PDF with detailed information

Download the PDF with detailed information about the Brazilian education system:

Education system Brazil‌ (251.40 kB)

Overview of Brazilian diplomas

In the overview below you can find the level of Brazilian diplomas. You cannot derive any rights from it.

Working in the Netherlands

Do you want to know if you can work in the Netherlands with a certain Brazilian diploma? Go to Working in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.

Studying in the Netherlands

Do you want to know if you can study in the Netherlands with your Brazilian diploma? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.

Técnico de Nivel Médio/Diploma de Ensino Médio Com Habilitação

  • Comparable to: an MBO diploma level 1, 2, 3 or 4 (NLQF 1-4/EQF 1-4).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 4 years.
  • Type of education: general secondary education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to higher education, upon successful completion of entrance examinations (Vestibular/ENEM).

Certificado de Conclusão de 2º Grau/Certificado de Conclusão de Ensino Médio

  • Comparable to: approximately a HAVO diploma (NLQF 4/EQF 4).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 years.
  • Type of education: general secondary education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to higher education, upon successful completion of entrance examinations (Vestibular/ENEM).

Tecnólogo

  • Comparable to: approximately 1 year HBO (NLQF 5/EQF 5).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 3 years.
  • Type of education: higher professional education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to further study of the 2nd cycle in higher professional education (Mestrado Profissional) or to a related university undergraduate programme with certain exemptions (Bacharel).

Bacharel

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO bachelor's degree (NLQF 6/EQF 6).
  • Duration of schooling: 4 to 6 years.
  • Type of education: professional or research-oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to university Masters (Mestrado).

Licenciado

  • Comparable to: an HBO bachelor's degree in education (teaching) (NLQF 6/EQF 6).
  • Duration of schooling: 4 to 6 years.
  • Type of education: higher professional education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to university Masters (Mestrado).

Mestre

  • Comparable to: a 1-year WO master's degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 2 years.
  • Type of education: research-oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to doctorate programmes.