Is the word além the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "além" is semantically, grammatically, and orthographically identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It functions as an adverb of place (meaning "further" or "beyond") and as part of the prepositional phrase "além de" (meaning "besides," "in addition to," or "beyond"). The only difference is pronunciation, specifically regarding the phonetic realization of the stressed vowel and the nasalization of the final "m," which follows the distinct prosodic and rhythmic patterns of each dialect.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Além de ser legal, ele é muito gente boa. (Besides being nice, he is a great guy.)
2. Além disso, o ônibus atrasou. (Besides that, the bus was late.)
3. Ele foi além do que eu esperava. (He went beyond what I expected.)
4. O parque fica além do shopping. (The park is beyond the mall.)
5. Não pense além do que é necessário. (Don't think beyond what is necessary.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Além de ser porreiro, ele é muito simpático. (Besides being cool, he is very nice.)
2. Além disso, o autocarro atrasou-se. (Besides that, the bus was late.)
3. Ele foi além do que eu esperava. (He went beyond what I expected.)
4. O parque fica além do centro comercial. (The park is beyond the shopping center.)
5. Não penses além do que é necessário. (Don't think beyond what is necessary.)