Top 5 student cities in Brazil
Discover the favourite cities for university students in Brazil and what makes them unique.
Brazil is one of Latin America's most attractive destinations for those seeking an international academic experience, and it is no coincidence that more and more students are interested in the top 5 student cities in Brazil. The country offers prestigious universities, a wide and entertaining cultural offering, and a cost of living that, in many cities, is more affordable than in other international destinations.
In this article, we review the Brazilian cities that stand out for their university life, academic quality, and opportunities for national and international students. In addition, we analyse the pros and cons of studying in each destination, the most prominent universities, and rental options for students, so that you can easily find accommodation suited to your needs through our online platform specialising in student accommodation.
São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil's main economic and academic centre, being one of the most popular university cities for Brazilian and foreign students. It has a fast pace and an international profile. Studying here means immersing yourself in a metropolis where academic life coexists with a very active professional ecosystem and a practically inexhaustible cultural offering.
Pros and cons of studying in São Paulo
São Paulo offers many academic opportunities, although it isn’t without certain drawbacks for students.
Pros of studying in São Paulo
- Cultural life, events and activities throughout the year.
- Many opportunities for internships and employment.
- Wide range of universities and academic programmes.
Cons of studying in São Paulo
- Higher cost of living than in other cities in the country.
- Heavy traffic and long distances within the city.
Top Universities in São Paulo
São Paulo is home to some of Brazil's most prestigious institutions.
Universidade de São Paulo (University of São Paulo)
The University of São Paulo is the most prestigious university in the country and one of the best ranked in Latin America. Its main and largest campus is located in the city's University City, in the Butantã neighbourhood.
Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near the University of San Pablo.
Student housing in São Paulo
Rent for students in São Paulo varies depending on the area and type of accommodation, but it’s usually higher than in other Brazilian cities. Even so, there are many options for single rooms in shared flats, which typically cost around R$2,300-R$3,000 (approx. £360-£470) per month.
Are you planning to study in Brazil? Don't miss our guide to student housing for students in São Paulo, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.
Río de Janeiro
Living in Rio de Janeiro means having a university experience linked to its natural environment and relaxed lifestyle. It’s a very lively city with a strong cultural identity that attracts both students and tourists all year round.
Pros and cons of studying in Rio de Janeiro
Being a student in Rio de Janeiro has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.
Pros of studying in Rio de Janeiro
- Good quality of life, with beaches, nature, and outdoor activities.
- Significant cultural and artistic offerings.
- Good multicultural student atmosphere.
Cons of studying in Rio de Janeiro
- The costs increase considerably depending on the area chosen.
- Insecurity in some areas and neighbourhoods.
Top Universities in Rio de Janeiro
Río has some very well-known institutions.
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil's most important public universities. It offers a wide range of academic programmes in areas such as engineering, science and humanities.
Its main campus is located on Fundão Island, in the University City. If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to housing close to the Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro.
Student housing in Rio de Janeiro
The price of accommodation in Rio depends greatly on the neighbourhood, being higher in areas close to the beach or the main campuses. As a reference, a single room in a shared flat in a neighbourhood that isn’t very touristy usually costs from R$1300 (approx. €200) upwards, but can be considerably more expensive.
If you’re going to study in Rio de Janeiro, check out our guide to student accommodation in Rio de Janeiro with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.
Brasilia
Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, is a planned and modern city. It stands out for its organisation and its strong links to the country's politics and public administration. For many students, it offers a more orderly and peaceful environment than other large Brazilian cities.
Pros and cons of studying in Brasilia
Brasília stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.
Pros of studying in Brasilia
- A well-organised city with a good quality of life.
- Quiet academic environment.
- Significant presence of public institutions and official bodies.
Cons of studying in Brasilia
- Nightlife and cultural offerings are more limited than in other cities.
- Long distances between residential areas and university campuses.
Top Universities in Brasilia
There are several leading universities in Brasilia.
Universidade de Brasília (University of Brasilia)
This prestigious institution is nationally recognised for its academic quality and its role in training professionals for the public sector. It has a large campus in the city, north of the centre and next to the Asa Norte neighbourhood.
Student housing in Brasilia
In Brasilia, student rents tend to be more stable than in cities such as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. It’s common to find single rooms in shared flats at moderate prices, ranging from R$1,600 to R$2,200 (approx. €250–€340) per month.
Campinas
Campinas is a university city par excellence, known for its academic and technological profile. Quieter than São Paulo, but very well connected, it’s an attractive option for students seeking quality education in a less chaotic environment.
Pros and cons of studying in Campinas
Being a student in Campinas has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.
Pros of studying in Campinas
- Strong focus on programmes in science, technology and innovation.
- Lower cost of living than in São Paulo.
- Good student atmosphere and well-equipped campus.
Cons of studying in Campinas
- Less varied nightlife than in large cities.
- The cultural and leisure activities on offer are also more limited.
Top Universities in Campinas
One institution stands out above all others in Campinas.
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (State University of Campinas)
The State University of Campinas is one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil, renowned in the fields of science, technology and research. It has a large campus located in the city's University District, north of the city centre.
Student housing in Campinas
Rent for students in Campinas is usually more affordable than in São Paulo. You can find rooms in shared flats for prices starting at around R$550–R$1,500 per month (approx. €85–€230), depending on the area and type of accommodation.
Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, has a lively student atmosphere and cultural tradition. The city is an important academic centre in southern Brazil, with outstanding universities, green spaces and cultural activities that make it very attractive to both domestic and foreign university students.
Pros and cons of studying in Porto Alegre
The academic experience in Porto Alegre has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.
Pros of studying in Porto Alegre
- Active university environment and well connected to the rest of Brazil.
- Good quality of life with access to parks, cultural events, and social life.
- Expenses are generally more moderate than in large cities such as São Paulo.
Cons of studying in Porto Alegre
- Depending on the area, transport may be necessary to move between campuses and student neighbourhoods.
- There are fewer leisure and nightlife options than in large cities.
Top Universities in Porto Alegre
There are several renowned academic institutions in Porto Alegre.
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (State University of Rio Grande do Sul)
It’s one of the most important public universities in Brazil, renowned for its academic quality and strong scientific output at national and international level. Two of the most important campuses in Porto Alegre are located in the neighbourhoods of Farroupilha and Santa Cecília.
Student housing in Porto Alegre
In general, the cost of student accommodation in Porto Alegre is comparable to that in Brasilia. In other words, it’s cheaper than in São Paulo. For single rooms in shared flats, prices range from R$1,550 per month (approx. €240) to R$2,950 (approx. €460).
If you’re going to study in this Brazilian city, check out our guide to student housing in Porto Alegre with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.
Find accommodation in Brazil with Erasmus Play
Choosing among the top five student cities in Brazil depends on each student's profile and priorities, whether it be a dynamic urban environment such as São Paulo or Brasília, a lifestyle-oriented experience such as Rio de Janeiro, or quieter university towns such as Campinas or Porto Alegre. Regardless of the destination, Brazil offers quality academic training, renowned universities, and a very diverse student life.
To make the process easier, Erasmus Play allows you to compare accommodation options, find out approximate prices and find rooms or residences to suit every budget, making the experience of studying in Brazil simpler and more organised from the outset.