International Students At The University Of Sao Paulo: Who's Welcome?

The University of São Paulo (USP) is a public university that does accept international students. Located in Brazil, USP is a part of several international organisations, including the International Forum of Public Universities (IFPU). The university has a history of welcoming people from all over the world, and in 2018, about 3,000 international students were enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. USP's International Cooperation Office manages the university's internationalisation initiatives, including undergraduate and graduate exchange programs.

USP offers a range of cultural options for its students and the community, including several museums with free entry. The university has campuses in eight cities in the State of São Paulo: Bauru, Lorena, Piracicaba, Pirassununga, Ribeirão Preto, Santos, São Carlos, and São Paulo, which is the state capital.

The university's academic calendar is divided into two semesters, and tuition fees are calculated per year. While local citizens pay a minimum of 164 USD per year, international students pay 1,000 USD per year.

Application process for international students

The University of São Paulo (USP) is a public university that welcomes international students. The USP International Cooperation Office handles the University's internationalisation initiatives, including undergraduate and graduate exchange programs. The university has an International Office on campus that works with the International Offices of each Faculty to help international students settle in.

The application process for international students depends on the program and level of study. Here is a general overview of the application process for international students at USP:

• Online Application: The first step is to submit an online application through the USP website or a third-party application platform.
• Application Fee: Pay the application fee.
• Documents: Gather and submit the required documents. The specific documents may vary, but generally, you will need to provide:

• Official high school diploma and transcripts (translated into Portuguese)
• Results from an entrance test called "vestibular"
• Certificate of Proficiency in the Portuguese Language
• Term of Financial Responsibility
• Birth Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Passport copy
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
• Personal statement or letter of interest
• Academic transcripts (in English or Portuguese)
• Graduation certificate (in English or Portuguese)
• Letters of recommendation
• Research project or study plan

• Submission: Submit the completed application, along with all the required documents, to the relevant department or faculty at USP.
• Review: The university will review your application and may contact you for further clarification or additional information.
• Acceptance: If your application is successful, you will receive an acceptance letter and visa form electronically.
• Deposit: Pay the non-refundable deposit to the university.
• Visa Application: With the acceptance letter and visa form, you can apply for a student visa at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
• Accommodation: USP does not provide accommodation for international students, so you will need to arrange your own accommodation off-campus or on-campus.

Please note that specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your country of origin and the program you are applying to. It is recommended to check the official USP website or consult the relevant faculty or department for detailed and up-to-date information.

Costs and scholarships

The University of São Paulo (USP) is a public university, so it does not charge tuition fees. However, international students are required to pay a fee of $1,000 per year. This fee covers the cost of studying at the university, but there are other costs to consider when attending USP as an international student. Accommodation, transportation, study materials, meals, and personal expenses can all add up. USP does not provide accommodation for international students, so this is something that students will need to organize independently.

USP has an International Office that helps visiting students get settled and feel welcomed. The university also offers a Portuguese language course for foreigners, which is useful as all activities at USP are conducted in Portuguese.

Although USP does not offer scholarships, there are other options for financial aid. The university's website provides information on scholarships, internships, fellowships, and grants offered by other organizations, including foundations, trusts, and corporations. These opportunities can provide financial support for international students studying or researching at USP.

• SCAR Fellowships in Antarctic Research 2021
• IAL Research Grants for Doctoral Studies
• HKADC Overseas Arts Administration Scholarships
• POGO-SCOR Visiting Fellowships for Developing Countries, 2023
• National Arts Council Arts Scholarships in Singapore, 2021
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program, 2023
• Royal Society International Exchange Programme, 2022
• MOE-AU Scholarship for Singaporean Students, 2022
• NWO Rubicon Scholarship, 2018
• Ciencia Sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders, CsF)

Language requirements

The University of São Paulo (USP) is a public university that is recognised for its pursuit of excellence in teaching and research. It is the largest institution of higher education and research in Brazil, with campuses distributed across eight cities in the State of São Paulo. The university has a strong focus on internationalisation and has welcomed students from all over the world since its foundation in 1934.

The University of São Paulo offers courses that are taught in the Portuguese language. Therefore, international students are required to have a good command of Portuguese to enrol in the university's programs. While the specific language proficiency levels required may vary, it is essential for prospective students to demonstrate their proficiency in Portuguese before being admitted. This can be done through recognised language tests or certificates. Additionally, students may be asked to provide proof of their Portuguese language skills through transcripts or other relevant documents.

For students who wish to participate in exchange programs or specific graduate programs, such as the Graduate Program in Business Administration, there may be additional language requirements. For instance, the university may ask for an English proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL) as part of the application process. This requirement ensures that students can effectively participate in courses or research activities conducted in English.

