English Proficiency

The USP Graduate Studies Bylaws establish that all graduate students must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language. This requirement aims to ensure that students can:

• Access international scientific literature
• Communicate with researchers from other countries
• Participate in international scientific events
• Write articles for publication in globally reaching journals

Statutory deadline: Proof must occur by, at most, half of the maximum statutory deadline for the course (i.e., up to 24 months for Master’s, 30 months for Doctorate and 36 months for Direct Doctorate).

Timing of requirement: Proficiency may be required at admission or during the course, as defined by each program.

The Graduate Program in Chemistry requires proficiency specifically in English language, given that English is the predominant language in scientific communication in the Chemistry field.

Proficiency is not required for admission to the Program. This allows the candidate to enter and have time to prepare during the first year of the course. Proof is a mandatory requirement for registration in the qualification exam.

Proficiency must certify, at minimum, level B1 (intermediate) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Level B1 indicates that the student:

• Can understand the main points of clear texts on familiar subjects
• Can handle most communication situations in academic contexts
• Can produce simple texts on topics of interest
• Can describe experiences, events, ambitions and give basic justifications

As proficiency is a prerequisite for qualification registration, the deadlines coincide:

Proficiency certificates attesting to CEFR level B1 or higher are accepted. The Regulation does not specify minimum scores by exam — it only requires proof of level B1. The table below presents reference scores for this level:

Other certificates: Certificates from other exams may be accepted upon CCP analysis, provided they clearly certify CEFR level B1 or higher.

Students native to English-speaking countries are exempt from proving English proficiency. English-speaking countries include: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (anglophone provinces), Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, among others where English is the official and predominant language.

Portuguese proficiency: Portuguese language proficiency is not required for foreign students. However, courses and defenses may be conducted in English to accommodate students who do not speak Portuguese.

The Program requires proficiency in English language. Proficiency is not required for admission, but must be proven within the following deadlines:

The following exams are accepted, with differentiated minimum scores by course:

Certificates must have been taken up to 5 (five) years before the submission date.

The following are exempt from proving English proficiency:

• Students with proven education in a course equivalent to elementary, middle or higher education in a country that has English as its first language (USA, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, etc.)

Since proficiency is not required at admission, you have time to prepare. We recommend:

1. Assess your current level: Take free practice tests available online for TOEFL and IELTS exams
2. Set a realistic goal: If your current level is below B1, plan regular studies
3. Schedule the exam in advance: Reserve at least 2-3 months before the deadline to have a safety margin

• Extension courses: The FFLCH Language Center offers English courses
• Language exchange: Conversation programs with foreign students
• Libraries: Access to study materials and exam preparation

At the time of qualification registration, present:

• Original certificate or authenticated copy
• The certificate must be within the validity period (5 years from exam date)
• The score must meet the minimum required (level B1)

Register your proficiency through Sabiá System: Access System