Cost of Studying and Living in Brazil
Brazil uses the Real (R$ or BRL) as its currency.
Study Expenses
If you are looking to study a publicly funded degree, you will not have to pay any tuition fees. This is because the Brazilian Federal Constitution has guaranteed the right to free public education for all students. You will likely still have to pay a registration fee.
If you choose to study at a private university, you will have to pay a tuition fee. The amount is set by the individual institution, and will therefore differ depending on your choice. On average, tuition at a private institution can cost between R$7000 and R$43,000 per year.
International students can access financial aid that will help with costs of meals, books, accommodation and transport. This is available through each institution. There is also a chance that your home country will be able to offer some sort of financial help in the form of a grant or scholarship.
Living Expenses
Unlike other countries, most institutions in Brazil do not offer student accommodation. This means that students have to find private accommodation. It might be helpful to contact your university of choice, as they can help students to find somewhere suitable to stay. Homestay is another great option for international students. This is where a student stays with a host family – a great way to integrate into the local culture!
Renting a private apartment in Brazil can cost between R$1000 and R$2,056 per month. A cheaper restaurant can cost from R$18, a cinema ticket will cost from R$21. in general, Brazil is one of the expensive Brazilian cities. It is important that you factor this into your plans and make sure Brazil would be a practical choice for you.
Study and Work in Brazil
Since the end of 2016, students are able to work alongside studying. This opens up lots of opportunities for international students to finance their studies and enjoy exploring their new home city in their free-time. This new form of working visa will also allow students to stay in Brazil after their studies if they get an offer of employment their stay. However, the conversion of the visa from study to work does take some time, so make sure you plan well.
Brazilian Student Visas
Students will need a visa to study at a Brazilian institution. This is usually a temporary residence visa, which allows for one year’s study. This can then be extended to suit your study needs. The visa application process can take up to 3 months, so make sure you get it sorted in time!
In order to apply for a visa, you generally need to provide:
- A valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A letter of confirmation from your MEC approved institute
- Two passport sized photos
- Medical records
- Two printed and signed application forms
- Evidence of no criminal record, original and duplicate
Within 30 days of your arrival, you need to register with the Federal Police. This will allow you to acquire a foreigners ID card. If you need to extend/renew your visa, you need to submit your application at least 30 days before it expires.
For more information regarding visas, it is recommended that you visit: https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/obter-visto-para-viajar-ao-brasil
Language
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish and English are spoken in the bigger cities. This will give you a good chance to pick up more than one foreign language – a skill that will look fantastic on your CV/resume!
Most English teaching universities will have language requirements that students have to meet. Having this required standard allows the universities to be sure that each student they admit will be able to get the most out of their studies.
If you do not meet the requirements, lots of universities will offer English Language programmes. These allow you to improve your English ready to succeed in your chosen course!
Cities
Brasília
Home to more than 2.4 million people, the capital of Brazil is the 3rd most populous city in the country. Brasília is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its modernist architecture and unique urban planning style. There are around 124 world embassies located in Brasília, and hosts many international and national events. It is a popular business and tourism destination, with a lot going on. This makes it perfect for international students looking for an exciting city to live and study in.
Brasília has 2 universities, 3 university centres and lots of private colleges, meaning that you will have lots of choice! There are also options for different types of higher education institutions. You will be able to choose between a private and public university, allowing you to tailor your education to your needs.
São Paulo
The most populous city in Brazil, São Paulo is home to more than 12.1 million people. It will provide you with a busy social life, and many study and work opportunities. Not only does the city have an excellent presence in the business world, it also boasts many art, cultural and sporting attractions.
Located in São Paulo are many public and private higher education institutions. You will be spoilt for choice, and no doubt will find the course perfect for you! The University of São Paulo is a public university, and is the largest and most prestigious institution in Brazil. It offers a broad range of courses, and has a great reputation internationally.
Rio de Janeiro
Potentially the most famous city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is home to over 7.4 million people. It is known for being vibrant, loud and fun in all the best ways! Not only is it a well developed city in terms of business and industry, it also has many famous landmarks. These include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Municipal Theatre.
Rio hosts one of the world’s most famous Samba Carnivals, with people flocking from all over the world to come and see the spectacle. It is also known as the birthplace of the Bossa Nova music genre, as well as having many internationally known beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana beach.
There are around 99 higher education institutions in Rio de Janeiro, all certified by the Ministry of Education. One of these is the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, which is the second best in Brazil. There are many universities for international students to choose from, covering all ranges of subjects from arts to applied mathematics.
Universities in Brazil
Browse universities in Brazil using the map. You can also select a university from the list below to view more information about the institution, its location and the courses offered.
MBA
