Study Medicine or Dentistry Abroad from Brazil: Revalida, EU Passports and the Best Destinations

Why So Many Brazilians Study Medicine Abroad

Admission to public medical schools in Brazil runs through ENEM and the national selection system, and the scores required for Medicine are the highest of any course. For students who miss these scores, private faculties are the main alternative at home, but the tuition over six years is a heavy burden for most families.

Studying abroad can be more affordable overall, and it offers international experience, new languages and in many cases a degree that is also recognised in other countries. For Brazilians with European citizenship, the European Union becomes a particularly attractive option.

Dentistry

Dentistry is also highly competitive at public universities and expensive at private ones. Studying Dentistry abroad follows a similar logic.

How a Foreign Medical Degree Is Recognised in Brazil

To practise Medicine in Brazil with a degree obtained abroad, the diploma must be revalidated. The main route is Revalida, the national exam for the revalidation of foreign medical diplomas.

Revalida: Two Stages

Revalida is organised by INEP, the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research. It consists of two stages: a theoretical exam and a practical clinical skills exam. It assesses whether physicians trained abroad have the knowledge, skills and competencies required to practise Medicine in Brazil in line with the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS). The exam is held twice a year. In the 2025/2 edition, 5,666 candidates were approved.

After Revalida

Approved candidates indicate a partner public university, which formally revalidates the diploma. With the revalidated diploma, you register with the Regional Council of Medicine (CRM) in your state and can begin practising.

Dentistry

For Dentistry, there is no national exam equivalent to Revalida. Dental diplomas obtained abroad are revalidated by Brazilian public universities, which assess the programme and may require additional exams or training.

Italian or Portuguese Passport? Study in the EU as an EU Citizen

Many Brazilians have Italian or Portuguese ancestry, and a significant number already hold an Italian or Portuguese passport. For Medicine and Dentistry, this makes a real difference.

What Changes With an EU Passport

As EU citizens, Brazilians with an Italian or Portuguese passport can study anywhere in the European Union under the same conditions as nationals of the host country. In many countries, this affects admission rules and tuition. Above all, their degree is recognised automatically across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC, which means they can practise in any EU member state after graduation.

Two Careers in One

An EU degree gives these students two options: a career in Europe with automatic recognition, and a return to Brazil via Revalida. Many keep both doors open during their studies and decide later.

Which Destination Countries Suit Brazilian Students?

The right destination depends on your citizenship, your language skills and your career goals.

Portugal

For Brazilians with a Portuguese passport, Portugal is a natural choice: same language, familiar culture and an EU degree. Admission to Portuguese medical schools is competitive, so it pays to consider other EU countries as well.

Italy and Spain

Italy and Spain are attractive for Brazilians with an Italian passport or strong language skills. Both offer programmes in the local language and, in some cases, in English.

Central and Eastern Europe

Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria offer six-year English-language programmes in Medicine and Dentistry with EU standards. For Brazilians with an EU passport, they are an excellent alternative to highly competitive programmes in Southern Europe.

Latin America

Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia have long been popular with Brazilian students because of their proximity and Spanish-language programmes. Many graduates return to Brazil via Revalida.

Practical Tips for Brazilian Students

Check Your Citizenship Options

If you already hold an Italian or Portuguese passport, your options in the EU are much broader. Make sure your documents are in order before you apply.

Prepare for Revalida From the Start

If you plan to return to Brazil, keep Brazilian clinical protocols and the SUS in mind throughout your studies. Revalida tests both knowledge and practical skills.

Keep Your Portuguese Medical Vocabulary

If you study in English or another language, reading Brazilian medical literature alongside your studies makes your return much easier.

Use Holidays for Clinical Experience in Brazil

Voluntary placements in Brazilian hospitals help you stay connected to the Brazilian health system and prepare for the practical stage of Revalida.

Think Beyond One Country

An EU degree opens doors across Europe as well as in Brazil. Planning for both gives you flexibility for the rest of your career.

How We Help You Find the Right Programme

Whether you hold an EU passport or not, the right programme is the key to a successful career. We offer solutions for exactly this. Contact us and we check individually which of our 25+ partner universities fits you, your citizenship and your goals. Marcel or another experienced consultant on our team will review your situation and give you a clear recommendation.