25 Best Universities In Brazil For International Students 2023

If you are looking to study in Brazil, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 95 universities and colleges in Brazil, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 95 universities in Brazil, University of Sao Paulo and State University of Campinas are the top-performing schools in Brazil. This list covers both public and private institutions in Brazil.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Brazil. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Brazil.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Brazil?

Applying to the universities in Brazil involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Brazil to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Brazil?

Tuition fees at Brazil’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level averages 0 Brazilian Real, while tuition fees for the master’s level averages 0 Brazilian Real. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Brazil!

As we cover the best universities in Brazil for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Brazil for International Students

The University of Sao Paulo is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil. It is the largest university in Brazil and operates across eleven campuses located across the country.  Founded in 1934, the university has a long history of providing world-class programs in several fields of study, including the arts, sciences, and medicine.

The Universidade Estadual de Campinas translates into the State University of Campinas in English. However, the institution is more known worldwide by its acronym: UNICAMP. As one of the best schools in Latin America, it has earned a reputation for excellence, especially in the arts, humanities, computer science, and technology. Such recognition is not just grounded on academic performance. The research background of UNICAMP is also impeccable, contributing to several studies and having the most patents nationwide.

The Federal University of Sao Paulo is a public university in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was founded in 1933 and was limited to health sciences until 2005. The university currently has six campuses in Vila Clementino, Guarulhos, Diadema, Santos, Sao Jose dos Campos, and Osasco, each with its own specialty. UNIFESP is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the nation and draws students from all over the world.

The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is one of the top-performing universities in Brazil. They have more than 30,000 students in the university and they offer various courses. As a top university in the country, it built its reputation for producing high-quality educational programs in the field. They also have different student activities on campus to foster diversity among the students.

The largest federal university in Brazil is located in the state of Minas Gerais. Thus, it has been aptly named Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Portuguese or the Federal University of Minas Gerais in English. Besides stellar national rankings, the university also takes pride in its world-class education, as proven by placements in various global rankings and assessments. This excellence can be credited to nearly a century of experience, research, and innovations.

The Federal University of Santa Catarina is a public institution often recognized as one of the best in South America. It is home to a large student population of over 40,000 and operates across multiple campuses. The university offers a wide range of study options for undergraduates and graduates which aim to prepare students for professional careers.

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro seeks excellence in research in order to adequately train and produce competent professionals in the future. The university offers technical academic programs while balancing them with traditional Catholic principles. Above all, its mission is to provide growth and enrichment to society, enabling each individual to prosper and propagate knowledge to communities.

Brazil’s most prominent federal university is the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro or the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in English. It is one of the largest universities in Brazil and boasts world-class rankings, education, and faculty. The university is also home to top-notch facilities, including an enormous ocean basin that is advantageous for researchers.

The University of Brasilia is the best in Brazil’s capital. This federal institution was established based on the vision of Anísio Teixeira and Darcy Ribeiro, both of whom were accomplished educators. It is unsurprising then that one of the four campuses was named after Darcy Ribeiro. Meanwhile, the rest are known as Ceilândia, Gama, and Planaltina.

Besides the convenience of being in the nation’s capital, you can also expect outstanding education at the UnB, especially in international affairs, political sciences, and economics. The university was ranked 401st in the global evaluations of arts and humanities subjects. However, this does not mean its other programs are not at par, as all have quality and learning as a priority.

For the city of Curitiba, the Federal University of Parana, or Universidade Federal do Parana, is more than just an academic institution or prestigious academe. It symbolizes the city primarily because the university’s history is intertwined with the community’s. The hands of locals have come together to build it, and it is only fitting that the education UFPR provides primarily benefits them. This act of giving back also pushes the university to be up-to-date with educational trends and technology to ensure that the provided education is modernized and updated as it could be. These modernization efforts contribute significantly to the overall development of the university and its society.

The Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) is a public university in Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was the first university located in the countryside of Sao Paulo, having been founded in 1968. The university offers 62 undergraduate courses and 76 postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines through 48 academic departments.

