Coming to study from Brazil

The University of Southampton has an active Brazilian student community. 

Learn more about the requirements you'll need to study with us, plus access other resources for students from Brazil.

Entry qualification equivalencies for Brazilian students

Find out the Brazilian equivalents to the grades and academic qualifications required to study with us in the UK. These will depend on what level of study you're applying for.

You will also need to meet English language requirements and have your student visa in place.

If you want to take an undergraduate course with us but do not yet have the qualifications needed to apply, we may offer a foundation course that will enable you to qualify and secure a place. 

The Brazilian equivalents for their entry requirements will depend on which of these one-year intensive introductions you apply for.  

Foundation year for engineering, maths or physics

The Foundation year for engineering, maths or physics prepares you to take up one of 19 undergraduate degrees in engineering, maths or physics.

To apply for it you need one of the following:

  • Brazilian Certificado de Ensino Médio
  • Diploma de Tecnico de Nivel Medio
  • Concurso Vestibular
  • Certificato de Conclusao de Segundo Grau

You must achieve at least 8 out of 10, with at least 8 in both both maths and physics.

Science Foundation Year

The Science Foundation Year prepares you to take many of our science undergraduate degrees (but not medicine).

To apply for it you need one of the following:

  • Brazilian Certificado de Ensino Médio
  • Diploma de Tecnico de Nivel Medio
  • Concurso Vestibular
  • Certificato de Conclusao de Segundo Grau

You must achieve at least 8 out of 10, with at least 8 in both both maths and a science subject.

OnCampus undergraduate foundation programmes

The OnCampus undergraduate foundation programmes prepare international students for degrees in:

  • Art and design
  • Business, economics, finance and management
  • Humanities and social sciences
  • Engineering and physical sciences
  • Life sciences


They include English language study and will secure you a place on your chosen degree if you complete the foundation programme successfully.

To apply for it you need one of the following:

  • Brazilian Certificado de Ensino Médio
  • Diploma de Tecnico de Nivel Medio
  • Concurso Vestibular
  • Certificato de Conclusao de Segundo Grau

You must achieve at least 8 out of 10.

Most of our undergraduate degrees take 3 years to complete full time and award a bachelor’s degree in the field you study.

To study with us at undergraduate level, you need one of the following, with a minimum grade dependent on which course you're applying for:

  • UK A levels with high grades
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB) score of between 28 and 38 points

See your course page for the exact requirements you'll need to meet.

The OnCampus pre-master's programmes prepare international students for studying at the master’s degree level. They take place over 2 semesters and focus on improving English language, study and research skills.

If you have a UK 2:2 degree equivalent but need a 2:1, successfully completing a programme will secure you a place on your chosen degree.

To apply for a pre-master's programme, you need:

  • English language skills from 5.0 IELTS or equivalent (with no single element less than 5.0)

Our postgraduate taught degrees involve more advanced study and usually take 1 year, depending on the course. Degrees awarded include master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certificates.

To apply, you need one of the following:

  • Brazilian Bacharel (4 or more years)
  • Magister Artium (4 or more years)
  • an equivalent professional qualification approved by the University, with a grade of at least 7.0 out of 10.0.

Depending on which course you apply for, your minimum grade requirement will be a:

  • first class UK degree equivalent, with a grade of at least 8.5 out of 10, or A
  • UK 2:1 degree equivalent, with a grade between 7.5 and 10, or B
  • UK 2:2 degree equivalent, with a grade between 6.5 and 10, or C

See your course page for the exact requirement. 

To study for a PhD or research degree with us, you need all of the following:

  • an undergraduate degree
  • a Mestrado
  • a strong research proposal

Degrees must have an overall qualification of at least 7.0 out of 10.0.

Brazilian master's degree grade equivalents

  • distinction: at least 8.5 out of 10, or A
  • merit: between 7.5 and 10, or B
  • pass: between 6.5 and 10, or C

Qualifying degrees must have been awarded by a recognised university. 

Other resources for Brazilian students

Get in touch

Talk to our team

We're here 9am to 5pm UK time to answer any questions you have, including about equivalencies for your course's requirements.

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