Postgraduate study in the United States gives Brazilian students opportunities to pursue specialized master's degrees and PhDs, participate in research, and build professional experience. Eligible international students in F-1 status may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can provide up to 12 months of work authorization after graduation, with a possible 24-month extension for qualifying STEM graduates. This guide explains the benefits of earning a US graduate degree after completing a Brazilian undergraduate qualification, popular fields of study, admission requirements, funding options, and the rules governing work during and after your studies.
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Why Study a Master's Degree in the US?
The United States offers a wide range of graduate programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and career-advancing pathways. Each year, hundreds of thousands of international students pursue American master’s degrees and post-study practical training (OPT) to gain specialized skills and build a global network.
Potential for Post-Graduation Work Experience
Eligible F-1 students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT related to their major area of study. Graduates who meet the additional requirements for STEM OPT may qualify for a further 24 months of work authorization.
Practical Experience During Your Program
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can allow eligible students to complete internships or other practical training that forms an integral part of their curriculum, with the required school authorization.
Research and Funding Opportunities
Some research-focused master's and PhD programs offer teaching or research assistantships that may include a stipend, tuition support, or both. Availability and funding terms vary by institution and program.
Specialized Graduate Programs
US universities offer graduate qualifications across a broad range of fields, including computer science, engineering, business, public health, and the sciences. Program length and STEM designation vary by degree.
How OPT and STEM OPT Work
International students generally need F-1 status and must meet the relevant eligibility and application requirements to participate in practical training. Read the US government's Practical Training guidance before making employment plans.
For full details, consult the official US Immigration and Customs Enforcement practical training guidance and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services OPT guidance.
Important: Completing 12 months or more of full-time CPT generally makes you ineligible for OPT at the same educational level. Part-time CPT does not trigger this restriction. Discuss internship timing and authorization with your school's international student office before accepting a position.
Does a STEM Degree Guarantee Three Years of OPT?
No. A qualifying STEM degree can make an eligible student eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but the extension is not automatic. The degree must meet the applicable STEM designation requirements, and the student must satisfy other conditions, including employer and training-plan requirements. Verify the program's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code against the Student and Exchange Visitor Program's official resources and the current DHS STEM designated degree list before enrolling.
Popular Postgraduate Programs in the US
IIE's Open Doors 2025 report identifies mathematics and computer science, engineering, business and management, physical and life sciences, and social sciences among the leading fields for international students in 2024/2025. The following figures are rounded shares of the overall international student population, not figures specific to Brazilian graduate students.
Computer Science, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence
Mathematics and computer science is the leading broad field among international students in the US. Graduate options include computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information systems. Some programs qualify for STEM OPT, but eligibility depends on the degree's official classification and the student's circumstances.
Engineering
Popular graduate options include electrical, mechanical, civil, industrial, and biomedical engineering. A professionally oriented Master of Engineering may suit students pursuing industry careers, while a research-focused Master of Science can be a useful route toward doctoral study. Compare curricula, research opportunities, and career outcomes when choosing a program.
Business, Finance, and Analytics
Options include the MBA, Master of Finance, business analytics, supply chain management, and management information systems. STEM designation varies by program, including among programs with similar names. Confirm the precise degree and CIP code with the university before relying on a potential STEM OPT extension.
Sciences and Research
Graduate programs in biology, chemistry, physics, agricultural science, and environmental science may offer routes into research careers or doctoral study. Some research-based programs offer assistantships or other financial support, but funding is not guaranteed and may depend on academic performance, research fit, and available grants.
Health and Public Health
Master of Public Health (MPH), health administration, and health informatics programs can prepare students for work in public health, healthcare management, research, and data analysis. Professional licensing requirements vary by occupation and state, so check the rules for your intended career.
Tip: If you hope to use STEM OPT after graduation, confirm the exact degree's CIP code and its eligibility before accepting an offer. Your Form I-20 can help you identify the code, but the degree and all other STEM OPT requirements must qualify under current rules.
Admission Requirements for Brazilian Graduates
Admission requirements vary by university, department, and degree. A Brazilian undergraduate qualification may meet the academic entry requirements for a US graduate program, but each institution decides how it evaluates international credentials.
