University of São Paulo

Quick Facts about University of São Paulo

• Type: Public
• Students: 97,325
• International: 3%
• Campus: Multiple Campuses
• Tuition: $1,000 – $1,000/year
• Language: Portuguese
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 13.9:1
• Intakes: Spring, Fall

About University of São Paulo

Academics

USP boasts 48 teaching and research units, offering 183 undergraduate programs and 269 graduate programs. The university's teaching approach emphasizes a strong connection between teaching, research, and extension activities, aiming for the broad development of students. Notable faculties include the Polytechnic School of Engineering, the School of Medicine, the Law School, and the School of Economics, Administration and Accounting. USP is a powerhouse of research, producing over 25,000 publications annually and holding a high number of patents.

International Students

USP's International Office provides support services for international students, including guidance on visa applications and registration with the Federal Police. While most classes are taught in Portuguese, requiring at least a B1 level of proficiency, some graduate-level courses and research activities may be conducted in English. The USP iFriends program helps international students with cultural integration and accommodation information. The International Intercultural Center also promotes cultural exchange through events, workshops, and language courses.

Campus & Location

USP has eleven campuses, with four located in the vibrant city of São Paulo. The main campus, Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, is a vast area featuring museums, sports facilities, and green spaces, accessible by subway and internal bus lines. São Paulo is a major cultural and financial hub, offering a diverse urban experience with world-class museums, a vibrant arts scene, and numerous attractions.

Career Outcomes

USP has a strong reputation for producing highly qualified professionals, with alumni including former Brazilian presidents, politicians, scientists, and successful entrepreneurs. The university actively fosters an entrepreneurial culture through programs like InovaGrad, business incubators, and technology parks. USP's career services and industry connections are robust, with many members of the USP community partnering with industries and companies for project development and technology transfer.

Information for International Students at University of São Paulo

University of São Paulo in São Paulo, Brazil welcomes international students, with 3% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 3% of students are international
• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: Portuguese

Admissions Requirements for University of São Paulo

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of São Paulo:

• IELTS minimum: 4.5
• TOEFL minimum: 45
• GPA minimum: 2
• GRE required
• Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
• Application deadline: October 15th (for February-June semester); May 15th (for August-December semester)

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Programs at University of São Paulo (24 programs)

University of São Paulo offers 24 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (9)

• Bachelor in Dentistry (BSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This program prepares students for a career in dentistry, covering oral health, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental diseases. Practical training in clinics is a core component.
  Field: Dentistry
  Career outcomes: Dentist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Dental Researcher
• Bachelor in Architecture and Urbanism (BSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This program trains professionals to design and plan urban spaces, buildings, and landscapes, focusing on sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics. Students learn about architectural history, construction techniques, and urban planning principles.
  Field: Architecture and Urbanism
  Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Designer, Project Manager
• Bachelor in Chemical Engineering (BSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · STEM
  Students learn to design, operate, and optimize chemical processes and equipment, focusing on industrial applications and sustainable solutions.
  Field: Chemical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, R&D Engineer, Environmental Engineer
• Bachelor in Law (BA) — 60 months · Portuguese
  This program offers a thorough understanding of legal principles, judicial systems, and various branches of law, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and international law. Students develop critical thinking, analytical, and argumentation skills.
  Field: Law
  Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Public Prosecutor, Legal Consultant
• Bachelor in Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · Portuguese · STEM
  Students acquire a strong foundation in theoretical computer science, algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and software development. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking in various computing domains.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst, Researcher
• Bachelor in Pharmacy (BSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · STEM
  The Pharmacy program focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, pharmacology, and clinical pharmacy. Students learn about medication management, patient counseling, and drug interactions.
  Field: Pharmacy
  Career outcomes: Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Drug Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Clinical Pharmacist
• Bachelor in Medicine (BSc) — 72 months · Portuguese · STEM
  The medical program provides comprehensive training in clinical practice, medical sciences, and patient care. Students gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and various medical specialties, preparing them for a career as a physician.
  Field: Medicine
  Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher, Public Health Professional
• Bachelor in Civil Engineering (BSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This program focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, buildings, and water systems. Students learn about structural analysis, hydraulics, geotechnical engineering, and construction management.
  Field: Civil Engineering
  Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Construction Manager, Structural Engineer, Urban Infrastructure Planner
• Bachelor in Psychology (BA) — 60 months · Portuguese
  This program explores human behavior, cognitive processes, emotions, and social interactions. Students gain knowledge in various psychological theories and research methods, preparing them for careers in mental health or research.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Psychologist, Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist

