University of São Paulo Institute of International Relations International Exchange Program

Sep 8, 2026

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University of São Paulo’s Institute of International Relations (IRI- USP) International Exchange Program outlines institutional purpose, academic structure, and degree offerings. The program details the institute’s multidisciplinary research and teaching environment in law, political science, economics, and history, and explains nomination and application timelines for each semester. It also covers the academic calendar, credit system, Portuguese language expectations, required proof documents, and rules for undergraduate and postgraduate exchange study periods, plus admissions procedures and post-acceptance materials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

International Exchange Program Overview

Academic Degrees and Academic Staff

Contact Information

Academic Year and Calendar

Nomination and Application Deadlines

Academic System and Credit Equivalency

Language Requirements and Proof Documents

Admission Rules for Exchange Students

Nomination and Application Procedures

Required Documents

UNIVERSITY OF SÃO PAULO INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS International Exchange Program Founded in 2004, the Institute of International Relations (IRI) of the University of São Paulo (USP) aims at promoting research, education and dissemination of knowledge in the field of International Relations; to strengthen academic links with national and foreign institutions; and to propagate the public understanding of world affairs. Our Institute is committed with a multidisciplinary approach regarding world affairs, bringing together expertise in the fields of Law, Political Science, Economics and History. IRI’s academic staff is formed by professors with exclusive dedication to the Institute as well as political scientists, economists, historians, jurists, administrators and sociologists belonging to other USP departments and involved with research and teaching on International Relations. Our Institute offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in International Relations. It also has a Post-Doctorate Program, aimed at Doctorate degree holders recently graduated in national and foreign institutions , and an International Researchers Program , focused on receiving international academics for a limited period of time. | CONTACT INFORMATION | Institute of International Relations IRI-USPIRI-USP International Office (CCNInt)
Av. Prof. Lúcio Martins Rodrigues, s/n – trav. 4 e 5 – 2nd floor, room 26 Zip Code: 05508-020 – Cidade Universitária – São Paulo/SP – Brasil
Telephone: +55 11 3091-0517
E-mail: [ccnint.iri@usp.br](ccnint.iri@usp.br)
Web Address: [http://www.iri.usp.br](http://www.iri.usp.br) | | --- | --- | | ACADEMIC YEAR | First semester: February to July
July: winter vacation
Second semester: August to December
January: summer vacation | | NOMINATION AND APPLICATION DEADLINES | First semester (February to July): by 10 November
Second semester (August to December): by 10 May
Note: Master’s and Doctorate students who just want to carry out their research projects, but do not intend to attend courses , can apply throughout the year. | | ACADEMIC SYSTEM | USP academic credit system is based on “In Class” credit and“Workload” credit. One “In Class” credit is equal to 15 hours in a given semester, while one "Workload" credit corresponds to 30 hours.
It is common to adopt 1 USP credit as equivalent to 1,5 or 2 ECTS credits , but each institution has autonomy to determine the final equivalence. | | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS | It is important for students to be acquainted with the Portuguese language because most of undergraduate and postgraduate classes offered at the University of São Paulo are taught in Portuguese.
For students who need to improve their skills in Portuguese, the Language Center of Faculty of Philosophy, Languages and Human Sciences (Centro de Línguas da FFLCH) offers Portuguese courses for foreigners ([http://clinguas.fflch.usp.br](http://clinguas.fflch.usp.br)) . | | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS | Candidates who intend to take courses at IRI-USP must prove that have knowledge of the Portuguese language at any level. The proof can be one of these documents:
-proficiency test of the Portuguese language or
-Portuguese course certificate of a language school or
-declaration from a teacher of the Portuguese language or
- course taken in Portuguese in the student's transcript issued by the home institution or
-Recommendation letter written by a professor from the student's home institution or
- letter written in Portuguese by the student, justifying how s/he has learned Portuguese or
-proof in case of student’s parents or relatives are Brazilian or nationals whose language is Portuguese or
-other kind of document, which will be analyzed by IRI-USP. | | --- | --- | | ADMISSION AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT | Undergraduate exchange students are allowed to attend courses at IRI-USP for one or two semesters. This period can be further extended for no longer than two ye

FAQs

What are the International Exchange Program study periods for undergraduate and postgraduate students?

Undergraduate exchange students can attend courses for one or two semesters, with extensions up to a total of two years if authorized. Postgraduate exchange students may attend for three to twelve months, with possible extension up to twelve more months if authorized by the home institution and IRI-USP.

What are the key Portuguese language requirements for candidates?

Candidates must demonstrate Portuguese language knowledge because most undergraduate and postgraduate classes are taught in Portuguese. Proof can include a proficiency test, course certificate, teacher declaration, transcript courses taken in Portuguese, a recommendation letter, a student-written justification in Portuguese, or other documents analyzed by IRI-USP.

What are the nomination and application deadlines for each semester?

For the first semester (February to July), applications are due by 10 November. For the second semester (August to December), applications are due by 10 May. Master’s and Doctorate students conducting research projects without attending courses may apply throughout the year.

Sep 8, 2026

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