How to Study in Sao Paulo for International Students
Sao Paulo, one of the beautiful cities in Brazil, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Sao Paulo currently has 10 universities, from which 2 universities are a part of the public sector and 8 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 Sao Paulo you should definitely check out are University of Sao Paulo, Federal University of Sao Paulo, and Universidade Paulista.
Being able to study in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Sao Paulo
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 Sao Paulo don't charge tuition fees to international students like you! there is University of Sao Paulo a tuition-free school. 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 Sao Paulo with their tuition fees:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|
2. Requirements to Study in Sao Paulo for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.
Application Procedure to Study in Sao Paulo
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Sao Paulo have online applications available on their websites, like University of Sao Paulo and Federal University of Sao Paulo. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Sao Paulo.
University of Sao Paulo
Federal University of Sao Paulo
Universidade Paulista
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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.
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 Sao Paulo
If you’re going to study in Sao Paulo, you will need to apply for a student visa in Brazil
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 Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo. 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!