- Academic qualification: Universities commonly require a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to a US bachelor's degree. A Brazilian bacharelado may meet this requirement, depending on the program and institution. A tecnólogo qualification is not automatically equivalent or ineligible; ask each university how it evaluates your specific credential.
- Transcripts and credential evaluation: Submit official academic records and any required translations. Some institutions require a credential evaluation from a specified evaluation service, while others evaluate international credentials internally. Follow the university's own instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Depending on the institution and program, applicants may need TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or another accepted English-language test. Duolingo English Test is accepted by some universities but not all. Waivers may be available under specific institutional policies.
- Standardized tests: GRE or GMAT requirements vary by program. Some graduate schools have made these tests optional or removed them, while others continue to require them.
- Supporting documents: Applications may require a statement of purpose, academic or professional references, a résumé or CV, and a writing sample or portfolio for certain disciplines. Review each program's requirements. Learn how to write a statement of purpose.
- Financial documentation: Students seeking an F-1 visa generally need to demonstrate that they can cover the costs of studying and living in the US, in accordance with the university's documentation process and applicable visa requirements.
Funding Your Graduate Studies
Graduate study in the US can be expensive, so research scholarships and assistantships before committing to a program. Eligibility, application dates, funding amounts, and permitted uses vary. Do not assume that a scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses.
- Teaching and research assistantships: Some departments offer assistantships that provide a stipend, tuition remission, or both in exchange for teaching or research duties. Availability varies by university, discipline, and degree level. Ask whether funding is guaranteed for the full program duration and what fees remain payable.
- Fulbright Brasil: Fulbright Brazil administers specific exchange and research opportunities, including a doctoral sandwich scholarship supported by CAPES for eligible Brazilian doctoral students conducting part of their research in the US. This is not a general scholarship for every Brazilian applicant pursuing a full US master's or PhD. Check the current eligibility criteria and calls on the Fulbright Brazil scholarships page.
- CAPES: Brazil's federal agency for graduate education and research supports certain international research and postgraduate opportunities through specific programs and calls. Eligibility depends on the funding scheme and, in some cases, participation through a Brazilian university. Consult the official CAPES website for current opportunities.
- Fundação Estudar: The Líderes Estudar program provides competitive financial support and professional development opportunities for eligible Brazilian students, including those pursuing postgraduate study abroad. Awards and eligibility requirements vary by selection cycle. Visit the official Líderes Estudar page for current details.
- University scholarships: Check each university's graduate funding page for merit-based awards, need-based aid where available, departmental funding, and international-student eligibility. Explore scholarship search guidance from ApplyBoard.
Budgeting tip: Compare the full cost of attendance, including tuition, mandatory fees, housing, health insurance, transport, and other living expenses. If you receive an assistantship, confirm the net value of the package and whether it includes tuition remission or only a stipend.
Plan Your Career After Graduation
Understand the eligibility requirements for OPT, STEM OPT, and other potential pathways after completing your US degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may be. US universities set their own international credential requirements and determine whether a Brazilian qualification meets the entry standard for a graduate program. A bacharelado is not automatically accepted by every institution, and a tecnólogo qualification is assessed according to the university's policies. Check the requirements of each program and whether a credential evaluation is needed.
Eligible F-1 graduates may qualify for up to 12 months of post-completion OPT. Those who meet the additional STEM OPT requirements may apply for a 24-month extension, allowing up to 36 months in total. Approval is not automatic, and employment must comply with the applicable rules.
An eligible F-1 student may be able to bring a spouse and unmarried children under 21 on F-2 dependent visas, subject to visa requirements. F-2 spouses are not authorized to work in the US. Review the US Department of State's student visa guidance and plan for the family's living and insurance expenses.
It depends on the university, department, and degree. Some graduate programs make standardized tests optional or do not require them, while others still require the GRE or GMAT. Confirm the current admissions requirements for every program you are considering.
OPT is an established employment authorization option for eligible F-1 students. Rules, fees, and application procedures can change, so consult the official USCIS OPT guidance for current requirements. Do not rely on unfinalized proposals as though they were current law.
A US master's degree or PhD can help Brazilian graduates develop specialized knowledge, pursue research, and explore professional experience opportunities. Compare programs carefully, verify admission and funding requirements, and understand the rules governing F-1 employment before making plans. ApplyBoard can help you explore graduate study options in the US.
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