Exchange guide Mackenzie Presbyterian University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo, Brazil.
City
São PauloCountry
BrazilInternational
Mackenzie hosts incoming exchange students across business, architecture, engineering and design every semester under bilateral agreements managed by COI
Enrollment
25,000–29,999 students (large institution, official Brazilian higher-education classification, 2026)
Study abroad at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie): overview
Study abroad at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination name alone. Founded in 1870, Mackenzie Presbyterian University is one of Brazil's oldest and largest private universities, with 25,000–29,999 students across its São Paulo campuses. Useful proof points: 25,000–29,999 students (large institution, official Brazilian higher-education classification, 2026); Mackenzie hosts incoming exchange students across business, architecture, engineering and design every semester under bilateral agreements managed by COI; Architecture and Urbanism, Engineering (Production, Civil, Electrical), Business Administration. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
25,000–29,999 students (large institution, official Brazilian higher-education classification, 2026)
International Mix
Mackenzie hosts incoming exchange students across business, architecture, engineering and design every semester under bilateral agreements managed by COI
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Architecture and Urbanism, Engineering (Production, Civil, Electrical), Business Administration and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: Portuguese (primary), Selected English-taught courses; confirm current offerings with the International Affairs Office (COI)
Exchange & application at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie), rules can sit at faculty level, so validate courses before promising yourself a timetable.
✅Requirements
Official nomination from home university; Passport copy; Academic transcript / proof of enrollment; Proof of Portuguese or English proficiency depending on chosen courses; Proof of health insurance valid in Brazil; Learning agreement / course plan
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates first; the host university then opens or confirms the application steps.
🧭Orientation Week
Events hub: https://www.mackenzie.br/en/universidade/coi
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Check current Mackenzie COI calendar | Check current Mackenzie COI calendar |
| 2nd semester | Check current Mackenzie COI calendar | Check current Mackenzie COI calendar |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm official nomination through your home university's exchange office.
- Submit the Mackenzie exchange application via COI before the published deadline — confirm exact 2026 dates directly with COI.
- Arrange health insurance valid in Brazil before arrival.
- Confirm the current semester's English-taught course list with COI before finalizing your learning agreement.
- Apply for VITEM IV (the mandatory study visa) — required for stays over 90 days or 15+ hours/week of coursework, regardless of any tourism visa exemption.
- Attend the COI international orientation session in the first week.
Academics & courses at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie)
Academics combine credits, calendar, seats and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, real teaching language and course-list changes before final enrolment.
📝Course Registration
Exchange students submit a learning agreement before arrival and finalize course registration during orientation week, subject to seat availability.
🎓Credit System
Mackenzie uses a Brazilian credit-hour system; confirm conversion to your home university's ECTS or credit equivalent with both institutions before departure.
💯Grading System
Brazilian 0–10 grading scale; request an official conversion table from COI for your home university's records.
✍️Exam Culture
Attendance is generally tracked and can affect final grades; assessment mixes written exams, papers and continuous coursework depending on department.
📚Library Access
Library, digital resources and study spaces after activating the university account.
Tuition & fees at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie)
Separate exchange, full-degree tuition, insurance, housing and living costs. Official fees vary by programme and student category, so use the university page as the final check.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | BRL 0-0/semester | Tuition is generally waived under bilateral exchange agreements; the exact administrative/exchange-program fee amount is not published on Mackenzie's public … |
| Full degree student | BRL 1766-11000/month | Full-degree (non-exchange) monthly tuition for the Higienópolis campus, 1st semester 2026, ranges from roughly R$1,766 to R$11,000/month depending on the pro… |
BRL 0-0/semester
Tuition is generally waived under bilateral exchange agreements; the exact administrative/exchange-program fee amount is not published on Mackenzie's public …
BRL 1766-11000/month
Full-degree (non-exchange) monthly tuition for the Higienópolis campus, 1st semester 2026, ranges from roughly R$1,766 to R$11,000/month depending on the pro…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie)
Housing near Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in São Paulo
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie)
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin issues from becoming blockers.
International student insurance purchased before departure
Brazilian private health plans available locally after CPF registration
Campus services
International Affairs Office (COI)
Nomination/application processing, orientation, visa guidance, and academic integration support for incoming exchange students.
Mackenzie Central Library
Full library access, study spaces and research support for enrolled exchange students.
Student Health and Psychological Support Services
On-campus referral point for health and mental-health concerns, including connections to nearby clinics.
Student life at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie)
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, exchange groups or faculty channels. Join repeated groups early instead of waiting for campus life to happen automatically.
Student Clubs
- Empresa Júnior (student-run consulting groups by department)
- Atlética Mackenzie — sports leagues and intramural tournaments
- Cultural and academic departmental groups
Buddy Program
COI buddy/mentor program pairing incoming exchange students with Mackenzie students (confirm current availability with COI)
Sports & Recreation
- Football, volleyball and athletics leagues via Atlética Mackenzie
- Access to nearby Parque Buenos Aires and Avenida Paulista for running
Public Groups & Communities
Mackenzie International Students (managed by COI, confirm current channel)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend the COI international orientation session.
- Finalize course registration and confirm your learning agreement.
- Register for a CPF and open a digital bank account (Nubank or similar).
- Join the buddy/mentor program (if offered) and at least one student club.
- Settle housing near Higienópolis or Santa Cecília/Consolação and learn the metro routes to campus.
Key exchange dates at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie)
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods or admin closures visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination
Previous semester
Home university
-
2
Application and courses
After nomination
International office
-
3
Arrival and orientation
1-2 weeks before classes
Welcome calendar