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

No

While the spelling, grammar, and literal meaning of the word are identical, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "aluno" is the universal term used for anyone enrolled in a course, regardless of level (from preschool to doctoral programs). In Portugal, while "aluno" is the standard term for school-aged children (primary and secondary education), the word "estudante" is much more naturally used when referring to those in higher education, such as university or polytechnic students.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O aluno tirou nota dez na prova. (The student got a ten on the exam.)
  2. Eu sou aluno de um curso de inglês. (I am a student in an English course.)
  3. O aluno da universidade está estudando muito. (The university student is studying a lot.)
  4. A professora gosta de todos os seus alunos. (The teacher likes all of her students.)
  5. O aluno entregou o trabalho no prazo. (The student handed in the assignment on time.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O aluno obteve uma nota excelente no teste. (The student obtained an excellent grade on the test.)
  2. Eu sou aluno de um curso de verão. (I am a student in a summer course.)
  3. O estudante universitário está a estudar muito. (The university student is studying a lot.)
  4. A professora deu os livros aos alunos. (The teacher gave the books to the students.)
  5. O estudante da faculdade entregou o trabalho no prazo. (The college student handed in the assignment on time.)