Brazil

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Brazil is a vibrant and diverse country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. As an exchange destination, it offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique blend of indigenous, African, and European influences.

Students can explore Brazil's bustling cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The country is also home to the Amazon rainforest, providing ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

Academically, Brazil boasts several reputable universities. The Brazilian education system emphasizes practical experience, collaboration, and innovation.

The University of Helsinki offers exchange opportunities at the following universities in Brazil:

  • For students of all faculties: Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio De Janeiro (PUC-Rio), and Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)
  • Students of specific Faculties: Faculdades Est, São Leopoldo (Faculty of Theology)

You can find comprehensive instructions for going on exchange under the Study Abroad theme.

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio De Janeiro (PUC-Rio)
Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)
Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio De Janeiro (PUC-Rio)

Who can apply?

  • Students of all faculties
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students,
  • Students with Portuguese skills at least on level B1. 

What can you study here?

  • Information on courses
  • Mostly undergraduate (Bachelor’s level) courses are available for exchange students. Master’s students can also participate in undergraduate courses if the courses can be recognised for their degree.

How many credits do you need to complete?

Minimum 4 courses per semester.
1 PUC-Rio credit = 1.5 ECTS.

Terms

March - July / August - December

Housing, costs and fees

Here you can find information on living costs in Rio de Janeiro.

PUC-Rio does not provide dorms facilities on campus but offers an excellent opportunity for students to experience the Brazilian way of life by offering to international students the possibility of a Brazilian homestay accommodation program.
 

Other important matters

Academic year starts in March. If you want to apply for an academic year, notice that the exchange period is March -December.

Exchange opportunities available 

3 students for one academic year or 6 students for one term

Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)

Who can apply?

  • Students of all faculties
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students
  • Students with Portuguese skills at least on level B1

What can you study here?

  • Institutes at UFPA
  • Programs offered
  • Information on Courses Select the correct level - Graduação for bachelor level courses, Mestrado for master level courses. Select Tipo de Componente: Módulo. Write a search word or partial word (for example the subject you are interested in) and select the appropriate Responsible Unit
  • You can apply to undergraduate (graduação) or graduate (mestrado) studies. NB! Only master level students can take master level courses. 

How many credits do you need to complete?

Minimum 16 local credits per term, recommended workload up to 24 credits.
1 UFPA credit = 1.25 ECTS.

Terms

March - July / August - December

Housing, costs and fees

UFPA does not offer dormitory places for exchange students, information on housing and other useful information can be found in the Foreign Student Guide (pdf).

Other important matters

Academic year starts in March. If you want to apply for an academic year, notice that the exchange period is March - December.

Exchange opportunities available 

2 students for one academic year or 4 students for one term

Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

Student testimonials

USP is one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil, and I noticed this in the academic spirit on campus, as well as in the beautiful facilities. The teachers and professors were top-notch, and my fellow students were very motivated and opinionated. The approach to lectures was often very reflective, engaging, and discussion-oriented, which I really appreciated. I really enjoyed the teaching and atmosphere at USP, and the São Paulo campus was stunning. The campus was like a large, sprawling park, with different faculties spread out throughout the area.

Who can apply?

  • Students of all faculties
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students
  • Students with Portuguese skills at least on level B1
Faculties not open to exchange students
  • Clinical studies in medicine and veterinary medicine.
  • Faculties with very limited exchange opportunities: Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo – FAU, Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade – FEA.

What can you study here?

How many credits do you need to complete?

Minimum 15 local credits per term.
1 USP credit = 1.5 ECTS.

Terms

February - June / August - December

Housing, costs and fees

USP has 8 campuses across the State of São Paulo. Costs vary depending on the location of the campus selected, here you can compare living costs in different Brazilian cities.

USP does not offer dormitory places for exchange students, they recommend exchange students to join the USP ifriends -program to facilitate the search for housing.

Other important matters

Academic year starts in February. If you want to apply for an academic year, notice that the exchange period is February-December.

Exchange opportunities available 

3 students for one academic year or 6 students for one term