Cheapest University in Brazil
Until an expedition was conducted into the Amazons, Brazil was a land full of mysteries and secrets. The Amazon jungles, which are home to a variety of creatures, nevertheless hold certain secrets that scientists are working to unearth. Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest country, and it is also one of the largest exporters of coffee due to its abundance of coffee trees.
In addition, the Amazon River is the world’s largest river by volume, and Brazil is home to millions of different animal and plant species. You may believe that finding animals requires a trip to the Amazon, but this is not always the case. The Brazilian shore is home to an abundance of fish, turtles, and dolphins.
Here is a list of the Cheapest universities in Brazil
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University of Sao Paulo (USP)
The University of Sao Paulo is regarded as Brazil’s top university, yet it is also the most economical for international students, as it provides free education to approved students. Because of its reputation and price, admittance to USP is extremely competitive, so be prepared to give it your all when applying.
Interestingly, 14 of Brazil’s 41 presidents attended the University of Sao Paulo before pursuing careers in government. Many overseas students are drawn to USP because of its benefits, and many have completed their studies there before beginning their careers. USP is the world’s leading institution in research, focusing on science and technology, and they continue to dazzle the globe with their achievements.
To study here, click on this link https://www5.usp.br/ensino/
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the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Because it is a federal university, UFRGS provides free tuition to all students, including international students; however, you must include in the cost of accommodation, food, and other fees-based events. The tuition is paid, but it is not a full-ride scholarship, therefore you will be responsible for living expenses and travel expenses.
Many students believe that receiving free tuition entitles them to free education, but this is not the case. When applying for only-tuition free universities, it is vital to have a financial backup plan because many other fees mount on top of the necessary payments.
Undergraduate link http://www.ufrgs.br/english/student-mobility/frequently-asked-questions
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Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)
PUC-Rio, unlike the others, is a private institution that provides a Christian education. PUC-Rio is steadily increasing its student body by accepting students of various religions and origins. Although PUC-Rio provides excellent education, it does charge a tuition fee, whereas public universities do not.
Because of this disparity, most students prefer to apply to public colleges, which provide free tuition and a higher quality of education. Apply to private institutions if you want a lower competition, as most local students apply to public institutions.
Undergraduate Link http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/fees_tuition.html
Studying in Brazil on a budget — what the fees above actually mean
Tuition is only one line in the budget, and on its own it is a poor guide to whether you can afford to study in Brazil. A country with low tuition and high living costs can end up more expensive than one with higher tuition and cheap accommodation. Work out the total annual cost before you compare anywhere.
How to check a tuition figure before you rely on it
Fee figures on any website — including this one — go out of date. Universities revise tuition annually, and governments change policy. Before you rely on a number:
- Open the university’s own website and find the fees page for international or non-national students. That is the only figure that counts.
- Check the academic year the figure applies to. A 2023 fee table tells you very little about what you will pay in 2026/2027.
- Confirm whether the price is per year, per semester or per credit. Per-credit pricing is common and makes cheap-looking programmes expensive.
- Check whether international students pay a different rate. In many systems local and EU students pay far less than everyone else.
- Email the admissions office and keep the reply. A written quote protects you.
A live example of why this matters: Norway’s public universities were free for everyone until 2023, when parliament introduced cost-covering fees for non-EU/EEA students — and non-European enrolment fell by roughly 80% within two years. In June 2025 the government proposed letting institutions set their own fees again, including at zero, from August 2026. Anyone relying on a five-year-old “tuition-free” article would have got it badly wrong in both directions.
Entry route: Brazil requires a student visa or study permit obtained after admission. Expect an interview at the embassy or consulate for some countries, proof that you can fund the full programme, and evidence of ties to Nigeria. Visa refusal rates for Nigerian applicants can be high, so prepare your financial documentation carefully and honestly.
Language of instruction: most degree programmes in Brazil are taught in the local language, with a smaller selection available in English — usually at postgraduate level. Check the language of instruction for your specific programme before anything else, because this single detail rules out more applicants than tuition cost does. Where an English-taught programme exists, ask whether an IELTS or TOEFL waiver applies to Nigerian degree holders.
Build a realistic total-cost budget
Before applying to any institution in Brazil, price all of the following. Applicants routinely underestimate the second half of this list:
- Tuition for international students, for the correct academic year
- Application and acceptance fees, which are usually non-refundable
- Accommodation — on-campus versus private rent can differ enormously
- Living costs — food, transport, data, utilities
- Health insurance, which is compulsory in most study destinations
- Visa or permit fees, plus biometrics and courier charges
- Flights, and a return flight if the visa requires proof of one
- Proof of funds — money you must show you hold, on top of what you actually spend
- Document costs — transcripts, notarisation, apostille, translation, courier
- The naira exchange rate, and how a further depreciation would affect year two
How to bring the cost down honestly
- Apply for scholarships in parallel, not afterwards. Most funding deadlines fall before or alongside admission deadlines, not after.
- Look at government scholarships from Brazil itself. Many countries fund international students directly, and these are often less competitive than the famous named awards.
- Ask about assistantships and tuition waivers at postgraduate level. Teaching or research assistantships can cut or eliminate tuition.
- Ask about fee instalments. Many institutions allow termly payment, which matters when you are converting naira.
- Check student work rights on your visa — how many hours, and whether you may work at all. Never plan a budget that depends on illegal work.
- Compare smaller cities. Rent outside the capital is often the single biggest saving available.
A warning about agents
No agent can guarantee you admission or a visa. If someone promises either in exchange for money, walk away. Legitimate agents are paid by institutions, publish their registration details, and will never ask you to send money to a personal account. Apply directly to the university wherever you can — almost every institution accepts direct applications, and it is free or cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians study in Brazil?
Yes. Nigerian students are admitted to institutions in Brazil subject to meeting the academic entry requirements, the language requirement and the immigration rules set out above.
Is the cheapest university the best choice?
Not automatically. Check that the institution is recognised by the national regulator in Brazil and, if you plan to return home or move on, that its degrees are accepted where you intend to work. A cheap degree from an unrecognised institution costs you everything.
Do I need IELTS to study in Brazil?
It depends on the programme and the institution. Where teaching is in English, many institutions waive the test for applicants whose previous degree was taught in English — which covers most Nigerian graduates. Always confirm in writing before paying for a test.
How much money do I need to show?
That is set by the immigration authorities, not the university, and it changes. Check the official government source for Brazil shortly before you apply, because the figure is usually updated annually.
Can I work while studying?
Some countries permit limited part-time work on a student visa and some do not. Confirm the rule for your specific visa type, and treat any earnings as a supplement rather than the basis of your budget.
Related guides
- Full list of universities in Brazil
- International scholarships for Nigerians
- Best scholarships for Nigerians and Africans
- More study-abroad and scholarship guides
Tuition fees, visa rules and proof-of-funds thresholds change every year. Always confirm the current figures on the official university and government websites for Brazil before you apply or pay anything.