Cost of studying and living in Brazil for international students

The cost of studying and living in Brazil is still okay in terms of correct living. However, if you want to live in luxury, the cost of living in Brazil for students will be more expensive compared to other South American countries.

How much does it cost to study in Brazil?

Brazil’s higher education is increasing in reputation, raising at the same time the tuition as well as the scholarship options for international students. Brazilian universities are free to set their own study fees for any programs they are offering. Usually, tuition fees per academic year cost between 2,000 USD and 10,000 USD.

Moreover, federal universities and state universities in Brazil won’t charge any tuition fee, whatever degree program they apply to. International students will only pay a registration fee which amount depends on the type of program they enroll in. In fact, international students enjoy the same status as local students when it comes to public universities in Brazil. 

For private institutions, on the other hand, study cost depend on the university and the area of subject you study. Usually, undergraduate programs will cost between 2,000 USD to 8,000 USD per year for a three to six years study to complete. 

Master programs in private universities in Brazil range between 2,000 USD and 10,000 USD. Moreover, private PhD degrees in Brazil will cost between 370 USD and 640 USD per month, depending on the research area you apply to.

Discover also our ranking of the best universities in Brazil

What is financial aid and how to get it

The total cost of living in Brazil is about 50% less than living in New York City. Even in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, which happened to be some of the largest and most expensive cities in the country!

There are many scholarships from Brazilian universities with financial assistance including federal funds which can help fund your studies abroad. The thing is, you’d have to check with your university about how you may benefit from this financial aid once you apply for a scholarship.

Many programs include accommodation, meals, and insurance. If you are arranging these things yourself, you’d need the below budget tips!

Costs of flights to Brazil for international students

Travel is likely to cost at least $1,000 round trip, however, you can get the best deals online with flights to Brazil.

Passports, visas, and insurance

You’d need a valid passport and one-year study visa, which costs $210. While Brazil has free national health insurance, private health care is highly recommended. This is why you should check whether your package includes it or check with your travel agency for a package that includes health, travel, and emergency insurance.

Learn more about the customs and traditions of brazil here!

Using phones

Check if your phone will work with GSM network in Brazil. Electronics is expensive in Brazil, so bring a secondary phone.
Also, the SIM card costs less than $20 in Brazil. Check the carrier liked by Brazilians in your area!. Most likely TIM or Vivo.

Cost of living in Brazil for international students: Travelling and transportation

Rio and São Paulo have great metro systems. Also, buses are the cheapest way to travel between cities. The cost of public transportation tickets across the country is between 45 and 60 dollars a month. A one-way ticket in local transportation is of R$. 2.50 – 3. A monthly public transportation permit is of R$. 100-170

Accommodation and rooms cost monthly

Universities offer accommodations for international students, so you have many options, however, it would be a bit difficult to guarantee accommodation before you arrive. Your university office may have some info on finding a place to stay.

You’d find many accommodations programs. The basic advantages you can say most economical, and maybe the best way to delve deeper into Brazilian culture.

If you can’t get accommodation before you arrive, you’d have one temporary option, which is to stay at a hostel. A cost of 35 to 100 Brazilian Reals per day. The average rent across the country for a one-bedroom apartment is around $500 per month, but in major cities, it could reach $1,000. You should expect to pay 60 to 125 dollars for services related.

Cost of living in Brazil for students: monthly rental

Rental costs have no price limit however according to the location, size of housing, and amenities, we have made a plan of the costs for you!

• Living with the owner is of R$.180 to 350 Brazilian riyals
• One-bedroom apartment in Rio de Janeiro, R$. 600
• One-bedroom apartment in the rest of Brazil is R$. 450
• 3-bedroom apartment in Rio de Janeiro is of R$. 1200
• 3-bedroom apartment in the rest of Brazil is of R$. 770

Sure! We know you can get room partners!

Note also that you’d need a budget for utilities and taxes as well because most landlords in Brazil think about an additional cost for tenants!

Find out how to get student housing in Brazil

Costs you haven’t thought of!

Here’s how you can do an okay budget. This menu list rate will have the differences in prices between regions and big cities, so take note!

• 1 Meal in a low-cost restaurant is of R$. 10-20 / R
• 1 Meal for two people in an average restaurant is of R$. 50-100
• 1 Cappuccino in a café is of R$. 3-5
• Fitness and gym memberships are of R$. 80-160
• 1 movie ticket is of R$. 15-20 per month.

Now that you have come to know about the study fees and cost of living in Brazil for international students, we’d recommend that you take a look at learning Portuguese.