Master Programs (8)

• Master in Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · Portuguese
  The MBA program provides advanced management education, covering areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management. It aims to develop leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of business functions.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Financial Manager
• Master in Materials Science and Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This program focuses on the synthesis, processing, characterization, and application of various materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Students conduct research on advanced materials for technological innovation.
  Field: Materials Science and Engineering
  Career outcomes: Materials Engineer, Researcher, Product Developer, Quality Control Engineer
• Master in Psychology (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese
  Offers advanced study in various psychological theories and research methods, with specializations in clinical, social, or cognitive psychology.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Psychologist, Therapist, Researcher, Consultant
• Master in Public Health (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This program focuses on the scientific basis of public health, epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion. Students learn to analyze health problems, design interventions, and evaluate public health programs.
  Field: Public Health
  Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Administrator, Policy Analyst
• Master in Economics (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · STEM
  The program offers rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. Students develop analytical skills to understand and address complex economic issues in various sectors.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor, Researcher
• Master in Electrical Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This master's program provides advanced knowledge in areas such as power systems, electronics, telecommunications, and control systems. Students engage in research and develop specialized skills for complex engineering challenges.
  Field: Electrical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Researcher, Project Manager, Consultant
• Master in Linguistics (MA) — 24 months · Portuguese
  The Linguistics program offers advanced study in theoretical and applied linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics. Students engage in research on language structure and use.
  Field: Linguistics
  Career outcomes: Linguist, Language Educator, Translator, Speech-Language Pathologist
• Master in Philosophy (MA) — 24 months · Portuguese
  This program offers advanced study in various philosophical traditions and contemporary debates. Students engage in critical analysis of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
  Field: Philosophy
  Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, Educator, Writer, Ethical Consultant

PhD Programs (7)

• PhD in Education (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese
  A research-oriented program exploring advanced theories and practices in education, focusing on educational policy, curriculum development, and learning processes.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Researcher, Policy Analyst, Curriculum Developer
• PhD in Chemistry (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese · STEM
  The PhD in Chemistry program offers advanced research opportunities in analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry. Students conduct cutting-edge experiments and theoretical studies to contribute to chemical knowledge.
  Field: Chemistry
  Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Industrial Chemist, Pharmaceutical Scientist
• PhD in Literature (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese
  A doctoral program focused on critical analysis, literary theory, and in-depth research into specific literary works, authors, or movements.
  Field: Literature
  Career outcomes: Literary Critic, University Professor, Researcher, Editor
• PhD in History (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese
  This doctoral program allows students to pursue in-depth research in various historical periods and themes, including Brazilian history, ancient history, and cultural history. The program culminates in a significant original dissertation.
  Field: History
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Archivist, Museum Curator, Researcher
• PhD in Social Anthropology (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese
  The PhD in Social Anthropology program offers advanced research opportunities to explore human societies and cultures, focusing on ethnographic methods, social theory, and comparative analysis of cultural practices.
  Field: Social Anthropology
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Researcher, Cultural Consultant, NGO Program Manager
• PhD in Physics (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese · STEM
  The PhD program in Physics involves advanced research in areas such as condensed matter physics, high energy physics, astrophysics, and biophysics. Students conduct original research leading to a dissertation.
  Field: Physics
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Engineer
• PhD in Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This interdisciplinary PhD program focuses on advanced research in various areas of biomedical sciences, such as molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, and pharmacology, aiming to understand and treat human diseases.
  Field: Biomedical Sciences
  Career outcomes: Biomedical Researcher, University Professor, Biotechnology Scientist, Medical Science Liaison

Scholarships & Tuition at University of São Paulo

Annual tuition for international students: $1,000 – $1,000/year

✅ University of São Paulo offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of University of São Paulo

• National Ranking: #1 in Brazil
• QS World University Ranking: #108
• Times Higher Education (THE): #201
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #101
• Ranking tier: Top 100
• Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at University of São Paulo

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Multiple Campuses

Key Highlights

• Brazil's largest public university
• Latin America's leading institution
• Tuition-free, high-quality education
• Powerhouse of research and patents
• Diverse programs, 11 campuses
• Vibrant São Paulo city integration

Accreditation

• Ministério da Educação, Brazil

Fields of Study at University of São Paulo

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Law
• Business

Notable Alumni

• José Sarney
• Fernando Henrique Cardoso
• Marcos Pontes
• João Doria
• Ruth Cardoso

Frequently Asked Questions about University of São Paulo

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