Through good and comprehensive research, we have put together some of the best universities in Brazil for international students including private and public universities in Brazil. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and the fifth largest country in the world, with a population of nearly 210 million people. Its official language is Portuguese, which is spoken by 98 percent of the population. It is one of the best places to study abroad. We have taken our time to research some of the best universities in Brazil for international students to study in Brazil. Carefully read through. Before going on to list the best universities in Brazil for international students, I’ll like to share some key reasons why you should study in Brazil.
Why Study In Brazil?
Brazil is a very beautiful country. With world-renowned cities – from São Paulo, the largest city in the world, to Rio de Janeiro – there is no end to its urban treasures. But, here are a few reasons that make Brazil the best place for international students to study at:
1. Economy
Along with China, Brazil is an emerging power in the global space. With a population of more than 180 million people, Brazil is one of the chief consumer markets in the world. Knowing it well and learning its language can also help you when you decide to take your business internationally.
2. Education
Over 2,000 private and public schools offer higher education programs in Brazil and they are recognized worldwide for quality education. One of the best universities in Brazil is the State University of São Paulo (UNESP) and the Federal University of Minas Gerais. These schools also rank among the top 500 universities in the world. Both public and private universities in Brazil invest in high-quality programs and social inclusion. So, no matter what your educational needs as an international student, you will be able to find a program in Brazil that fits them. Even better, there are some colleges that are free for international students. Interestingly, while the Brazilian government does offer limited scholarship assistance to international students, many have more luck seeking out funding organizations in their native countries. Brazil is in active pursuit of internationalization. So, there’s a push to draw high-quality faculty and students from across the globe. Even more, institutions abroad are entering into strategic partnerships with Brazil in both exchange programs and research collaborations. This has made it easier for international students to apply to study in Brazil.
3. Culture
One feature that makes studying in Brazil so exciting is their culture. Brazil is home to a wide variety of races, religions, and values. International students feel right at home when they study here. It allows them to learn about, and work with a large variety of amazing people.
What Is The Cost Of Studying In Brazil?
Tuition is free for international students in state universities. On the other hand, Private tuition fees can cost up to around US$2000 to over $10,000 per year. Brazil’s overall cost of living has definitely been on the rise lately, but this is felt the most in big cities like Rio or São Paulo. However, if you keep a budget and don’t spend too much time in touristy areas, it’s very easy to study abroad in Brazil affordably. SEE ALSO: 12 Safest Places To Study Abroad In 2020
How Many Universities Are In Brazil?
Brazil has 2448 institutions of higher education, which offer 35,380 undergraduate courses in all regions. These data are found in the Higher Education Census 2017, released by the Ministry of Education (MEC) and by the Anísio Teixeira National Institute for Educational Studies and Research (Inez), in 2018. Brazil also has a decentralized higher education system. As a result, the institutions are divided into universities, university centers, colleges, and Federal institutes. They can be public or private, linked to Federal, State, or Municipal governments. However, we carefully selected the best universities including their official website, so that you will be able to choose which college best suits you. Best Universities in Brazil The following universities are considered to be the top and best universities in Brazil especially for international students who desire to expand their study adventure to Brazil. Please note that, this schools are not listed in any particular order. Also, some of these schools are also quite expensive to attend and will require a scholarship or adequate financial preparation.
