Brazilian Undergraduate Student Mobility Abroad

A Comprehensive Report — February 2026

1. Introduction

Brazil stands as one of the largest and most resilient outbound student markets globally, with a significant and growing number of students pursuing higher education abroad. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the mobility of Brazilian undergraduate students, examining key destination countries, enrollment trends, and the primary factors driving this phenomenon.

2. Key Destination Countries for Brazilian Undergraduates

Brazilian students are increasingly diversifying their study destinations. While regional and linguistic ties remain influential, English-speaking countries have gained significant traction, driven by the global importance of the language and attractive post-study work opportunities.

2.1. United States

The United States remains a top-tier destination for Brazilian students. In the 2022/23 academic year, 16,030 Brazilians were enrolled in U.S. higher education, marking an 8% increase over the previous year. While this is below the 2014/15 peak of over 23,000 students, the numbers show a strong, self-funded recovery post-pandemic.

Undergraduate enrollment has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, and the number of graduate students has surpassed 5,000 for the first time. The U.S. is particularly attractive for its high-quality STEM programs, with one study showing that 59% of founders of Brazilian startups that received seed capital had studied in the U.S.

2.2. Portugal

Portugal is the leading destination for Brazilian students seeking full degree programs, hosting 17,030 in the 2022/23 academic year. The shared language, cultural similarities, and streamlined entry processes (including the use of Brazil's ENEM exam for admission) make it an exceptionally attractive option. The cost of living and tuition are also considerably lower than in major English-speaking countries.

2.3. Canada

Canada has seen impressive growth, hosting 15,615 Brazilian students in 2023, an 8% increase from 2022. The country is a powerhouse in the English Language Training (ELT) sector, where Brazil is the second-largest source market. Canada's welcoming immigration policies and clear routes to post-graduation work permits are significant pull factors.

2.4. United Kingdom

While specific numbers for undergraduate degree-seeking students are not readily available, the UK is a major player in the ELT market for Brazilians, ranking third in terms of student weeks in 2023. The prestige of UK universities and the appeal of a British education maintain its status as a desirable, albeit expensive, destination.

3. Key Drivers of Outbound Mobility

The decision for Brazilian students to study abroad is influenced by a confluence of push and pull factors.

"My vision for outbound mobility has always been optimistic, there is lots of potential there for English-language study and higher educational programs." — Victor Hugo Baseggio, CI Brazil

• Demand for English Proficiency: Brazil ranks low on the EF English Proficiency Index (70th out of 114 countries), creating immense demand for study in English-speaking nations. ELT programs often serve as the first step toward an international undergraduate degree.
• Career Advancement: An international degree is perceived as a significant advantage in Brazil's competitive job market. The experience, language skills, and global network are highly valued by employers.
• Limited Domestic Capacity: While Brazil has excellent universities, competition for places at top public institutions is fierce. The private sector is large but variable in quality, leading many families to view international education as a more reliable investment.
• Demographic Push: With 44% of its population under the age of 30, Brazil has a large and sustained pipeline of potential students for years to come.
• Economic Considerations: Affordability is a primary concern. A 2023 QS survey found that nearly 80% of prospective students in Latin America cited the cost of living and availability of scholarships as their biggest worries.

4. Conclusion

The Brazilian undergraduate outbound mobility market is robust, diverse, and poised for continued growth. While the United States and Portugal remain dominant players due to academic prestige and cultural ties, respectively, destinations like Canada and Australia have become major competitors by offering strong educational quality combined with clear post-study work pathways.