal assistance
- Portuguese courses.
Address: R. Eng. Agronomic Andrei Cristian Ferreira, s/n – Trindade, Florianópolis – SC, 88040-900
Email: [email protected] l [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] l [email protected] l [email protected]
Phone: (48) 3721-9951
Social networks: Facebook (1) | Facebook (2) | PLAM Project – Portuguese as a Host Language | Migration, Refuge and Human Rights
Rio Grande do Sul
University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees.
Address: R. Uruguai, 458 – Centro, Itajaí – SC, 88302-901
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (51) 3591-1122, extension 2121 | (51) 98585-8385
Social media: Facebook
Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Legal assistance;
- Cultural activities.
Address: Av. Roraima, 11841000 – Camobi, Santa Maria – RS, 97105-340
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (55) 3220-8000
Social networks: Facebook
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal service.
Address: Rua XV de Novembro, 1299 – Centro, Curitiba – PR, 80060-000
Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (51) 3308-3219
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
Address: Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Partenon – Porto Alegre / RS
CEP: 90619-900
Phone: (51) 3320.3500
University of Passo Fundo (UPF)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Legal assistance;
- Cultural activities.
Address: BR 285 Km 292,7 | Campus I, Bairro São José – São José, Passo Fundo – RS, 99052-900
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (54) 9 9191-7776
North East
Bahia
Salvador University (Unifacs)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Portuguese courses;
- Legal service.
Address: R. Dr. José Peroba, 251 – Stiep, Salvador – BA, 41770-235
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (71) 99197-9066
Social networks: Instagram
Federal University of Bahia (UFBA)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
Address: Rua da Paz, s/nº – Subsolo – Graça – CEP: 40.150-140 – Salvador – Bahia
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (71) 3011-2263
Social networks: Instagram
Paraíba
State University of Paraíba (UEPB)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees.
Address: Cidade Universitária – João Pessoa – PB
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: (83) 3216-7200
Social networks: Facebook | site
North
Roraima
Federal University of Roraima (UFRR)
Services:
- Reflection, dissemination and awareness on the issue of refugees;
- Legal assistance.
Address: Av. Ene Garcez, 2413 – Boa Vista/RR
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (95) 3621-3453
Social networks: Facebook