1. Universidade de São Paulo
Number one in our list of the universities in Brazil is the famous Sao Paulo University. Founded in 1827, Universidade de São Paulo-University of São Paulo is a public higher education organization located in the urban setting of the São Paulo. It is Brazil’s largest public university and one of the biggest higher education institutions in Latin America. The city of São Paulo is home to four of its 11 campuses; the others are in Bauru, Lorena, Piracicaba, Pirassununga, Ribeirão Preto, and two in São Carlos. The university campuses include 70 libraries, five affiliated hospitals, 24 museums and galleries, two theatres, a cinema and its own student-run TV channel. A large proportion of Brazilian scientific papers are produced at the university, too. It is interesting to note that Brazil features 22 times in the QS World University Rankings® 2018, with its highest-ranked university being the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) in 121st place. Now, you see why this university is held in high regard. Official Website
2. Universidade de Brasília
Established in 1962, Universidade de Brasília-University of Brasília is a public higher education institution which is located in the urban setting of the city of Brasília. Universidade de Brasília ranks 8th in Brazil and in the 453 globally. This college has its branch campuses in the following location(s): Planaltina, Gama, Ceilândia. It is officially accredited by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education, Brazil). The University houses 26 faculties and schools and has 18 centers. UnB also offers a total of 105 undergraduate programs and 147 graduate degree programs and a further 10 via distance education. However, all undergraduate courses at UnB are taught in Portuguese. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants have a comprehension of the language at the university level. Official Website
3. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Established in 1934, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul publicly known as the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is a public university in Brazil, located in the city of Porto Alegre, with four campuses (campi) (Campus do Centro, Campus Saúde, Campus Olímpico and Campus do Vale). It is also open to international students to study in Brazil. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. It is also worthy to note that this 86 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The University facilities include 500 laboratories, 33 libraries, 37 lecture halls, UFRGS Press, UFRGS Museum, Botanical Garden, a broadcasting centre, observatory, three campus accommodation buildings, five refectories, two summer camps and the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, which is a prominent national hospital. UFRGS ranks 11th in Latin America and 601-800th worldwide as at 2019. Official Website
4. Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Founded in 1966, State University of Campinas is a study in Brazil non-profit public higher education institution located in the city of Campinas, and open to both local and international students. It has established itself as a primary medical and scientific research centre and produces a large amount of patented material. International undergraduates will need to sit an exam to gain admission, which will require a strong understanding of Portuguese. The most common airport for international students to fly into is the Guarulhos International Airport, about 135km from the Campinas campus. Campinas is known not only for its temperate climate – it is on the Tropic of Capricorn – but also for its wide range of cultural centres, such as dozens of cinemas and bars, known locally as “barzinhos”. Alumni of UniCamp include the actor Petrônio Gontijo, historian and gay rights activist Luiz Mott, and economist Paulo Renato Souza. Official Website
5. Universidade Estácio de Sá
Founded in 1970, Estácio de Sá University is a for-profit and one of the private universities in Brazil, located in the urban setting of the of Rio de Janeiro. International students in Brazil are welcome to apply. Accredited by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil, Universidade Estácio de Sá (UNESA) is a very large coeducational higher education institution. UNESA also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. Official Website
6. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
The. 6th on our list of universities in Brazil for international students in Brazil. Established in 1960, Federal University of Santa Catarina is a non-profit public university located in the urban setting of the city of Florianópolis. The majority of courses offered at UFSC are in undergraduate degrees, though the university also has established research and doctoral facilities. The undergraduate courses requiring the highest entry grades are medicine, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering. UFSC offers Portuguese as a foreign language teaching to all international students, with a separate admissions process for Brazilian indigenous students. UFSC ranks 12th in best universities in Latin America and about 601-800th globally. Official Website
7. Universidade Estadual Paulista
Students who want to study in Brazil are welcome to apply to this university. Established in 1976, Universidade Estadual Paulista, which is publicly known as São Paulo State University, falls amongst the non-profit public universities in Brazil, located in the urban setting of São Paulo. Country rank: 7World rank: 538 Official Website
8. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Founded in 1792, the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro is a non-profit public higher institution located in the urban metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, the institution welcomes both local and international students. The University operates across a number of campuses and facilities throughout Rio de Janeiro, but is primarily focused on Ilha do Fundão, an artificial island off the western shore of Rio’s famous Guanabara Bay. This campus, known as College City, offers a huge range of services and activities for students including a free shuttle bus services for crossing Rio de Janeiro, various restaurants and cafes, a sports centre, as well as accommodation for students. UFRJ also offers a huge range and variety of undergraduate courses (more than 170), as well and numerous avenues for postgraduate and research students. Country rank: 13thWorld rank: 801-1000th Official Website
9. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Established in 1927, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais is one of the universities to study in Brazil. It is a non-profit public university located in the urban large city of Belo Horizonte. UFMG has 20 academic units, three special units, three administrative units, two hospitals and 25 libraries. The university offers 75 undergraduate courses, 78 graduate programmes and 68 continuing education programmes, in all fields of knowledge, with more than 40,000 students enrolled. They are highly committed to striking a balance between the high quality of its courses at both undergraduate and graduate level. Country rank: 8thWorld rank: 601-800th Official Website
