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University of São Paulo

São Paulo, 🇧🇷 Brazil Public
#1 National #108 QS World #201 THE #101 ARWU
University of São Paulo campus
97,325 students 3% international Multiple Campuses $1k/yr

About University of São Paulo

The University of São Paulo (USP) is Brazil's largest public university and a leading institution in Latin America, renowned for its significant contributions to research, science, and culture. Founded in 1934, USP offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across all fields of knowledge, attracting a diverse student body. It is a tuition-free institution, emphasizing high-quality education and research.

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.

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

Subject Areas

EngineeringMedicineLawBusiness

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

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Programs Offered at University of São Paulo (24)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (9)

Bachelor in Architecture and Urbanism

STEM

Architecture and Urbanism

Architecture and Urbanism
bachelor of architecture and urbanismbachelor architecture and urbanism in são paulobachelor architecture and urbanism in brazilstudy architecture and urbanism in brazilarchitecture degree
60 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Chemical Engineering

STEM

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering
chemical engineeringprocess engineeringportuguese languagestudy in são paulobachelor's degree
60 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
bachelorbachelor in civil engineeringbrazilcivilcivil engineering
60 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
study computer science in brazilbachelor computer science brazilcomputer science university of são paulocomputer sciencebachelor of computer science
48 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Dentistry

STEM

Dentistry

Dentistry
Bachelor in DentistryUniversity of São Paulobachelor Dentistry BrazilDentistry in São Paulostudy Dentistry in Brazil
60 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Law

Law

Law
bachelor in lawbachelor lawbs lawstudy law in brazilbachelor law in brazil
60 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
bachelor in medicinebachelors in medicinebsc medicineba medicinestudy medicine in brazil
72 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Pharmacy

STEM

Pharmacy

Pharmacy
pharmacy degreebachelor in pharmacystudy pharmacy in brazilenglish bachelor pharmacy in brazilstudy pharmacy
60 months Portuguese Full-time

Bachelor in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
babachelorbengbrazilbs
60 months Portuguese Full-time

Master Programs (8)

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Business Administration

Business Administration
(mba)administrationbrazilbusinessmaster
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Master in Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
brazileconomicsfinancegraduatemacroeconomics
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Master in Electrical Engineering

STEM

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering
masters in electrical engineeringelectrical engineering master programstudy electrical engineering in brazilelectrical engineering in são pauloelectrical engineering degree brazil
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Master in Linguistics

Linguistics

Linguistics
brazilgraduatelinguisticsmastermba
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Master in Materials Science and Engineering

STEM

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering
andbrazilengineeringmastermaster in materials science and engineering
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Master in Philosophy

Philosophy

Philosophy
brazilmasterphilosophy
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Master in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
master in psychologypsychology master degreemsc in psychologymsc psychologymasters in psychology
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Master in Public Health

STEM

Public Health

Public Health
mastergraduatemsmscma
24 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD Programs (7)

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

STEM

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences
phd in biomedical sciencesstudy biomedical sciencesstudy biomedical sciences in brazilphd biomedical sciences brazilbiomedical sciences program in são paulo
48 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD in Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
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48 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD in Education

Education

Education
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48 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD in History

History

History
brazildoctoraldoctoratehistorypaulo
48 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD in Literature

Literature

Literature
brazildoctoraldoctorateinternationalliterature
48 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
brazildoctoraldoctoratemechanicsphd
48 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD in Social Anthropology

Social Anthropology

Social Anthropology
social anthropologyPhD anthropologycultural studiesethnographysocial research
48 months Portuguese Full-time

University of São Paulo Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

4.5+ IELTS
45+ TOEFL
2+ GPA
Required GRE
Acceptance Rate Very Selective (<20%)
Intakes Spring, Fall
Application Deadline October 15th (for February-June semester); May 15th (for August-December semester)
Tuition (per year) $1k/yr
0
Teaching Language Portuguese
Student : Faculty 13.9:1
Accreditation
Ministério da Educação, Brazil

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Frequently Asked Questions About University of São Paulo

Common questions from international students considering University of São Paulo.

What is the acceptance rate at University of São Paulo?

University of São Paulo is classified as "Very Selective (<20%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does University of São Paulo cost for international students?

Tuition at University of São Paulo ranges from $1k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is University of São Paulo ranked globally?

University of São Paulo holds the following rankings: QS World #108, Times Higher Education #201, ARWU #101, #1 in Brazil. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does University of São Paulo have?

University of São Paulo typically requires IELTS 4.5+ or TOEFL 45+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at University of São Paulo?

Yes, University of São Paulo offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does University of São Paulo start its semesters?

University of São Paulo has intakes starting in Spring, Fall. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

What programs does University of São Paulo offer?

University of São Paulo offers 24+ academic programs across multiple disciplines including Business & Management, Computer Science, Education, Engineering. Programs are available at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.

Where is University of São Paulo located?

University of São Paulo is located in São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

How do I apply to University of São Paulo?

For specific details about University of São Paulo, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How does University of São Paulo compare to similar universities?

University of São Paulo is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #108). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

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