Quick Summary
Universidade de São Paulo (USP), in São Paulo, Brazil, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1934. Ranked #92 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 97325 students including 3.5% from outside Brazil. Known for strengths in Dentistry, Agriculture & Forestry, Mining Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 8.5%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
USP is the top-ranked university in Latin America, offering free education, elite research opportunities, and deep prestige in the Brazilian job market.
Subject Strengths
DentistryAgriculture & ForestryMining EngineeringLawVeterinary ScienceArchitecture
Founded1934
TypePublic
Total Students97325
Intl Students3.5%
Faculty Ratio15
CampusMulti-campus
Campus Size7,600,000 m²
Affiliated HospitalsHospital das Clínicas da FMUSP, Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto
AccreditationMinistry of Education (MEC), Brazil
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#92
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
240 undergraduate programs, 239 graduate programs (Masters and PhD)
Programs
Available across all major faculties including Sciences, Humanities, and Health
PhD Programs
Limited (mostly specialization and extension courses via UNIVESP or USP Digital)
Online Programs
70+ Research Centers (NAPs) and 10+ Institutes of Advanced Studies
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education (MEC), Brazil
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate8.5%
IELTS6.5 (for specific international graduate programs)
TOEFL90 (for specific international graduate programs)
Min GPANot Available
GRERequired for specific Graduate programs (e.g., Economics, Computer Science)
GMATOptional for some MBA/Management programs
SATNot required (Entry via FUVEST or ENEM)
ACTNot required
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August to October (for FUVEST exam cycle)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · Varies by specific Graduate department
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the FUVEST entrance exam; international students should check specific PEC-G agreements for undergraduate admission.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Brazilian Real
Living Cost
R$40,000/yr
per year · BRL
Application Fee
$40
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R$40,211/yr
tuition + living + essentials · BRL
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable via PAPFE (Program for Permanent Student Support)
Work-StudyYes (Scientific Initiation Scholarships and Monitoría)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 240 undergraduate programs, 239 graduate programs (Masters and PhD) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$22,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with major multinationals in São Paulo
Industry Connections
Extensive partnerships with PetrobrasEmbraerand major Brazilian banks
Notable Alumni
Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Michel Temer, Sebastião Salgado, Paulo Freire
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (CEPEUSP and CRUSP, limited capacity)
Sports Facilities
CEPEUSP Olympic Center, swimming pools, athletic tracks
Student Clubs
Academic Directorates (DAs), Athletics Associations, Junior Enterprises
Library Resources
Integrated Library Agency (SIBiUSP) with over 40 physical libraries
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Santander Universities, and 1000+ bilateral agreements
Summer Programs
USP Summer Schools in Science, Law, and Portuguese for Foreigners