The Federal University of ABC is known for offering inclusive education and giving accessible learning to all students regardless of their culture and race. The university believes that through diversity and the development of talents, any individual will be able to achieve their dreams and ambitions. It has been at the frontier of scientific knowledge, demonstrating possible ways to meet society’s pressing demands.

Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte is among the largest universities in Brazil and currently has more than 50 academic departments and over 70 courses. It is a top-ranked educational institution because of its active contribution to journal publication and research, signifying its efficiency in developing the minds and skills of its students.

Founded in 1946, Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Sao Paulo (PUC-SP) came into existence through the amalgamation of several Catholic institutions in Brazil. PUC-SP is one of Brazil’s most prominent universities and is also considered one of the most elite institutions in the country. Its high standards of teaching and research have attracted countless local and international students. It currently offers a wide range of study programs in humanities, health sciences, medicine, and information technology.

The Federal University of Pernambuco is one of the prominent universities in the country and offers a welcoming space for students to manifest their dreams, operating across three campuses located in different cities. It also seeks to sustain its marvelous reputation by employing a hands-on teaching approach and effective practical assessments.

The Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL) is a public university in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was founded in 1969. The university offers 94 undergraduate courses, 45 master’s courses, and 23 doctorate courses in the arts, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and law through 22 academic departments.

The Federal University of Bahia is one of the oldest universities in Brazil and has been at the forefront of delivering specialized courses and advanced education. Over the years, the institution has grown to maintain its legacy and continues to welcome various students from all over the world. It is considered an expert in numerous disciplines, such as humanities, arts, and health.

Federal University of Santa Maria, known in Portuguese as Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, is an outstanding public higher education school that provides top-quality programs in the southern region of Brazil. Founded in 1960, the institute was the first federal university established outside the capital city of any Brazilian state. The university is situated on several campuses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with its main campus located in Camobi, Santa Maria. Each campus provides several high-quality study programs in various academic disciplines. It offers cutting-edge degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. In addition, it also provides specialized programs and technical courses.

The Federal University of Vicosa was established in 1922 and is one of Brazil’s oldest educational institutions. The university is internationally recognized for its outstanding academic and research programs in agriculture and veterinary sciences. It is also known for its extension programs and projects that aim to bridge the gap between academics and industries. 

Founded in 1960, the Federal University of Juiz de Fora has established its international reputation as one of the best universities in Brazil. They have undergraduate and graduate degrees in various academic fields. Additionally, they produce research works that contribute to the nation’s scientific fields. Students are able to meet a diverse environment inside the campus.

Unisinos University is a private Jesuit university in Sao Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was founded in 1869 as the Colegio Nossa Senhora da Conceicao and was designated as a university in 1969. With over 900 educators, 86% of whom hold a Master’s or Doctorate degree, the university offers numerous undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines.

The Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD) is a public university in Dourados, Brazil. It was established in 2005 after the Dourados campus, which had previously been a component of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, was freed. The college initially only offered seven undergraduate courses, but after being accepted into the Program for Restructuring and Expansion of Federal Universities, it started to grow significantly.

Federal University of Sao Joao Del Rei is one of the top academic institutions for higher education in Brazil. It offers more than 50 programs in various disciplines designed to provide high-quality education that is driven by research and imparts ethical and moral values. The university is also committed to conducting extension programs that respond to the needs of the region.

The Federal University of Ceara started as an educational institution for students passionate about the healthcare industry. Over the years, it has worked to meet the public’s demands and begun offering various academic programs in other disciplines. With more than 65 years of experience, the university is known for its strong commitment to serving the region.

Brazil’s Ceara State University (UECE) is a public institution of higher learning established by law in 1975. It is rated as one of Brazil’s top state colleges. Business, accounting, psychology, physical education, languages, the arts, social science, and medicine are among the fields of study offered by UECE. For its medical students, the university also has a veterinary hospital and the Ceara University Hospital.