How to Study in Brazil for International Students
If you are set on studying in South America, then there is no better destination than the biggest country in the continent. The quality of higher education in Brazil rivals that of the top universities around the world at a very affordable price tag. Brazil has one of the largest economies in the world, providing international students residing within its borders access to a wide range of career opportunities. The rich cultural heritage of Brazil, from its music to its cuisine, will be an endless source of wonder for incoming students who will not only receive education of the highest international standards but may also find a new understanding of themselves and the world.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Brazil currently has 95 universities, from which 69 universities are a part of the public sector and 26 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Brazil you should definitely check out are University of Sao Paulo, State University of Campinas, and Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.
Being able to study in Brazil as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Brazil, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Brazil
The cost of your studies is a big factor to consider when you're planning to study abroad. It can financially burden you, but here's the good thing: the public universities in Brazil don't charge tuition fees to international students like you! Santa Catarina State University, Federal University of Technology Parana and Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul are some of the tuition-free schools. You will just be required to pay some registration and other study fees, but these won't be as high.
On the other hand, if you choose to study in a private institution, expect that you'll pay higher fees. Here are some of the private universities in Brazil with their tuition fees:
Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
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2. Requirements to Study in Brazil for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Brazil might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Brazil.
Application Procedure to Study in Brazil
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Brazil have online applications available on their websites, like University of Sao Paulo and State University of Campinas. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Brazil.
University of Sao Paulo
State University of Campinas
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Brazil differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Brazil.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Brazil
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Brazil. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Brazil as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Brazil. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a VITEM IV.
To start your student visa application in Brazil, you will need to present the following:
- A valid passport with at least 4 blank pages
- A completed visa application form
- A letter of acceptance
- Proof of financial resources
- A recent passport-style photo
- Proof of payment of visa fees
- Criminal records extract
- A birth certificate
- A prepaid mailing label
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Brazil is 120 Euros.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Send the application and the required documents via mail
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Brazil. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!