How new dynamics are influencing outbound mobility from Latin America’s largest market
Brazil has long been one of the most significant student-sending countries in Latin America, with tens of thousands of students pursuing higher education abroad every year. As we move into 2025, several emerging trends are reshaping Brazilian students’ choices, creating both challenges and opportunities for education consultants and institutions worldwide.
At Collab International, we work closely with our exclusive partner Eduxplorers in Brazil, giving us first-hand insights into how this evolving market is changing. Below, we outline the key factors shaping demand and highlight how agencies and institutions can respond effectively.
#1 Destination Shift: Traditional markets like the US and Canada remain strong, but Europe (Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Czechia) and Asia (Japan, South Korea) are gaining momentum.
💲 Affordability Matters: Rising costs and currency fluctuations push families to explore lower-cost destinations.
🗣 English PLUS Portuguese/Spanish: Programs in multiple languages are increasingly attractive.
🎓 Career Outcomes: Demand for post-study work opportunities remains a top driver.
🤝 Agency-Led Market: More than 70% of students rely on agencies for applications and visa processes.
Brazil’s economic volatility continues to shape international education demand. With the Brazilian real fluctuating against the US dollar and euro, affordability remains central. Students and parents are increasingly weighing cost of tuition, cost of living, and scholarship availability before committing to a destination.
This shift has created stronger interest in Europe, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where cultural and linguistic ties are strong, and in Central Europe, where tuition fees and living costs are more competitive than in North America.
While English-taught programs remain in highest demand, Brazilian students are also looking for bilingual options. The appeal of studying in Portuguese-speaking Portugal, Spanish-speaking Latin destinations, or countries with dual-language degree options adds flexibility and comfort for both students and their families.
At the same time, younger students show strong interest in English-medium universities in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Central Europe, where no foundation years are required in many cases.
Just as with other emerging markets, Brazilian students increasingly view international study as a pathway to global employment. Post-study work opportunities are critical. Countries such as Ireland, Canada, and Germany are attractive because they combine accessible higher education with clear employment pathways after graduation.
Institutions that highlight internships, industry partnerships, and visa advantages stand to capture more interest in this competitive market.
Brazil’s outbound mobility is highly agency-driven, with families relying on trusted consultants to navigate applications, scholarships, and visas. Agencies therefore play a key role in shaping destination choices.
Through our exclusive partnership with Eduxplorers, Collab International is able to support Brazilian agencies with direct access to 250+ global universities, streamlined applications through the Collab Academic Portal, and up-to-date training to better serve their students.
Brazilian student demand will continue to grow in 2025, but the market is diversifying beyond the traditional “big four” destinations. For agencies, the priority will be offering a broader portfolio of affordable, high-quality programs. For institutions, success lies in tailoring messaging to career outcomes, financial flexibility, and student support.
At Collab International, we remain committed to providing localized insights and partnerships that help agencies and institutions adapt to this changing landscape.
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