11 Free and Cheap Universities in Brazil for International Students

In Brazil, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Brazil without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Brazil, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 95 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Brazil, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in Brazil?

Applying to cheap universities in Brazil requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Brazil for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in Brazil?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Brazil. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Brazil is the Federal University of ABC, which offers Science and Technology, and Sciences and Humanities to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Federal University of ABC offers Biomedical Engineering, Biosystems, and Biotechnoscience .

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Brazil for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Brazil ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Federal University of Itajuba 0 Brazilian Real 100%
University of Sao Paulo 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Santa Catarina 0 Brazilian Real 100%
State University of Campinas 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Technology Parana 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Minas Gerais 0 Brazilian Real 100%
University of Brasilia 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Espirito Santo 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Santa Catarina State University 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of ABC 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul 0 Brazilian Real 100%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 0 Brazilian Real for universities in Brazil.

1. Federal University of Itajuba

The Federal University of Itajuba was established in 1913 and is one of the first universities in Brazil to offer programs in electrical and mechanical engineering. Its undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, social sciences, earth sciences, and biological sciences aim to develop highly qualified and competent professionals who can thrive in the international labor market. Students at the university take part in several practical projects for them to gain industry experience and enhance their skill sets for their chosen careers. 

2. University of Sao Paulo

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.

3. Federal University of Santa Catarina

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.

4. State University of Campinas

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.

5. Federal University of Technology Parana

The Federal University of Technology Parana (UTFPR) is a public university in Parana, Brazil. It was founded as the Schools of Apprentices and Artificers in 1909, but it was not recognized as a university until 2005. UTFPR is one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil, with 13 campuses spread across the Parana region.

6. Federal University of Minas Gerais

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.

7. University of Brasilia

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.

8. Federal University of Espirito Santo

Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) is one of the notable universities in the Southeastern region of Brazil. It provides over 100 bachelor’s and more than 60 master’s programs in various academic disciplines. Aside from study programs, the institute is also active in contributing to society. It currently has numerous ongoing projects and research programs that will significantly help in the development of its local community.

9. Santa Catarina State University

Santa Catarina State University is known for its excellence in delivering higher education and research opportunities. The university seeks to develop students worldwide and help them to become experts in their respective fields. It also invests hugely in structures and training centers to offer its students the best practical experience.

10. Federal University of ABC

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.

11. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Brazil for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Brazil ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Sao Paulo 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Santa Catarina 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Technology Parana 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Minas Gerais 0 Brazilian Real 100%
University of Brasilia 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Espirito Santo 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Santa Catarina State University 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of ABC 0 Brazilian Real 100%
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul 0 Brazilian Real 100%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 0 Brazilian Real for universities in brazil.

1. University of Sao Paulo

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Sao Paulo should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Brazilian Real annually for their master's degree.

2. Federal University of Santa Catarina

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Federal University of Santa Catarina. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Federal University of Santa Catarina is 0 Brazilian Real.

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.

3. Federal University of Technology Parana

The Federal University of Technology Parana (UTFPR) is a public university in Parana, Brazil. It was founded as the Schools of Apprentices and Artificers in 1909, but it was not recognized as a university until 2005. UTFPR is one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil, with 13 campuses spread across the Parana region.

The tuition fee at Federal University of Technology Parana for incoming international master’s students is 0 Brazilian Real. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Federal University of Minas Gerais

Another affordable university to consider in Brazil is Federal University of Minas Gerais.

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 tuition fee in Federal University of Minas Gerais for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Brazilian Real.

5. University of Brasilia

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Brasilia has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 Brazilian Real yearly.

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.

6. Federal University of Espirito Santo

Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) is one of the notable universities in the Southeastern region of Brazil. It provides over 100 bachelor’s and more than 60 master’s programs in various academic disciplines. Aside from study programs, the institute is also active in contributing to society. It currently has numerous ongoing projects and research programs that will significantly help in the development of its local community.

7. Santa Catarina State University

Santa Catarina State University is known for its excellence in delivering higher education and research opportunities. The university seeks to develop students worldwide and help them to become experts in their respective fields. It also invests hugely in structures and training centers to offer its students the best practical experience.

8. Federal University of ABC

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.

9. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

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.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Brazil, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Brazil as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Brazil for international students was helpful!