Photo credit: Jules Riché, Brazil Studio educational coordinatorPhoto credit: Jules Riché, Brazil Studio educational coordinator

International Design Strategy Brazil Studio

Taught in English Sao Paulo
Diplôme visé contrôlé par l'ÉtatLabel - Diplôme conférant grade de master contrôle par l'État
Updated on 03.02.25
Informations

 Degree: Diplôme de design Bac +5 : Postgraduate studies / Master's level degree

Prerequisites: 3 years of undergraduate studies in design

Admissions: on our application site

Modality

Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Teaching language: English

Postgraduate studies / Master's level degree in Brazil

A postgraduate program in two years specialized in International Design Strategy, a single master’s degree in design. This program is offered in partnership with the prestigious Mackenzie University, founded in 1870 (11 faculties, 42,000 students), and hosted within the School of Architecture and City Planning.

This program leads to the master’s level degree (Diplôme de design) certified by the French Ministry of Higher Education.

International design strategy in Brazil

São Paulo is a creative, hyperactive, seductive and warm city, where design, architecture, communication, events and innovation agencies abound. "Sampa", the largest urban center in the southern hemisphere, is the economic center of Brazil, a young democracy and a market of more than 200 million inhabitants. The city is considered as one of the most culturally diverse in the world.

Located in the heart of a city campus, the Brazil Studio offers a program that allows an accelerated acculturation to the Brazilian context.

Beyond the acquisition of the professional design skills through the experimentation of project management and the experience of complexity, the aim of this program is to offer the opportunity for young graduates to begin an international career.

Apply

Campus de l’Université Presbytérienne MackenzieMackenzie Presbyterian University campus

The Mackenzie Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning

The Brazil Studio is based within the Mackenzie Presbyterian University Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning (FAU), one of the most renowned in the country, founded over 150 years ago. The campus offers students optimal conditions in the heart of São Paulo's cultural and professional life.

Topics covered

  • Immersion environment

  • Urban Design in a context of high population density

  • Social Design adapted to multiculturalism

This postgraduate program, leading to the master’s level degree (Diplôme de design) certified by the Ministry of higher education, deals with topics related to social and environmental issues (mobility, health, education, food, access to energy, waste management) and its specific characteristics (high population density, multiculturalism, natural resources and local crafts...).

Students on the campus of Mackenzie Presbyterian University in 2023Students on the campus of Mackenzie Presbyterian University in 2023
Photo credit: Jules Riché, Brazil Studio educational coordinatorPhoto credit: Jules Riché, Brazil Studio educational coordinator
brazil studio étudiant brazil studio
Brazil Studio Blend InspireSoutenance orale des étudiants du Brazil Studio pour le partenaire Blend Inspire
Sao Paulo Jules RichéCrédit photo : Jules Riché
São Paulo, BrésilSão Paulo, Brésil - Carlos Kenobi / Unplash
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Curriculum
A unique two-year program in Brazil

The 'International design strategy' program

The 'International Design Strategy' program offers a fantastic opportunity to discover and understand other cultures and to evolve in an international context.

By the end of the program, students will be able to support companies in developing their innovation strategies in a global world.

Find out more

Obtaining the master's level degree

The Master's level degree is awarded by the final jury to students who have obtained :

1. a minimum TOEIC score of 800 points;
2. a mark of 10/20 or above, broken down as follows:

  • 40% marks awarded for continuous assessment,
  • 60% marks obtained in the final presentation in September on the student's course of study (final project, work placement and any other element chosen by the student).

This course must be completed in its entirety to obtain certification and cannot be broken down into blocks. The course is taken as a whole and not in modules. Please contact us for information on equivalences.

This master's level degree (RNCP level 7 - RNCP36106 - published on 07-01-2022) is approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, which confers the grade of Master.

Admission requirements
Academic requirements

This program is open to all applicants who either:


  • hold a Bachelor’s Degree in design or equivalent, or

  • have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies in design or equivalent, equating to at least 180 ECTS credits

You may apply before actually receiving the degree or having completed your undergraduate studies. However, admission will only take effect once the degree is obtained or the undergraduate credits have been validated.


Applicants whose level we assess to be insufficient may be recommended to follow a semester or a full year in our 3rd year of DN MADE / International Class before entering the master’s program.

Final admission will only take effect when the necessary visa is obtained, if applicable.




Language requirements

English

If you are not a native English speaker, we ask that you provide proof of your English proficiency (minimum level of 700 points at the TOEIC test or equivalent).

