25 Best Universities In Brazil For International Students 2025

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 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.

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 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.

The Universidade Estacio de Sa is one of the most prominent private institutions in Brazil. It is located in Rio de Janerio, one of the biggest and most populous cities in the country, and is named after the Portuguese knight who founded the said city. Over 400 degree programs are available at the university.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Fluminense Federal University is considered a center of excellence when it comes to teaching and research. The university has more than 250 partner universities worldwide, allowing its students to gain enough practical experience in actual fieldwork. It also has twelve campuses scattered around the region in order to deliver more academic programs and to host its increasing student population each year efficiently.

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.

The State University of Londrina is known to be one of the top-ranked state universities in the country due to its effective curriculum and competitive teaching approach. Leading companies and enterprises warmly accept graduates from the university because of their ethical values, professionalism, and competence. As a university for the people, the institute hopes to continue improving and innovating only to deliver the best education to its constituents.

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 State University of Maringa, or Universidade Estadual de Maringa in Portuguese, is one of the most influential universities in Brazil. It provides quality educational programs, has contributed to numerous research activities, and has partnered with renowned institutes and companies. Currently, the institute operates on several campuses, training and educating students to become socially responsible and committed individuals and professionals.

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. 

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.

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.