BRAZIL · SÃO PAULO (MAIN CAMPUS) AND OTHER CITIES LIKE SÃO CARLOS, RIBEIRÃO PRETO
University of São Paulo
public · Founded 1934 · Languages: pt, en
In short
The University of São Paulo is a leading Brazilian public university offering tuition-free programs across multiple campuses. It emphasizes research, innovation, and a vibrant student life, welcoming international students through various exchange and special student statuses.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1934
- Students
- 56,998
- International students
- 3,500
- Acceptance rate
- 20%
- Languages
- PT, EN
- Location
- São Paulo (main campus) and other cities like São Carlos, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
The University of São Paulo (USP) is one of Brazil's most prestigious public universities, committed to advancing knowledge through comprehensive teaching, research, and community outreach. With a mission to contribute to social, scientific, and technological evolution, USP offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple campuses. It is a hub for high-impact research, innovation, and cultural activities, serving both its student body and the broader community. USP places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, fostering a supportive environment for all students. Its facilities are designed to promote a rich campus life, including cultural events, sports, and access to extensive library resources. The university actively engages with societal needs, from health assistance to technological innovation, preparing graduates for impactful careers in Brazil and internationally. Committed to public service, USP upholds the ideals of a free, autonomous, and democratic university. It is recognized for its contributions to various fields, including Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Health Sciences, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary approaches and real-world application of knowledge.
Why study here
- Access to a public, free, autonomous, and democratic university education.
- Engage in high-impact research and innovative projects supported by national and international agencies.
- Benefit from a wide range of academic programs, from engineering to health sciences, and participate in cutting-edge research.
- Experience a rich campus life with cultural events, sports, and robust student support services.
- Study in São Carlos, a city recognized for its scientific and technological prowess, offering a dynamic and stimulating environment.
- Be part of an institution committed to social relevance, inclusivity, and the training of skilled professionals for various sectors.
Student life
USP offers a vibrant campus life with numerous cultural and service options. Students can explore various museums, many with free entry, and engage in arts and sports activities through the Pro-Rectory of Culture and University Extension (PRCEU). The São Carlos campus, for example, provides extensive green spaces, a large library with approximately 140,000 volumes, modern educational facilities, auditoriums, and 24-hour open laboratories. High-speed wireless internet is available across the campus. Additionally, the São Carlos campus offers amenities like a restaurant, transportation, medical and dental services, and a sports facility. The university promotes inclusivity, diversity, human rights, mental health, and support for professional life, ensuring a holistic student experience.
Fees
InternationalAs a public university, USP's main academic programs are generally tuition-free. However, international students are advised to confirm specific program details.
HomeMain academic programs are generally tuition-free for Brazilian students.
LivingUSP does not provide housing facilities specifically for exchange students. However, it offers a listing of accommodation options from families and students interested in hosting international students. Financial matters and reservations are handled directly between the student and landlords. Official contacts for housing assistance are spe@usp.br and dps@usp.br with USP's social service.
Students are required to obtain health insurance (travel insurance) in their home country prior to arrival in Brazil, covering their entire stay. The Brazilian Public Health System is generally available for emergencies only for foreigners.
Admissions
FUVEST / SISUBrazilian applicants enter via FUVEST (USP entrance exam) or SISU (federal ENEM-based system)
International applicantsMay apply via the USP International Office for exchange or special student status; direct degree enrollment requires Portuguese language proficiency
Portuguese proficiencyRequired for most degree programs; CELPE-Bras certificate recommended
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025115
QS Latin America Rankings 20251
Qualis/CAPES (Revista Contabilidade & Finanças)A2 in Administration, Accounting, and Tourism
AJG Ranking, ABS list of Chartered Association of Business Schools (Revista Contabilidade & Finanças)1
University scholarships
FAPESP Research FellowshipsVaries (IC, MS, PhD levels)
CAPES PRINT International ScholarshipVaries by level and destination
PEC-G (Undergraduate Exchange Program)Government-sponsored for developing-country students
USP International Office Exchange GrantsPartial support for outbound/inbound exchange students
Accreditation
The University of São Paulo is a recognized public university in Brazil, authorized and overseen by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). It holds institutional accreditation equivalent to regional accreditation and its graduate programs are evaluated by CAPES.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of São Paulo · Brazil
Computer Science
The Computer Science program at the University of São Paulo offers a comprehensive education in the theoretical and practical aspects of computing. Students will gain a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, programming languages, software engineering, and computer systems. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for diverse roles in the technology sector, research, and academia. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills and critical thinking, encouraging students to tackle complex computational challenges. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and project-based learning, students develop the ability to design, implement, and evaluate software and hardware systems. The University of São Paulo is a leading research institution in Brazil, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation.
