Degrees/Diplomas

The first level of higher education leads to the degree of licentiate (Licenciatura), usually taking four to six years of study. The student can then continue with graduate studies; the masters degree (Mesterado) is granted after two years of study. Finally, the doctorate (Ph.D.), called Douctoramento, is granted to the student having a licentiate degree who undertakes a research project for roughly five years.
The polytechnic schools offer a Bacharel degree in three years; in such schools, there are postgraduate programs that grant degrees equivalent to a Ph.D.