Brazil is many people’s dream destination in South America, from the rich Amazon rainforest to vibrant cities such as São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro. The country evokes images of lively parades, flavorful cuisine, warm weather, and countless beaches.
Brazil is also home to many of Latin America’s strongest universities. In this article, we will go over the best universities in Brazil for international students.
Top Universities in Brazil for International Students
1. University of São Paulo (USP)
The University of São Paulo is considered one of Brazil’s most prestigious institutions for higher education and is ranked #108 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Established in 1934, it brought together several existing higher-education schools in São Paulo, including law, medicine, engineering, pharmacy and dentistry, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Today, the university is involved in teaching and research across a wide range of fields, including architecture, philosophy, journalism, information systems, and environmental management.
In addition to its broad academic portfolio, USP includes 42 schools, six specialized institutes, four hospitals, four museums, and 67 libraries. Its International Office supports global academic mobility and exchange activities, including opportunities connected with programs such as Erasmus Mundus.
2. University of Campinas (Unicamp)
- Admissions | Tuition Fees (Undergraduate courses are free; language and extension programs may have separate rules)
Another excellent university in Brazil for international students is the University of Campinas, a public state university with a strong research profile. Unlike many older Brazilian universities, Unicamp was designed from the beginning as a research-oriented institution rather than being formed mainly through the merger of older professional schools. It currently offers 69 tuition-free undergraduate courses in areas such as the exact sciences, humanities, biological sciences, arts, and technology.
Besides strong programs and research opportunities, Unicamp is known for extension and specialization programs that connect the university with the community. Its international office supports foreign students through regular admission, exchange, and other mobility routes.
3. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
The Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais is a tuition-free public university and the oldest university in the state of Minas Gerais. It was founded in 1927 and has been a powerful influence in the cultural, political, and economic life of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, and Brazil. Today, its main purpose is knowledge development and transmission through teaching, research, and community outreach.
UFMG offers programs in nearly all areas of knowledge and at all levels. Its international office lists 91 undergraduate courses and 208 graduate programs, including 63 doctoral programs. International exchange students normally apply through a foreign higher education institution that has a cooperation agreement with UFMG, and Portuguese proficiency is important for study there.
4. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is a public federal research university in Porto Alegre. Like other Brazilian federal universities, it offers tuition-free higher education and is among Brazil’s leading institutions, ranking 8th in the Times Higher Education Latin America University Rankings 2026 and #=691 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
UFRGS has a broad academic profile, with teaching and research across fields such as engineering, law, communication, agriculture, health, and fine arts. Its academic infrastructure includes libraries, laboratories, cultural spaces, and health-related facilities such as the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.
5. Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP)
The Federal University of São Paulo is one of Brazil’s notable public universities. Its roots go back to the Escola Paulista de Medicina, founded in 1933, and the university was historically linked to health sciences before expanding into a broader, multi-campus institution after 2005. Today, students can pursue programs beyond health sciences, including engineering, psychology, computer science, business administration, social sciences, and other fields.
UNIFESP has campuses in São Paulo, Baixada Santista, Diadema, Guarulhos, Osasco, and São José dos Campos. It is ranked #801-850 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is also listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
6. São Paulo State University (UNESP)
São Paulo State University (UNESP) is one of Brazil’s largest public universities and has a strong research profile. Founded in 1976, it operates across 24 campuses in the state of São Paulo. UNESP is ranked #=450 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and tied for 4th in the Times Higher Education Latin America University Rankings 2026.
UNESP supports internationalization through academic partnerships, exchange opportunities, and virtual exchange initiatives. Foreign students can consult the university’s international office and foreign student guide for admission routes, documentation, and practical information about studying at UNESP.
7. Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
Pursuing a free, quality philosophical, scientific, artistic, and technological education for its students and faculty, the Federal University of Santa Catarina is one of Brazil’s leading federal universities. In current rankings, UFSC is ranked 8th in Brazil in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 23rd in Latin America in the QS Latin America and the Caribbean University Rankings 2026.
With more than 300 partner institutions around the world, UFSC accepts international students as exchange students through their home universities. Interested students are usually nominated by their home institution through UFSC’s online system, and the full guidelines are available on the university’s website.
8. Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)
One of the oldest universities in Brazil, the Federal University of Paraná was established in 1912 and remains one of the country’s prominent public universities. In the 2024 Ranking Universitário Folha, UFPR placed 9th overall in Brazil and 6th among federal universities. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate courses, around 70 master’s programs, and about 50 doctoral programs.
The institution covers a wide range of disciplines, including arts, communication, design, agrarian sciences, life sciences, law, education, and other fields. International students may apply through the relevant mobility or exchange route, and typical application documents include a motivation letter, a recommendation or authorization letter from the home institution, and a recent transcript.
9. State University of Londrina (UEL)
The State University of Londrina is one of Paraná’s leading public universities and offers tuition-free undergraduate study. UEL has nine Study Centers and 53 undergraduate courses, and its programs cover areas such as the arts, biological sciences, exact sciences, health sciences, law, humanities, education, and technology. The university also has master’s and doctoral programs, specialization courses, residencies, laboratories, and research groups.
