Exchange guide UnB
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at UnB in Brasília, Brazil.
Study abroad at UnB (Universidade de Brasília): overview
Study abroad at UnB (Universidade de Brasília) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination name alone. UnB was founded on 21 April 1962 and has been consistently ranked among the top five universities in Brazil and the top fifteen in South America by Times Higher Education (THE). Useful proof points: ~28,570 undergraduate + ~6,304 postgraduate students (Wikipedia infobox, consulted 2026-06-24); Visible international or exchange community; confirm the current figure before deciding.; Economics, International Relations, Law. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
~28,570 undergraduate + ~6,304 postgraduate students (Wikipedia infobox, consulted 2026-06-24)
International Mix
Visible international or exchange community; confirm the current figure before deciding.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Economics, International Relations, Law and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: Portuguese (primary), Limited English-taught options — varies by department, confirm with INT before finalizing a learning agreement
Exchange & application at UnB (Universidade de Brasília)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At UnB (Universidade de Brasília), rules can sit at faculty level, so validate courses before promising yourself a timetable.
✅Requirements
Official nomination from home university's Exchange Coordinator; Passport copy; Academic transcript / proof of enrollment (at least 40% of undergraduate credits completed); 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://int.unb.br/br/
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | — | — |
| 2nd semester | — | — |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm official nomination through your home university's Exchange Coordinator.
- Check INT's current mobility calendar (editais) for exact nomination and application deadlines — these are published per selection cycle, not year-round.
- Arrange health insurance valid in Brazil before arrival.
- Confirm the current semester's English-taught course list with your target department.
- Apply for VITEM IV (the mandatory study visa) — required for stays over 90 days or 15+ hours/week of coursework.
- Arrange your own housing — UnB's Casa do Estudante Universitário is generally reserved for vulnerable Brazilian students, not incoming exchange students.
Academics & courses at UnB (Universidade de Brasília)
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 in the host department.
🎓Credit System
UnB 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 INT or your host department 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 UnB (Universidade de Brasília)
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 | UnB is a federal public university — tuition is free for exchange students under cooperation agreements managed by INT. Some departments may have small incid… |
| Full degree student | BRL 0-0/year | As a federal public university, UnB charges no tuition for full-degree students, including foreign students admitted under cooperation programs like PEC-G (u… |
BRL 0-0/semester
UnB is a federal public university — tuition is free for exchange students under cooperation agreements managed by INT. Some departments may have small incid…
BRL 0-0/year
As a federal public university, UnB charges no tuition for full-degree students, including foreign students admitted under cooperation programs like PEC-G (u…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at UnB (Universidade de Brasília)
Housing near UnB (Universidade de Brasília) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Brasília
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at UnB (Universidade de Brasília)
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
INT (Secretaria de Assuntos Internacionais)
Central point for nomination/application processing, orientation, and visa guidance for incoming exchange students.
Biblioteca Central (BCE)
UnB's main library on the Darcy Ribeiro campus, with study spaces and lending access for enrolled exchange students.
Restaurante Universitário (RU)
Subsidized cafeteria on the Darcy Ribeiro campus offering low-cost meals to enrolled students.
Fazenda Água Limpa (FAL)
UnB's experimental farm and field station, used by agronomy, biology and ecology programs for fieldwork.
Student life at UnB (Universidade de Brasília)
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
- DCE (Diretório Central dos Estudantes) — UnB's central student union
- Department-level academic centers (Centros Acadêmicos, one per course)
- Atlética sports leagues and intramural tournaments
Buddy Program
INT's incoming-exchange-student buddy network (availability varies by semester)
Sports & Recreation
- Football, volleyball and athletics leagues via UnB's Atlética groups
- Access to the Darcy Ribeiro campus's sports facilities for enrolled students
Public Groups & Communities
INT International Students orientation mailing list / social channels
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend INT's international orientation session.
- Finalize course registration and confirm your learning agreement.
- Register for a CPF and open a digital bank account (Nubank or similar).
- Arrange housing in Asa Norte or Sudoeste if not already settled before arrival.
- Join INT's buddy program (if offered that semester) and at least one student club.
Key exchange dates at UnB (Universidade de Brasília)
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