🇧🇷 Brazil
Study Permits for Brazilian Students
Building on the legacy of the Science Without Borders program, Brazil continues to send thousands of talented students to Canada every year. With a growing Portuguese-speaking community, strong STEM programs, and welcoming multicultural cities, Canada is the ideal study destination for Brazilian students.
Why Brazilian students choose Canada
- Science Without Borders Legacy: The Science Without Borders program (Ciência sem Fronteiras) sent over 100,000 Brazilian students abroad, with Canada being one of the top destinations. Although the program ended, its legacy established strong academic partnerships between Brazilian and Canadian universities that continue to create exchange and scholarship opportunities.
- Growing Portuguese-Speaking Community: Canada has a significant Portuguese-speaking community, especially in Toronto (Little Portugal, Dundas West), Montreal, and Vancouver. Brazilian students will find cultural events, restaurants, churches, and community organizations that help maintain connections to Brazilian culture while settling into Canadian life.
- World-Class STEM Education: Canada’s investment in STEM research and development is among the highest in the world. Brazilian students interested in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and environmental science will find cutting-edge labs, renowned professors, and strong industry partnerships at Canadian universities.
- Safe and Multicultural Environment: Canada is consistently ranked one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world. Brazilian students appreciate the multicultural environment, low crime rates, and inclusive society that respects diversity and celebrates cultural differences.
Popular programs for Brazilian students
- Computer Science & Software Engineering: Canada’s tech sector is booming, with hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa. Brazilian students in CS programs benefit from co-op placements at major tech companies and a strong job market for graduates in AI, machine learning, and software development.
- Environmental Science & Climate Research: Brazil’s Amazon expertise combined with Canada’s Arctic and boreal forest research creates powerful academic synergies. Canadian programs in environmental science offer Brazilian students unique perspectives on global ecological challenges.
- Business & Finance (MBA Programs): Canadian MBA programs at Rotman (Toronto), Ivey (Western), and Sauder (UBC) are globally recognized. Brazilian students benefit from the strong economic ties between Canada and Brazil and the growing demand for professionals with cross-market expertise.
- Biomedical Sciences & Biotechnology: Canada is a leader in biomedical research, with world-renowned programs at universities like Toronto, McGill, and UBC. Brazilian students in life sciences find advanced research facilities and opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists.
- Mining Engineering & Geological Sciences: Both Brazil and Canada are major mining nations. Canadian universities like Queen’s, UBC, and Laurentian offer top mining engineering programs with strong industry partnerships that can lead to careers in either country.
- Creative Industries & Digital Media: Canada’s thriving film, gaming, and digital media industries attract creative Brazilian talent. Programs at Sheridan College, Emily Carr, and the Vancouver Film School offer hands-on training in animation, game design, and visual effects.
Top universities
- University of Toronto (Toronto, ON): Strong Brazilian student association, world-leading research across STEM fields
- University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC): International Leader of Tomorrow Award, top environmental science programs
- McGill University (Montreal, QC): Competitive international tuition, strong life sciences and engineering programs
- University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON): World’s largest co-op program with 7,100+ employer partners globally
- University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB): Top AI research, Brazil-Alberta partnerships in energy and environment
- Seneca Polytechnic (Toronto, ON): Applied programs with industry placements, strong support for international students
Scholarships
- Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) (Up to $15,100 CAD): Government of Canada scholarship for Latin American and Caribbean students for short-term exchange and research at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships ($50,000 CAD/year for 3 years): Canada’s premier doctoral scholarship open to international students. Brazilian PhD candidates with outstanding research records are encouraged to apply.
- CAPES-Canada Agreements (Varies by program): Brazil’s CAPES agency maintains scholarship agreements with Canadian universities for graduate students in priority research areas including STEM, health sciences, and social sciences.
- University Entrance Scholarships ($5,000 - $50,000 CAD): Major Canadian universities automatically consider international applicants for entrance scholarships. UBC’s International Major Entrance Scholarship awards up to $40,000 CAD over four years.
Study permit process
- Step 1 — Receive a DLI Acceptance Letter: Apply to a Designated Learning Institution in Canada and obtain your official letter of acceptance. Many Brazilian students use agents or apply directly through university portals.
- Step 2 — Prepare Required Documents: Gather proof of funds (minimum tuition plus $20,635 CAD/year for living costs), valid passport, passport-size photos, academic transcripts, and English or French language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or TEF).
- Step 3 — Apply Online Through IRCC: Create an account on the IRCC online portal, complete the study permit application (IMM 1294), and upload all supporting documents. The application fee is $150 CAD.
- Step 4 — Submit Biometrics in Brazil: Visit a VFS Global centre in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, BrasÃlia, or other Brazilian cities to provide your fingerprints and photo. The biometrics fee is $85 CAD.
- Step 5 — Medical Examination (If Required): Depending on your program and health history, you may need a medical exam by a designated panel physician in Brazil. IRCC will notify you if this is required.
- Step 6 — Receive Approval & Arrive in Canada: Study permit processing from Brazil typically takes 7-12 weeks. Upon approval, present your letter of introduction at the Canadian port of entry to receive your official study permit.
Living in Canada
- Brazilian Community: Toronto’s Little Portugal and surrounding neighborhoods have a vibrant Brazilian community with restaurants, markets, samba schools, and Carnival celebrations. Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary also have active Brazilian student groups.
- Cost of Living Comparison: While Canada is more expensive than Brazil, salaries and part-time work opportunities help offset costs. Monthly living expenses range from $1,200 to $2,500 CAD. Students in smaller cities like Kitchener, Halifax, or Winnipeg enjoy lower costs.
- Adapting to Canadian Winters: Canadian winters are the biggest adjustment for Brazilian students. Temperatures can drop to -20°C or lower in some cities. Investing in quality winter gear (parka, boots, layers) is essential. Many campuses have indoor tunnels and heated buildings to make winters manageable.
- Working Opportunities: Your study permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks. Brazilian students commonly find work in hospitality, food service, retail, tutoring, and on-campus research positions.
From student to permanent resident
- Complete your program at a designated learning institution and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), valid for up to 3 years.
- Gain at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
- Take an approved language test — most Brazilian students take IELTS for English, aiming for CLB 7 or higher for maximum CRS points.
- Create an Express Entry profile for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and enter the candidate pool.
- Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) which add 600 CRS points — Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have dedicated international graduate streams.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence and submit your complete application within 60 days.
- Brazilian graduates typically achieve permanent residence within 2-3 years of completing their Canadian studies.
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