  • The Master’s level degree being subject to the validation of 700 points in the TOEIC, you will be required to take the TOEIC exam during the course.

French

Not mandatory for the programs taught in English

How to apply?

Applications are open from November to June 2025 for the academic year 2025-2026

Applications for the 4th year of the Master's level degree via our application website are organised into 9 admission sessions:



  • November session: registrations until November 29, 2024
  • December session: registrations until December 20, 2024
  • January session: registrations from January 1 to January 31, 2025
  • February session: registrations from February 1 to 28, 2025
  • March session: registrations from March 1 to March 31, 2025
  • April session: registrations from April 1 to 30, 2025
  • May session: registrations from May 1 to 31, 2025
  • June session: registrations from June 1 to 30, 2025
  • July session: registrations from July 1 to 25, 2025

Apply

Selection process

1. Online application and payment of the application fees (€50);
2. Upload all the required documents for application;
3. Application review and online interview if your application file is accepted;

4. Publication of the admissions results at the end of each admission session: Admissions results are sent by email.

Admission results within 15 days.

Tuition fees
  • French students and European Union students: €8,900 per year
  • 
Non-European Union students: €9,900 per year

+ CVEC (Student and campus life contribution): contribution set at just under €103 - CVEC website

Scholarships

The school itself does not offer scholarship. However, according to your country of residence and your particular situation, different possibilities may be available to finance your studies in France: government grants, funding granted by international organizations and NGOs, private fellowships etc.

Campus France has a scholarship search engine  which may help you identify a scholarship available in your situation (country of residence, degree being prepared etc.).

Obtain a visa for Brazil

Final admission will only take effect when the necessary visa is obtained, if applicable.


You will have to take the following steps:

  • Obtain a VITEM IV student visa by making an appointment at the consulate
  • Fill in the visa application file beforehand (a document detailing the procedure and required documents will be given to enrolled students before their departure)
  • Once you arrive in Brazil you will have to register with the Brazilian Federal Police to obtain the administrative documents required for your residency (but again you will receive help and guidance as to the steps to be taken).
Academic calendar

Start of the 2025-2026 academic: August 2025

This date is provided for information purposes only and is subject to change.

    Teaching staff

    Deputy Executive Director
    Stéphane Gouret

    Educational coordinator
    Jules Riché

    Job prospects and further education
    International career prospects

    This program trains students to become global players who can converse fluently in English and possibly even Portuguese, understanding Brasilian context better, and most of all, improve the ability to design for clients and employers from other cultures. It is a living experience that will change its participants, often opening up unexpected, exciting international career opportunities.

    Master’s level degree in design

    As all our postgraduate studies, this program leads to the Master’s level degree in design, certified by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and registered in the Registre National des Certifications Professionnelles (the French directory for vocational qualifications or RNCP) as a Level 7 Master’s level degree.


    This program must be completed in its entirety to obtain certification and cannot be broken down into blocks. The course is taken as a whole and not in modules. Please contact us for information on equivalences.

    Further education

    The Master’s level degree confers the "Grade de master", and you can pursue your education at a PhD level.

    Some Alumni stories
    • Benjamin Gicqueau - Junior Industrial Designer at Innovate Product Design
    • Samantha Rouvrais - Designer - Project Manager at Schoolab
    • Nino Pascal-Heilmann - Partner & Lead Creative Explorer at átiko7 and Co-founder & Designer at WiP atelier

    Partners
    Public Institutions
    • Mackenzie University
    • Consulate of France in São Paulo
    • City on the Move Institute
    Industries

    Projects and workshops are developed with professional or institutional partners. São Paulo is home to a large number of international brands (all the CAC 40 companies are present in the country), which allows us to work on issues where design and innovation are at the heart of the companies' strategic thinking.

    Many institutions, organizations and associations are also open to the idea of collaborating in order to bring a unique vision and a fresh perspective to their activities.

    The Brazil Studio has collaborated with companies such as Accor, Chandon, Costa Croisières, PSA (and now Stellantis), Clear Channel... but also local companies such as Suvinil, Appito, Mercy for Animals or We Fab.

    Contact

     

    A question about this program?

    A question about this program? Contact us!

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    International Design Strategy Brazil Studio

    Taught in English Sao Paulo
    Diplôme visé contrôlé par l'ÉtatLabel - Diplôme conférant grade de master contrôle par l'État