A student visa is issued to any foreign national who is enrolled in an academic course given by an educational institution registered with the Brazilian Ministry of Education (Ministério da Educação - mec).

This can be as simple as taking a part-time 'Portuguese for foreigners' class in an accredited institution, or as demanding as enrolling in a full-time doctorate program - however,  students pursuing technical short-term studies like portuguese or cultural studies visas must take at least 15 hours of classes per week.