Universidade de São Paulo (USP) is the largest Brazilian higher education and research institution, being established in 1934 and maintained since by the State of São Paulo. It offers 183 undergraduate programs across 42 teaching and research units, enrolling over 58,000 students, and is responsible for over 20% of Brazilian scientific production. It is frequently recognized in academic rankings as the best university in Ibero-America.

The city of São Carlos is home to one of USP’s campuses; the others are spread across the cities of São Paulo, Bauru, Lorena, Piracicaba, Pirassununga, Ribeirão Preto and Santos.

São Carlos is a city in the interior of the State of São Paulo, located 231 kilometers (143 miles) away from the state capital.

According to the 2022 census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the city has approximately 255,000 inhabitants. Its economy is based on agriculture and industry and it is also known for being home to universities and technology development hubs—including the University of São Paulo (USP).

The USP São Carlos campus houses five educational institutes: the São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC), the Institute of Architecture and Urbanism (IAU), the Institute of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (ICMC), the São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC) and the São Carlos Institute of Chemistry (IQSC).

To learn more about the units, courses, and programs they offer, you can visit their respective websites:

» São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC)
Contact: ccint@eesc.usp.br

» Institute of Chemistry – São Carlos (IQSC)
Contact: http://ccint.iqsc.usp.br/ccint/contato/

» Institute of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (ICMC)
Contact: crint@icmc.usp.br

» Institute of Architecture and Urbanism (IAU)
Contact: ccintiau@sc.usp.br

» Institute of Physics – São Carlos (IFSC)
Contact: crint@ifsc.usp.br

If you are an international student planning to take part in an exchange program at any of these institutions, the USP São Carlos Campus Administration has prepared a guide containing the most important information to better welcome you. Access it below:

• Before Arrival
  Are you an international student planning to take part in an exchange program at the University of São Paulo but not sure where to start? This guide provides key information to help you prepare for your arrival in Brazil.
• Arriving in Brazil
  Have you just arrived in Brazil and have questions about the first steps to take? This guide can help you find your way around São Carlos and obtain the documents required for your stay.
• Campus and City Life
  Are you already in São Carlos and would like to learn more about what the city and the USP campus have to offer? This guide organizes the services available to the university community and the general public, helping you make the most of your time in Brazil.
• Portuguese Language Courses for Foreigners
  Before or after arriving in Brazil, would you like to learn more about the Portuguese language to facilitate your integration? This guide brings together the main Portuguese language course options for foreigners available to you.