It is important to note that the University of São Paulo does not offer Portuguese language courses for foreigners. Therefore, prospective international students are expected to have already acquired a sufficient level of proficiency in Portuguese before applying. This includes demonstrating their language skills through the required application documents, such as transcripts, certificates, or letters of interest in Portuguese.

In summary, the University of São Paulo welcomes international students but places a strong emphasis on language proficiency, specifically in Portuguese, to ensure that students can fully engage in their academic pursuits. For specific programs or exchange opportunities, additional language requirements in English may also be necessary. It is recommended that prospective international students review the language requirements for their desired program carefully and plan their applications accordingly.

Visa applications

International students can apply to the University of Sao Paulo (USP) through exchange student programs, the "Programa de Estudante Convênio" (PEC-PG), or diplomatic courtesy. PEC-PG is a cooperative program between Brazil and nations in Latin America, Central America, and Africa, enabling citizens of these countries to study in PEC-PG participant Brazilian universities. USP is part of this program, which is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education.

Student Visa Requirements:

• A valid passport with at least 4 blank pages
• A completed visa application form
• A letter of acceptance from the university
• Proof of financial resources
• A recent passport-style photo
• Proof of payment of visa fees
• Criminal records extract
• A prepaid mailing label

The visa application fee in Brazil is 120 Euros. Applications should be sent via mail to the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country, which will process the student visa application.

Additional Requirements for the University of Sao Paulo:

• Passport copy
• English language certificate
• Personal statement
• Highest academic transcript (in English)
• Graduation certificate (in English)
• Curriculum Vitae

Temporary Stay Requirements:

International students must also obtain a document for a temporary stay in Brazil, which has two stages, beginning in their country of origin. At the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate, students should apply for a Student Visa of type 4. This will require:

• An acceptance letter from the University of Sao Paulo
• A passport
• Photos
• Other documents as requested

The next steps involve receiving a request for a Consular Visa (Visa Application Form) to be delivered to the Federal Police of Brazil. It is important to note that a visa application for a temporary stay cannot be made if an individual is already in Brazil on a visa other than a Student Visa.

Upon arrival in Brazil, an individual's passport must have at least one year of validity remaining. The document for a temporary stay in Brazil is called the National Register of Foreigners (RNE). This number is required for various activities, such as opening a bank account.

To obtain the RNE, students must follow several steps, including filling out forms, providing personal data, and paying fees at a bank. They must then submit the completed application and other required documents to the Superintendency of the Federal Police in Brazil.

Additional Information:

The University of Sao Paulo is a public university that does not charge tuition fees to international students. However, there are registration and other study fees. The academic calendar is divided into two semesters, and accommodation is available on and off-campus.

The University of Sao Paulo offers various undergraduate and graduate programs and has a history of welcoming international students through partnerships and exchange programs.

On-campus accommodation

The University of São Paulo (USP) does not offer on-campus accommodation for its students, whether local or international. However, the university has an International Office that assists international students in finding accommodation and settling in.

Off-Campus Accommodation

There are several options for off-campus accommodation near the University of São Paulo. These include:

• Private or shared living in a house or apartment.
• Homestays with a local family for an affordable fee.
• Student accommodation options provided by companies such as Casita.

It is recommended that students arrive a few days before their program starts to register and book their preferred accommodation.

Transportation

The city of São Paulo has an extensive transportation system, including several motorways, urban rail systems, buses, airports, and even helicopters. The urban rail transport system consists of three main systems: the metro, the commuter rail system, and the underground system. São Paulo also has the second-largest bus terminal in the world, with a bus network of 17,000 buses and trolleybuses serving the city and beyond.

Attractions

São Paulo is a vibrant city with a rich history and cultural heritage. The city boasts multiple parks, museums, and galleries, as well as festivals and events that attract tourists from around the world. Some notable attractions include:

• Ibirapuera Park: A vast green space with gardens, lakes, museums, and monuments, including the Aeronautics and Folk Art Museum and the Afro Museum Brazil.
• The Museum of Art of Sao Paulo: Home to impressive artwork collections and an architectural landmark with a plaza that hosts antique markets and musical concerts.
• Sao Paulo Football Museum: Dedicated to the celebration of football, with interactive exhibits and galleries.
• Contemporary Art Museum: Houses Latin America's largest collection of 20th-century Western art, with over 5,000 pieces.
• Se Cathedral: A prominent landmark built in the neo-Gothic style with Renaissance influences, featuring intricate carvings, stunning interiors, stained glass windows, sculptures, and tombs.
• Teatro Municipal: A major attraction and an important centre for performing arts in South America, hosting performances by internationally renowned artists.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in São Paulo is approximately 450 EUR per month, excluding accommodation but including food and transportation.

Frequently asked questions