Bachelor's
Level
Free
Tuition
—
Duration
University of São Paulo · Brazil
Dos bastidores eu vejo o mundo: cenografia, figurino, maquiagem e mais : vol. IV
This publication, Volume IV of 'Dos bastidores eu vejo o mundo: cenografia, figurino, maquiagem e mais,' focuses on the attire used in traditional festivities and popular celebrations. It explores a broad range of topics related to costumes for folk celebrations, featuring contributions from researchers across Brazil. The volume includes ten chapters, eight interviews, and three photographic essays that showcase traditional costumes from events like Carnival, Maracatu, and Cavalo-Marinho. It aims to open new avenues for research in this rich, yet underexplored, academic field.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of São Paulo · Brazil
Manual of Procedures in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
This manual provides comprehensive guidance on head and neck cancer surgery, designed for both experienced professionals and those in training. It covers general principles of oncological treatment, pre-operative evaluation, post-operative management, and criteria for unresectability and inoperability. The book details specific protocols for treating major head and neck malignancies, including thyroid, larynx, oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, salivary glands, skull base, skin, and sarcomas. Each chapter follows a systematic structure that includes diagnosis, TNM staging, surgical and non-surgical treatment, indications for adjuvant therapy, and follow-up strategies. A dedicated chapter also outlines the operational data and scientific production of the Head and Neck Surgery service at ICESP from 2009 to 2025. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists from ICESP, the manual's technical, direct, and organized language is based on the latest AJCC (8th ed.) guidelines, adapted for the Brazilian context. It emphasizes patient safety, care efficiency, and standardization of clinical and surgical practices, serving as a practical reference for clinical decision-making in hospital, outpatient, and teaching settings. The aim is to contribute to continuous education, standardized practices, and improved oncological outcomes in head and neck surgery.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of São Paulo · Brazil
Towards “JusBiomas”: The Potential of Geotechnology for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Civil Liability for Illegal Deforestation
This publication, "Towards 'JusBiomas'," explores the significant potential of geotechnology in monitoring the effectiveness of civil liability for illegal deforestation. By integrating georeferenced data from judicial and public prosecutor proceedings with satellite imagery and data, it offers a novel approach to assessing whether actions aimed at repairing environmental damage caused by illegal deforestation are genuinely leading to ecological recovery and preventing further harm. Recent changes in national regulations now mandate the inclusion of geographic coordinates and maps of affected areas in environmental offense cases, enabling standardized national monitoring through the SireneJud platform. This work proposes a methodology to link legal judgments and agreements with the specific locations of illegal deforestation, allowing for cross-referencing with MapBiomas data. This enables the creation of indicators to measure environmental recovery, such as the area rehabilitated, the time taken, and the new land use. The study also highlights the need to improve tools for monitoring compensation amounts paid by responsible parties, emphasizing the enhancement of SireneJud, the use of geospatial compliance indicators, and strengthened inter-institutional collaboration to translate the 'polluter pays' principle into tangible environmental restoration.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of São Paulo · Brazil
University of São Paulo Extension Courses
The University of São Paulo (USP) offers a variety of extension courses designed to provide learning opportunities to the general public. These courses are developed in partnership with different faculties and departments within the university, leveraging USP's academic expertise and resources. They aim to supplement the learning process in various fields, making advanced knowledge accessible. The extension program focuses on practical application and continued learning beyond traditional degree programs. Courses are often created to support specific academic programs or research initiatives, providing supplementary materials and activities for a wider audience interested in the subject matter. This initiative reflects USP's commitment to disseminating knowledge and engaging with the community.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Brazil
full fundingTWAS / National Council for Scientific and Technological Development of Brazil (CNPq)
TWAS-CNPq Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
For researchers from developing countries (other than Brazil) who hold a PhD and wish to carry out postdoctoral research at a research institution in Brazil. Applicants apply through TWAS for a placement, with a host institution in Brazil, under the TWAS-CNPq partnership.
full
Funding
€12k
Max
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingBrazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), CAPES, and CNPq
Brazil PEC-PG Scholarship Programme
For citizens of developing countries that have educational or cultural cooperation agreements with Brazil, who hold the required degree and admission to a Brazilian graduate programme. Applicants apply through the Brazilian embassy/diplomatic mission in their home country and must commit to returning home after study.
full
Funding
€8k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of São Paulo tuition-free for international students?
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As a public university, USP's main academic programs are generally tuition-free for all students, including international students. However, prospective students are advised to confirm specific program details for any potential fees.
What are the admission requirements for international students at USP?
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International applicants may apply through the USP International Office for exchange or special student status. Direct enrollment in degree programs typically requires Portuguese language proficiency, with the CELPE-Bras certificate being recommended.
Does USP provide housing for international students?
+
USP does not provide dedicated housing facilities for international students. However, they offer a listing of accommodation options from families and students, with financial matters handled directly between students and landlords.
What is the University of São Paulo known for?
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USP is recognized as one of Brazil's most prestigious public universities, excelling in research and innovation across fields like Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Health Sciences. It is also known for its commitment to public service and a free, autonomous, and democratic educational environment.
Are there scholarship opportunities for international students at USP?
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Yes, USP offers several scholarship opportunities for international students, including FAPESP Research Fellowships, CAPES PRINT International Scholarship, PEC-G for students from developing countries, and USP International Office Exchange Grants.
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