With so many university degrees and extensions that include students who have already graduated from college, choosing a course to continue their studies is not always a simple task and, even those who are fully immersed in the university world, may have doubts about the meaning behind of some programs abroad.

This is because the titles acquired in Brazil are not always equivalent or have the same meanings as those offered in educational institutions in other countries, such as universities in the United States and Europe. With that in mind, we've prepared a terminology guide to help you prepare and hit the right choosing a higher education abroad. Check out!

Graduate abroad

As in Brazil, there are two postgraduate categories abroad: lato sensu and stricto sensu. The fundamental difference between them is that the lato sensu consists of a specialization and the student does not earn an academic title at the end of the course. already the stricto sensu is composed of scientific and academic training courses, such as masters and doctorates.

How to choose: lato sensu or stricto sensu?

THE postgraduate studies Lato sensu It is ideal for those who are already in the job market and seek improvement and evolution in their area of expertise. Even without granting any academic degree, these courses are usually highly valued in the job market because they have focus on hands-on professional training.

already the stricto sensu postgraduate is more focused on academic aspect. The study in these courses is more objective and less broad, closely related to the research and theoretical knowledge. It is indicated for those who intend to pursue a career as a researcher or university professor and acquire a master's or doctorate degree.

What is the MBA?

O MBA (acronym of Master of Business Administration) is one of the most esteemed qualifications by professionals with experience in the labor market who are looking for qualifications to assume important positions in the business area. Internationally recognized, the program is aimed at those who want to develop your management and leadership skills, with classes commonly complemented by activities that involve consulting projects and networking.

MBA abroad x Brazil

Originally from the United States, the MBA program has gained space in the best universities and institutions in the world and, nowadays, it is seen as a fundamental step for anyone who wants to have a successful career in the business area. However, the course is not equivalent in all countries.

the program of MBA in the United States and Europe is a Masters in Business Administration and, therefore, graduates acquire the title of master at the end of the course. In Brazil, the MBA has become synonymous with specialization and is not always linked to the roots of business administration, with options that focus on management in the areas of marketing, finance, etc. Therefore, the Brazilian MBA is considered a lato sensu postgraduate course, guaranteeing the student a certificate of specialization, and not a diploma, as would be the case with a master's degree.

MBA x other master's degrees abroad

Many professionals in the business area are in doubt between the MBA and other master's degrees in the area of business, such as finance and accounting. Before choosing, the student must analyze the most significant differences between the MBA and other master's degrees: the teaching method and the curriculum.

The curriculum of traditional MBA programs is dominated by so-called “case studies”, examples from the business world that students should explore and discuss in order to evolve professionally. On the other hand, most masters have a more theoretical framework, offering professionals a precise academic framework for specific areas, conferring research techniques that can be very useful for those who want to build a teaching career.

Master's and PhD abroad

Master's Degrees and Doctoral Degrees (PhD, EdD etc) are the types of postgraduate courses most sought after by those wishing to continue their higher education. Abroad, master's and doctoral programs have guidelines that may vary by university. To apply to either of the two, you must have a complete higher education, some professional experience and a solid academic curriculum. Having fluent English is also essential and, in this case, an exchange experience abroad can be a great differential.

In general, the Master's courses abroad last two to three years. Most are intended to initiate students into scientific research and prepare them for a possible academic career. However, some specific master's programs can bring a more practical and less theoretical curriculum, with real case studies and simulations of everyday situations, as is the case of the MBA.

O doctorate degree is a more advanced program of study, the duration of which can vary from four to eight years to completion. Unlike what happens in Brazil, abroad it is not mandatory to obtain a master's degree to start a doctorate. Even the student who is interested in invest in an academic career more robust can go straight to the doctorate. In some cases, he even gets the opportunity to earn a master's degree in the process.

Specialization courses abroad

Specialization courses abroad serve to deepen the knowledge of professionals in specific areas. Unlike masters and doctorates, this program does not award diploma but a certification – the so-called certificates.

These courses also tend to have a shorter duration than master's and doctoral courses, with some exceptions that go as far as extrapolating the two-year duration. It is suitable for professionals who wish to expand their professional knowledge beyond their area of expertise or acquire more practical knowledge, networking and know-how to perform certain activities.

Depending on the chosen destination, a university extension course abroad can also be a good path for those who want to apply to the OPT program (Optional Practical Training) and have permission to work legally for up to one year in the chosen country.

How to do a graduate degree abroad?

The list of documents and exams required to pursue a graduate degree abroad varies depending on the university and the type of program chosen. In general, all programs require proof of language proficiency (usually TOEFL or IELTS, for English) and logical reasoning tests, such as the GMAT and GRE, as well as letters of recommendation and professional resume.

The best option is to have the consultancy from specialists in universities abroad to chart the best path to your goals. The STB has a department entirely dedicated to higher education abroad.