10 Best Universities In Sao Paulo For International Students 2025

Sao Paulo is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Brazil. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 10 universities and colleges in Sao Paulo, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 10 universities in Sao Paulo, University of Sao Paulo and Federal University of Sao Paulo are the top-performing schools in Sao Paulo. This list covers both public and private institutions in Sao Paulo.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Sao Paulo?

Applying to the universities in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Sao Paulo?

Tuition fees at Sao Paulo’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.

As we cover the best universities in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo 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 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 most prominent private university in Brazil is the Universidade Paulista. It was established in 1988 by merging various Paulista institutions. Among Latin American universities, UNIP ranks well, placing 251st in the QS rankings. The institution’s location, São Paulo, is strategic as it is the capital city of the country. Valuable connections and opportunities thus abound for UNIP students. The success stories of UNIP alumni may attest to these, as some have become prominent lawyers, politicians, and directors in Brazil.

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.

Mackenzie Presbyterian University is a well-established private institution in Brazil offering top-class study programs. It gained university status in 1952; however, its rich history can be traced back to early 1870. The institute is considered one of the country’s oldest and most prominent universities. It is the home of many renowned Brazilian leaders, professionals, and innovators. And over the years, it has significantly contributed to the improvement of the socio-economic condition of its local community by generating countless socially responsible individuals.

The Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE) is a private unviersity in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was established in 1972. With more than 60 years of experience, the university offers more than 90 undergraduate degrees and 21 graduate degrees for its 150,000 students. UNINOVE has multiple campuses around the area of Sao Paulo.

The Anhanguera University of Sao Paulo is a private university in Sao Paulo. It was established in 1994 and is officially recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Education. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are available at the university in management, engineering, medicine, agronomy, architecture, and design. Anhaguera provides excellent libraries, laboratories, well-organized classrooms, and a technology center for its students.

Anhembi Morumbi University is a private university in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was established in 1970 as a tourism school. The university is one of the most prestigious in various fields of knowledge such as medicine, engineering, business, communication, gastronomy, and fashion design, and is ranked as one of the top three private universities in the state of Sao Paulo. UAM is also known as Brazil’s first international university.

Universidade Cruzeiro Do Sul is a comprehensive educational institution that is committed to delivering innovative teaching methods in order to create a better future for the present generation. The university is complete with highly qualified educators and state-of-the-art laboratories that will complement well with the academic activities and research works of the students.

São Judas Tadeu University is a private university in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It began in 1971, offering just two undergraduate courses: Business Administration and Accounting. It became a university in 1989 and now provides a diverse range of undergraduate courses as well as over 45 postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines such as health sciences, humanities, law, linguistics, and technology.