Academic Mobility

1. Application Process & Required Documents (1-2 Semesters)

All applications must be submitted directly by the International Office of the student’s home university. The following documents must be scanned into a single PDF file and sent to international@ufpel.edu.br:

  1. APPLICATION FORM (Please download and fill out the editable PDF)
  2. Copy of Passport (Identification page);
  3. Official Academic Transcripts
  4. Academic CV (e.g., Lattes, ORCID, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Scopus, or a standard resume)

Once the application is approved, the official Acceptance Letter will be sent via email directly to the Head of the International Office at the student’s home university.

2. Academic Calendar & Application Deadlines

Upcoming Application Window: Applications for the first semester of 2027 will be accepted from October 1st, 2026, to November 13th, 2026.

  • 2026/2 Semester: August 12th – December 12th

  • 2027/1 Semester: Estimated from March to July (exact dates to be confirmed)

3. Student Visa Guidelines (VITEM IV & VITEM XIII)

According to the Brazilian Migration Law (No. 13.445/2017), international students coming to UFPel for regular courses, academic practices, or supervised clinical training must apply for the appropriate student visa. Please pay close attention to the following guidelines before applying at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate:

  • Proof of Acceptance: The Acceptance Letter issued by UFPel is the official and sufficient document to prove your institutional link, specifying your mobility period and conditions. Do not submit additional letters from your home university to the consulate, as differing terminology might cause visa processing delays.

  • Academic Exchange vs. Internship: As a public higher education institution, UFPel does not sign internship contracts or tripartite agreements for incoming mobility. All practical activities performed by international students are strictly considered part of the academic curriculum under the “Academic Exchange” framework. Upon completion, UFPel will issue the proper academic transcripts verifying the practices carried out.

  • Proof of Financial Means: If you are receiving food and accommodation benefits through a bilateral agreement, please note that the UFPel Acceptance Letter stating these benefits is usually not sufficient as standalone proof of financial capacity for the consulate. We strongly advise applying as a non-scholarship student by presenting a notarized Declaration of Financial Responsibility signed by a parent/sponsor, along with their bank statements, to prove you can financially support yourself during your stay in Brazil.

Note: The Consulate General reserves the right to request additional documents. We highly recommend consulting the official website of the specific Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction for complete requirements.

CRITICAL WARNING REGARDING TOURIST ENTRY:

Under Brazilian immigration law, your visa category is determined strictly by the activity you will perform in the country, not by the length of your stay. Entering Brazil on a tourist visa or a 90-day tourist waiver strictly prohibits you from enrolling in courses, conducting academic practices, or receiving any institutional benefits at UFPel. You must hold a consular visa that explicitly authorizes academic activities (VITEM IV or VITEM XIII – Mercosur).

EMERGENCY / LATE VISA EXCEPTION:

If it is absolutely impossible to secure your consular visa prior to your departure date, you must contact UFPel International urgently. We will provide specific instructions on how to apply for a Residence Authorization for Study Purposes (Autorização de Residência para fins de estudo) directly with the Brazilian Federal Police upon your arrival.

 

4. Post-Arrival Requirements

Upon your arrival in Pelotas, you must submit the following documents to the International Relations Office to finalize your enrollment. There is no need to present them in person; please send the digital copies via email to international@ufpel.edu.br:

  • REGISTRATION FORM (Editable PDF)

  • Copy of your Student Visa (Please read the CRITICAL WARNING above)

  • Copy of the National Immigration Registry Card (CRNM): Provided by the Brazilian Federal Police after your arrival.

  • Brazilian Taxpayer Registry (CPF): We highly recommend checking the possibility of registering for your CPF online or at the Brazilian Embassy when applying for your visa.

  • International Health Insurance Policy: Must explicitly state coverage for medical expenses and funeral repatriation.