10. Universidade Federal do Paraná
One of the public Universities in Brazil. The institution was established in 1912, the Federal University of Paraná is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the city of Curitiba. Ranks 10 on our list of universities in Brazil for international students in Brazil. Over 100 undergraduate programs, 70 Master’s and 50 PhDs are available at the university. They encompass a comprehensive range of subjects, from accounting to zootechnics. Science students can enjoy access to numerous research labs across different fields. Latin America rank: 26thWorld rank: 1001+ Official Website
11. Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) is a private non-profit Catholic university created in 1941. PUC-Rio is a research institution that focuses primarily on the development of science and innovation. PUC-Rio has about 1,500 faculty members and researchers, and 26 departments organized in four academic centers: Theology and Human Sciences; Social Sciences; Science and Technology; and Biomedical Sciences. Its campus includes computer centers and free internet access; libraries; restaurants; a bookstore; and cultural and community service projects. Latin America rank: 4thWorld rank: 600-800th Official Website
12. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul or UFRGS) originated as the Escola de Farmácia e Química in 1895, which united with several other higher education institutions as the Universidade de Porto Alegre in 1934. It was granted its current name in 1947 and became a federal university in 1950. It is one of the largest federal universities in Brazil, with over 27,000 undergraduate students, over 9,300 graduate students and more than 2,500 professors. Not only is it one of the largest, but also one of the best universities in Brazil with a number of prominent scientific publications. UFRGS is almost completely located in Porto Alegre, with four campuses: Centro, Saúde, Olímpico and Vale), with a few off-campus buildings such as the Business School and the Institute of Arts, and some units in other cities. It is Rio Grande do Sul’s largest university, with more than 300 buildings accommodating 29 colleges, which are divided into 94 departments. The University facilities include 500 laboratories, 33 libraries, 37 lecture halls, UFRGS Press, UFRGS Museum, Botanical Garden, a broadcasting centre, observatory, three campus accommodation buildings, five refectories, two summer camps and the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, which is a prominent national hospital. Latin America rank: 11thWorld rank: 601-800th Official Website
13. Federal University Of Pelotas
Founded in 1969, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL) is based in the small city of Pelotas, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. UFPEL is spread over four campuses: Ciências Sociais, Capão do Leão, Ciências da Saúde and Porto, which includes 22 colleges and schools. Here at UFPEL, there are also a library and sports facilities, as well as study abroad and exchange programs, maintained by UFPEL’s 75 agreements with higher education establishments across 25 different countries. Students can choose from 99 undergraduate programs, 39 master’s courses and 16 doctoral programs at its 20 academic units, which include a Higher School of Physical Education and a Conservatory of Music. UFPEL also facilitates interaction and work between professors, students, and the community beyond the university campus. Latin America rank: 51-60thWorld rank: 801-1000th Official Website
14.Sao Paulo State University
São Paulo State University (UNESP), founded in 1976, is one of Brazil’s largest public universities with 24 campuses throughout the State of São Paulo. Its multi-campus model allows UNESP to offer a varied academic program with diverse activities. As one of Brazil’s foremost research universities, it cites subject strengths in health, engineering, communications, humanities, arts, social sciences, and theoretical sciences. The university’s various campuses are also home to a diverse range of contemporary artworks, historical artefacts, farms, museums and a zoo, as well as hospitals and libraries. These features makes Sao Paulo State University one of the best colleges in Brazil to study as an international student. Latin America rank: 10thWorld rank: 801-1000th Official Website
15. Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Founded in 1968, Universidade Federal de São Carlos invites international students who want to study in Brazil. This is one of the public Universities in Brazil located in the suburban town of São Carlos. The university has four campuses, which are named according to the local cities they call home: São Carlos, Araras, Sorocaba and Lagoa do Sino, which is located in the city of Buri. The Araras campus is one of the most important research centres and offers courses in Agronomical Engineering and Biotechnology. The campus of Sorocaba, however, has sustainability as a core focus which drives most of its activities. There are more than 250 laboratories, a variety of libraries, theatres, amphitheatres, auditoriums, sport grounds with eight courts and two swimming pools, 85 classrooms and over 370 student living quarters. Latin America rank: 16thWorld rank: 1001+ Official Website
Are There Universities in Brazil That Teach In English?
Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country so most of its universities teach courses in Portuguese. However, there are several universities open to international students that teach courses in English. So, if you are from an English speaking country and are looking for these universities, you might be in luck. Some of them include: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo State University, etc. However, for you to study in Brazil at the undergraduate level, you must learn Portuguese. It’s very important! But, some of the masters and Ph.D. programs are taught in the English language. RELATED POST: Study In Brazil: TuitionCost of Living, Scholarships for International Students in Brazil
What are the Best universities of technology in Brazil?
Engineering education is a traditional field in Brazilian universities, being available in many of them. The largest institutions tend to have colleges and facilities focused on the teaching and research in this area. Brazil has some of the best universities in Latin America, offering engineering and technology programs with several specializations. However, the courses with a focus on technology such as electrical, electronics and mechanical are the most common. So, here are the most important and prestigious universities in the technology field in Brazil:
Conclusion
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and the fifth largest country in the world. It has some of the best universities in Latin America and the world at large. Recently there are favorable policies that encourage foreign students to come and study in Brazil. So, we have carefully selected the best universities, including their official website so that you will be able to choose which college best suits you.
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