Exchange guide USP
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at USP in São Paulo, Brazil.
Study abroad at USP (Universidade de São Paulo): overview
Study abroad at USP (Universidade de São Paulo) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination name alone. USP is Brazil's flagship public university: close to 90,000–100,000 students across 11 campuses, the largest concentration of research output in Latin America, and a QS World Ranking of #113 (2026). Useful proof points: ~90,000–100,000 students across 11 campuses (QS/official figures, 2026); More than 3,200 international students (~4% of total enrollment) hosted through bilateral exchange agreements; Engineering, Medicine, Law. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
~90,000–100,000 students across 11 campuses (QS/official figures, 2026)
International Mix
More than 3,200 international students (~4% of total enrollment) hosted through bilateral exchange agreements
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Engineering, Medicine, 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 faculty, confirm with each school's Local International Relations Office
Exchange & application at USP (Universidade de São Paulo)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At USP (Universidade de São Paulo), 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; Proof of Portuguese or English proficiency depending on chosen courses; Proof of health insurance valid in Brazil; Learning agreement / course plan, submitted at least 3 months before the mobility period
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates first; the host university then opens or confirms the application steps.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 2026-10-05 | 2026-10-15 |
| 2nd semester | 2026-05-05 | 2026-05-15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm official nomination through your home university's Exchange Coordinator.
- Submit the USP exchange application before the relevant deadline (October 15 for 1st semester / fall intake, May 15 for 2nd semester / spring intake).
- Arrange health insurance valid in Brazil before arrival.
- Confirm the current semester's English-taught course list with your target faculty's Local International Relations Office.
- 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.
- Arrange your own housing — USP does not provide guaranteed accommodation for exchange students.
Academics & courses at USP (Universidade de São Paulo)
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 at their host faculty, subject to seat availability.
🎓Credit System
USP 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 your host faculty's International Relations Office 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 faculty.
📚Library Access
Library, digital resources and study spaces after activating the university account.
Tuition & fees at USP (Universidade de São Paulo)
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 | USP is a public university — tuition is free for exchange students under bilateral agreements. Some faculties may charge small administrative fees; confirm w… |
| Full degree student | BRL 0-0/year | As a public Brazilian university, USP charges no tuition for full-degree students, including foreign students admitted under cooperation programs like PEC-G … |
BRL 0-0/semester
USP is a public university — tuition is free for exchange students under bilateral agreements. Some faculties may charge small administrative fees; confirm w…
BRL 0-0/year
As a public Brazilian university, USP charges no tuition for full-degree students, including foreign students admitted under cooperation programs like PEC-G …
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at USP (Universidade de São Paulo)
Housing near USP (Universidade de São Paulo) 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 USP (Universidade de São Paulo)
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 Cooperation Office (CRInt) + Local International Relations Offices
Central nomination/application processing plus faculty-level support for course selection, orientation and visa guidance.
Integrated Library System (SIBiUSP)
Access to dozens of faculty libraries across USP's campuses for enrolled exchange students.
Restaurantes Universitários (bandejões)
Subsidized cafeterias across USP campuses offering low-cost meals to enrolled students.
Student life at USP (Universidade de São Paulo)
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 consulting groups (by department)
- Atlética USP — sports leagues and intramural tournaments
- Faculty-level cultural and academic groups
Buddy Program
CRInt/Local International Relations Office buddy programs pairing incoming exchange students with USP students (availability varies by faculty)
Sports & Recreation
- Football, volleyball and athletics leagues via Atlética USP
- Access to Cidade Universitária's sports facilities for enrolled students
Public Groups & Communities
USP International Students (Instagram/WhatsApp, run by CRInt)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend your faculty'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 Butantã or Pinheiros if not already settled before arrival.
- Join the buddy program (if offered by your faculty) and at least one student club.
Key exchange dates at USP (Universidade de São Paulo)
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