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Studying in France from Brazil

Brazil has deep engineering and research ties with France through BRAFITEC and double-degree agreements, which shortens the admission path considerably if your university is a partner.

Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), proof of about €615 per month, and a validation on ANEF in your first 90 days.

Key facts

Procedure
Études en France (Brasil) — required for most public universities
Visa type
VLS-TS Étudiant
Cost
Campus France fee ~R$ 900 + visa fee €50
Timeline
6–10 weeks; VFS appointments in São Paulo, Rio, Brasília
Proof of funds
€615/month or a BRAFITEC / Eiffel scholarship letter

The procedure, step by step

  1. 1. Check for an existing partnership

    If your university has a double-degree agreement, you may skip parts of the Campus France procedure.

  2. 2. Apostille and translate

    Documents need a Hague apostille plus a sworn translation (tradutor juramentado).

  3. 3. Campus France interview

    Focus on academic project coherence and language plan.

  4. 4. After arrival

    Validate the VLS-TS, join CPAM, and apply for CAF and Visale as soon as you have a lease.

A realistic timeline for students from Brazil

The Études en France calendar, not the school calendar, is what decides whether you make the September intake.

  • October–January — open the Études en France account, complete the academic timeline, pay the Campus France fee.
  • January–March — Campus France interview, then school decisions arrive inside the portal.
  • April–June — accept an offer, receive the attestation, book the consulate or VFS/TLScontact visa appointment.
  • July–August — visa decision, flight, accommodation proof, insurance.
  • First 90 days in France — validate the VLS-TS on ANEF, CPAM, CAF, bank account.

What a year in France actually costs a student from Brazil

Non-EU students at public universities may pay the differentiated tuition (≈€2,770 licence / €3,770 master), though many universities and grandes écoles waive or reduce it.

  • Rent: €350–€600 in Lille, Rennes, Toulouse or Montpellier; €700–€1,100 for a studio in Paris.
  • CAF housing aid: typically €100–€200 off the rent each month once your file is accepted.
  • Food and transport: €250–€350 a month, with student restaurant meals at €3.30 and city passes around €30.
  • CVEC: a single €105 contribution paid before enrolment, refundable for scholarship holders.

Where files from Brazil usually break

These are the failure points we see most often on this desk — none of them are hard to avoid if you know they exist.

  • Gaps in the academic timeline with no supporting document — the single most common blocking point.
  • Proof of funds that appears days before the appointment, with no history behind it.
  • A statement of purpose that does not connect the transcript to the exact programme.
  • Missing the 90-day ANEF validation window after arrival, which makes an otherwise valid stay irregular.

Coming from Americas: what is specific to you

Diplomas from Brazil are usually accepted on a case-by-case reading by each institution. Where a comparison is requested, ENIC-NARIC France issues an attestation de comparabilité — order it early, it takes several weeks. Sworn translations (traducteur assermenté) are required for the consulate file, scans are enough for the online stage.

Consulates and Campus France offices

São Paulo · Rio de Janeiro · Brasília · Recife

Where Brazilian students usually go

Paris · Lyon · Compiègne · Toulouse · Grenoble

Frequently asked questions

Is French required for Brazilian students?

For French-taught programmes yes (B2). BRAFITEC engineering exchanges usually require at least B1 plus an intensive summer course.

Do Brazilians need a visa for a short exchange?

For stays under 90 days, Brazilians are visa-exempt as tourists, but any enrolment beyond 90 days requires the VLS-TS.

How early should students from Brazil start the process?

Ten to twelve months before the intake. The application, the interview or school decision, and the consulate appointment are three queues stacked back to back.

Do I need to speak French to study in France from Brazil?

Not for the 1,600+ English-taught programmes, which ask for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90. French-taught programmes require DELF B2 or TCF. Either way, A2 French makes the prefecture, the bank and the landlord far easier.

Can I bring my family from Brazil while I study?

A student permit does not open family reunification. A spouse can apply for a visitor visa with independent proof of funds, which is assessed separately.

Can I stay in France after graduating, coming from Brazil?

Yes. A master's degree opens the APS (autorisation provisoire de séjour) for 12 months to look for work or start a business, and it converts into a work permit once you have a matching contract.

Is student housing aid (CAF) open to students from Brazil?

Yes. CAF aid depends on your accommodation and your resources, not your nationality — you need a lease in your name, a RIB and, for non-EU students, a valid residence permit or validated VLS-TS.

Read next

Admissions

The Campus France interview for students from Brazil

Admissions

The Études en France portal for students from Brazil

Admissions

Parcoursup for international students for students from Brazil

Admissions

The DAP procedure for students from Brazil

Admissions

Writing a statement of purpose for France for students from Brazil

The four guides everyone from Brazil needs

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