education
Education not only provides academic knowledge but also offers new opportunities for employment, socialization, and cultural development. Through education, people of all ages can overcome barriers, rediscover their talents, and create a better future.
Understanding the Brazilian education system is essential to know what pathways are available, from early childhood education to higher education. Additionally, being familiar with inclusion programs, support policies, and initiatives focused on diversity can make it easier to access essential rights. More than just a choice, education is a tool for empowerment and social integration.
Our goal is to provide clear and up-to-date information about the education system in Brazil, helping you navigate each stage with security and confidence.
The Brazilian Education System
Check below an explanation of each educational stage and its main characteristics:
Education for Youth and Adults (EJA)
The Education for Youth and Adults (EJA) is an educational program aimed at meeting the needs of individuals who did not complete elementary or secondary education at the appropriate age. This form of education aims to provide opportunities for the educational inclusion of young people and adults who, for various reasons, were unable to attend school during childhood or adolescence.
Higher Education (Ensino SUPERIOR)
Higher education in Brazil can be pursued at various institutions, such as colleges, universities, university centers, and federal institutes, each with specific characteristics and levels of autonomy. These institutions are divided into public and private categories, and each offers different ways of admission and access to undergraduate and graduate courses.
National High School Exam (ENEM)
The ENEM is the main national assessment, essential for those looking to enter universities and higher education courses. It provides opportunities for students all over Brazil, regardless of their location. The exam goes beyond technical knowledge, also evaluating the ability to argue and analyze critically.
Considered the gateway to higher education in Brazil, the ENEM score can be used in various programs that facilitate access to both public and private institutions.
Ways to Access Public Institutions
Own Entrance Exam (Vestibular)
The own entrance exams (vestibulares próprios) are selection tests designed by the universities themselves, which define the evaluation criteria and the format of the exams. These exams aim to identify candidates who not only master the curriculum content but also possess critical and analytical skills.
SISU
Sisu is a computerized system through which public higher education institutions offer spots to candidates based on their performance in the ENEM. The candidate registers on the Sisu website and selects up to two course options. The spots are filled according to the scores obtained in the ENEM.
Ways to Access Private Institutions
Own Entrance Exam (Vestibular)
The own entrance exams (vestibulares próprios) are selection tests designed by the universities themselves, which define the evaluation criteria and the format of the exams. These exams aim to identify candidates who not only master the curriculum content but also possess critical and analytical skills.
FIES
FIES offers student financing with favorable conditions and low interest rates for students to attend higher education at private institutions. The candidate must have achieved the minimum score on the ENEM and have a family income of up to 3 minimum wages per capita. Payments begin after the completion of the course and come with reduced rates.
PROUNI
Prouni grants full or partial scholarships at private institutions for low-income students. The scholarships are available to those who participated in the ENEM and meet socio-economic criteria.
High School (Ensino MÉDIO)
Designed for adolescents from 15 to 17 years old.
High School is mandatory and lasts 3 years. In addition to traditional subjects, some public and private schools offer technical and vocational courses, preparing students for the job market or for university entrance.
Elementary School
(ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL)
Elementary School is mandatory and free for everyone, divided into two stages.
Stage I (1st to 5th grade)
For children between 6 and 10 years old.
In this stage, basic subjects such as Portuguese, mathematics, science, and arts education are taught.
Stage II (6th to 9th grade)
For adolescents from 11 to 14 years old.
In this stage, subjects become more specific, with the addition of courses such as history, geography, physics, and chemistry.
Early Childhood Education
(Educação Infantil)
Nursery
For children from 0 to 3 years old.
It is optional for young children. Generally, daycare centers are provided by public and private institutions to care for and educate children in this age group, assisting parents in returning to their routines.
Preschool
For children from 4 to 5 years old.
Starting at age 4, enrollment in preschool is mandatory in Brazil.
It focuses on educational and recreational activities to prepare children for elementary school.
How to Enroll in Schools?
How to Enroll in Schools?
The Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
1
Select documents
Identification document
Documents such as a Passport, Refugee Protocol, or National Foreigner Registry (RNE) can be used.
Proof of address
A water, electricity, or phone bill, or a residence declaration issued by a neighbor or an organization that supports refugees can be used to prove your address.
Birth certificate
The birth certificate of your children is required to prove their age and facilitate enrollment. If the certificate is not in Portuguese, you may need to present it translated.
2
Visit the chosen school
It is recommended that you visit the school in person to speak with the administrative team about the enrollment and adaptation process. Some schools may require prior scheduling for appointments, so ask if it's necessary, and if so, schedule a date.
3
Fill out the enrollment form
On-site, you will receive an enrollment form to fill out with the requested information, which usually includes: the student's full name, date of birth, names of the guardians, address, and contact phone number.
MAPPING
Our interactive map showing the location of various schools is here to help you find your way.
You can use the zoom tools to adjust the view and click on the icons for each school to get more information, such as the name and address. This system provides a detailed list of municipal schools, including Early Childhood Education Centers, Tomorrow's Space, Partner Institutions, and Elementary Schools.
General Tips
Zoom
To explore the maps, use the zoom tool (the + and - buttons or your mouse wheel) to adjust the view.
Search
If you know the name or part of the name of the school or health unit, use the search tool to quickly find the desired location.
Accessing Additional Information
By clicking on the icons or addresses on the maps, you can view detailed information, such as the full name, address, and, in some cases, other useful details.
Guidelines
The interactive map has been color-coded to make it easier to view and identify the different types of establishments, both educational and healthcare-related.
Below, you'll find the color legend and what each represents:
Early Childhood Education Center (CEI)
Early Childhood Education Centers are marked in green on the map. These institutions focus on providing quality education for young children.
Municipal Elementary School (EMEF)
Municipal elementary schools are represented by the color purple. They serve students in basic education up to the 9th grade, focusing on an elementary school curriculum.
State School
State schools are marked in red. They are part of the state public education system and cater to students across various educational levels.
Tomorrow's Center
Tomorrow's Centers are highlighted in orange. These institutions play a special role by offering innovative educational programs and complementary activities for youth development.
Youth and Adult Education (EJA)
EJA is marked in yellow. This service provides the opportunity for young people and adults to complete basic education if they were unable to do so in the regular time frame.
Partner Institutions
Partner institutions are indicated in brown. These organizations collaborate to offer education and social support to various communities.