Interested undergraduate international students may contact the International Relations Office to obtain the necessary documents and guidance. Graduate students can apply to individual graduate programs or through eligible cooperation and scholarship routes, depending on current calls and program rules.
10. University of Brasília (UNB)
With the aim of transforming teaching and building a future-oriented academic community, the University of Brasília emphasizes ethical principles, social responsibility, and sustainable development. The university is one of Brazil’s leading public institutions and is ranked #801-850 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #26 in the QS Latin America and the Caribbean University Rankings.
Students at UnB, both Brazilian and international, can study tuition-free through public university routes. International entry may be possible through exchange programs with partner universities, the Program for Undergraduate Students (PEC-G), or International Visiting Student status. Scholarship opportunities may also be available, depending on the program, eligibility, and current calls.
11. Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP)
The Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo is a well-known private university in São Paulo and is ranked #1001-1200 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It offers a diverse academic environment and receives international students through exchange and special-student routes.
International students can be admitted on the basis of a partnership between PUC-SP and a certified partner institution. Students from non-partner institutions may apply as “special students.” Exchange students from partner institutions may have tuition waived, while special students should expect fees to vary according to the number of credits taken.
12. Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)
The Federal University of Santa Maria is widely recognized as the first federal university created outside a Brazilian state capital. Founded in 1960, UFSM is a public university with strong regional and national importance and is ranked #1201-1400 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
If you value extracurricular activities as much as academic exposure, this Brazilian university is worth considering. To apply as an exchange student, you usually need nomination from your current university. Once the nomination is approved by UFSM, you can begin the Brazilian student visa process. Exchange routes include bilateral agreements and the Asociación de Universidades Grupo Montevideo (AUGM). Master’s and doctoral programs at UFSM are tuition-free, though application fees may apply.
13. Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM)
The Federal University of Amazonas is recognized as the oldest university in Brazil and the largest university in the state of Amazonas and northern Brazil. Based in Manaus, UFAM offers a wide academic range and is associated with a large research profile, including hundreds of research groups and dozens of graduate programs.
International students should follow guidance from UFAM’s international relations office and prepare the required documentation before arrival, including the appropriate student visa, passport, proof of acceptance, and health insurance when required. Exchange and study options depend on the student’s program, home institution, and UFAM’s current international agreements.
14. Federal University of Goiás (UFG)
Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG) is a public, secular university headquartered in Goiânia. The university gives importance to expanding its sociocultural spectrum by welcoming students and staff from diverse racial, socioeconomic, religious, political, gender, and cultural backgrounds. UFG offers a broad range of undergraduate programs and 78 graduate courses, including master’s, doctoral, and professional master’s degrees.
UFG accepts international students through its international office and provides guides for foreign students. Applicants should review the current guide and admission instructions for the relevant route, since the required documents and procedures vary by program and mobility type.
15. Estácio de Sá University (UNESA)
With more than 50 years of history, Estácio has grown into one of Brazil’s large private higher education groups. The institution offers programs in areas such as law, psychology, medicine, technology, management, and education, with more than 120 undergraduate courses, more than 350 postgraduate courses, and more than 20 technical courses across the Estácio network.
International students can explore study and exchange opportunities through Estácio’s internationalization office and partnership programs. Because Estácio is a private institution, tuition, scholarships, and exchange support vary by program, campus, agreement, and current call, so applicants should check the latest official notices before applying.
FAQs about Studying in Brazil
Is Brazil good for international students to study in?
Higher education in Brazil has historical Portuguese and European influences, but the country has developed its own diverse academic system. Brazil declared independence from Portugal in 1822, while Portugal formally recognized Brazilian independence in 1825.
International students can choose from a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate options. Technology degrees often last about two to three years, while bachelor’s, licentiate, professional, master’s, and doctoral programs vary by field, degree type, and university rules.
Portuguese is the main language of instruction at most Brazilian universities, so international students should plan to learn Portuguese before or during their studies. Some universities offer Portuguese-language support, exchange resources, or selected courses in other languages. Living costs vary significantly by city. Brazil also has a universal public health system, but many universities require or strongly recommend that international students carry health insurance during their stay.
Can international students work in Brazil while studying?
Yes, current Brazilian consular guidance states that VITEM IV student visa holders may undertake paid work as long as the working hours are compatible with their course load. Students should check details with the Federal Police, their Brazilian university, and the relevant employer before accepting work or an internship.
Can international students stay in Brazil after graduation?
International students may stay in Brazil while their visa or residence authorization remains valid. VITEM IV residence can be extended until the conclusion of studies, and extensions should be requested from the Federal Police before the current residence period expires. After graduation, students who want to remain in Brazil for work, research, family, or another purpose must qualify for the appropriate visa or residence category under current migration rules.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Brazil was helpful! If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
