University of São Paulo Overview
The University of São Paulo (USP) is the largest and most prestigious public university in Brazil. Founded in 1934, it is recognized for its academic excellence, strong research output, and significant influence in Latin America. USP has eleven campuses across the state of São Paulo and hosts over 90,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Its main campus, Cidade Universitária, is located in the city of São Paulo and is known for its modern infrastructure, museums, cultural centers, and libraries. As a publicly funded institution, USP is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education and leading innovation across multiple disciplines.
University of São Paulo Offered Programs
USP offers a diverse selection of programs across its 42 teaching and research units. These programs span various fields such as: Architecture and Urbanism, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Law, Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, aeronautics, etc.), Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Journalism, Advertising, Social Sciences, Philosophy, History, Music, Fine Arts, and several interdisciplinary courses. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available, with research opportunities in nearly every academic field.
University of São Paulo Tuition Fees
USP is a public university and does not charge tuition fees for either undergraduate or graduate programs, including for international students. The education offered is entirely free. However, students are responsible for personal living expenses, course materials, and administrative costs in specific optional cases.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Free |
| Graduate | Free |
| Exchange Programs | Mostly Free |
University of São Paulo Required Documents and Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students in Brazil must take the FUVEST entrance exam or apply through the national SISU system using ENEM results. International students can apply for undergraduate programs via special international selection processes, often requiring proof of Portuguese proficiency (usually CELPE-Bras certification), academic transcripts, and a high school diploma equivalent. Graduate admissions require a bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, research proposals, letters of recommendation, and in many cases, an interview or additional exams. Portuguese proficiency is often essential for graduate-level courses.
University of São Paulo Deadlines
| Application Process | Period |
|---|---|
| FUVEST Registration | July – August |
| FUVEST First Phase Exam | November |
| FUVEST Second Phase Exam | January |
| SISU (ENEM) Enrollment | January |
| Graduate Program Applications | Typically September – October |
University of São Paulo Scholarships Offerings
USP offers several scholarship programs aimed at supporting students with academic merit or financial need. Undergraduate students may receive support through the PAPFE program, which offers meal vouchers, transport aid, and housing assistance. Merit-based scholarships include academic performance grants and research initiation fellowships. Graduate students may receive scholarships from CAPES, CNPq, or FAPESP, which are Brazilian funding agencies supporting research and higher education. Exchange students may also be eligible for specific mobility grants provided by bilateral agreements.
University of São Paulo Rankings
USP is consistently ranked as the top university in Brazil and among the leading institutions in Latin America.
| Ranking Source | National Rank | World Rank |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University | #1 | #92 |
| Times Higher Education | #1 | Top 200 |
| U.S. News Global Universities | #1 | #127 |
University of São Paulo Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for USP varies depending on the program and the mode of application. In general, it is highly competitive, especially for programs such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering. For example, Medicine has an acceptance rate of around 7%, while other programs may range between 10% and 20%. The FUVEST exam is one of the most challenging university entrance processes in Brazil.
University of São Paulo Student Campus Life
Student life at USP is intellectually enriching and culturally vibrant. The university hosts over 300 student organizations, ranging from academic groups and sports teams to cultural and social clubs. USP also features museums, concert halls, botanical gardens, and sports centers. While the university does not have traditional dormitories for all students, some campuses offer limited housing for low-income or international students. Most students live off-campus in neighborhoods near the campus, such as Butantã and Pinheiros in São Paulo. On-campus dining halls, libraries, and sports complexes support student wellbeing and learning.
University of São Paulo Cost of Living
Living in São Paulo, particularly near the university, can be relatively affordable compared to other global cities. Students generally share apartments or rent rooms in student housing cooperatives. Monthly expenses vary depending on lifestyle but are manageable for most students. Free public transport within the university and discounted student transit passes help reduce costs.
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | R$ 1,000 – R$ 1,600 |
| Food | R$ 500 – R$ 700 |
| Transportation | R$ 200 – R$ 300 |
| Utilities & Internet | R$ 200 – R$ 300 |
| Personal Expenses | R$ 300 – R$ 500 |
| Total Average | R$ 2,200 – R$ 3,400 |
University of São Paulo Contact Informations
Website: www.usp.br
Phone: +55 11 3091-3111
Email: atendimento@usp.br
Address: Rua da Praça do Relógio, 109 – Cidade Universitária, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
University of São Paulo Online Application
Undergraduate applications for Brazilian students must be submitted through FUVEST or the SISU system using ENEM results. International undergraduate applicants should apply via the university’s international cooperation office, often requiring Portuguese language proof, academic credentials, and specific forms. Graduate programs have their own application portals and deadlines, usually in September or October. All application steps are conducted online and involve uploading scanned documents and attending virtual or in-person interviews when required.