Brazil’s National Exam Gains Ground as Pathway to U.S. and Canadian Universities

Brazilian students aiming for a college degree in the United States or Canada have a new reason for optimism: the country’s National High School Exam, the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM), is increasingly being recognized as part of admissions processes across North America.

Some universities now accept ENEM scores as one component of their evaluation. The exam does not replace all requirements, but experts say it can strengthen an application and open doors for students seeking an international education.

“Using the ENEM score doesn’t eliminate the need for a strong academic record or English proficiency,” said Patricia Portugal, an international education consultant. “But it gives Brazilian applicants an additional credential that American universities understand and value.”

U.S. universities expanding acceptance

In the United States, institutions such as New York University (NYU) and Northwestern University consider ENEM results as part of their holistic admissions review. Applicants must still submit transcripts, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.

More than 16,000 Brazilian students are currently enrolled in U.S. universities, according to the Institute of International Education.

“American universities look at the whole student, their story, their achievements, their potential,” Portugal said. “The ENEM becomes one more piece of evidence that helps admissions officers understand the applicant’s academic background.”

Canada uses ENEM as complementary documentation

In Canada, ENEM scores are also accepted, though typically as supplementary documentation. The University of Toronto, for example, allows applicants to submit the exam but places greater weight on high school performance and English-language test results.

Canada remains one of the top destinations for Brazilian students, with around 15,000 enrolled in undergraduate programs, second only to Portugal.

“Canadian institutions tend to be very structured in their evaluation,” said Dani Lopes, a specialist in international diploma validation. “The ENEM helps contextualize the student’s academic level, but it’s the combination of grades, language proficiency, and program requirements that ultimately determines admission.”

A more comprehensive selection process

Experts emphasize that while ENEM acceptance is growing, admissions abroad remain more comprehensive than in Brazil. Essays, interviews, and personal profiles often play a decisive role.

“Students need to be prepared for a process that evaluates not just academic performance, but who they are as individuals,” Lopes said. “The ENEM can open the door, but the rest of the application is what keeps it open.”

Still, the exam has become a valuable asset for Brazilians seeking global opportunities.

“For many young people, the ENEM is no longer just a test for entering university in Brazil,” Portugal said. “It’s becoming a passport to international education and to skills that the global job market increasingly demands.”