VITEM IV visa from Policia Federal while in Brazil?

It depends on whether the applicant is inside or outside Brazil.

-- If the applicant is outside Brazil, s/he applies to a Brazilian Consulate for a VITEM IV visa to enter Brazil, and apply to the Federal Police for residency and a CRNM.

-- if the applicant is already in Brazil on a valid visa, as you are (your 90 day visa-free permission counts as a visa, as long as you don't overstay it), and qualifies for permission to remain in Brazil to study, s/he can apply directly to the Polícia Federal for permission.  There's no need to obtain a VITEM IV as well.

The requirements for applying for a change of status from tourist to student appear here:

http://www.pf.gov.br/servicos-pf/imigra … -de-estudo

abthree, thanks so much for your kind reply. I'm very surprised to hear that the 90-visa free days count as a visa which makes it possible to change the visa status.

Wow, your answer just threw me away. I'll have a look at the link. Thank You

@abthree, sorry it's me one more time:

I was checking the website of language school here in SP and they state:

"Student Visa with aprenda²
Beyond this, our ALEGRIA SOCIAL INTENSIVE course qualifies students for a 3 to 12 month student visa. For this, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be outside of Brazil to apply for your visa.  It’s not possible to apply if you’re still physically in Brazil"

I'm confused now. I really prefer reading your answer   

The school is probably saying that you need a student visa because they only have experience with people in country on student visas - so far.

The required documents on the PF list are probably much easier to get at home than they are in Brazil.  If you have them or think that you can get them, I'd confirm with the PF that they'll give you an authorization of residency based on matriculation at the school, then get in touch with the school again.