FGV EAESP Exchange Programme Guide 2026: Study Business in São Paulo

Why Choose FGV EAESP for Your Exchange Semester

Fundação Getulio Vargas — Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo (FGV EAESP) stands as one of Latin America’s most prestigious business schools, offering international exchange students a transformative academic experience in Brazil’s largest city and economic capital. Located on Avenida 9 de Julho in the heart of São Paulo, FGV EAESP combines world-class faculty with a vibrant student community drawn from partner institutions across the globe.

What sets the FGV EAESP exchange programme apart is its commitment to accessibility for international students. Unlike many exchange destinations where language barriers can limit course selection, FGV EAESP offers a robust portfolio of courses taught entirely in English at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can immerse themselves in Brazilian business culture while studying finance, marketing, economics, human resources, and international management alongside local and international peers.

The school’s location in São Paulo provides unparalleled exposure to one of the world’s largest emerging economies. As Brazil’s financial hub and home to the B3 stock exchange, São Paulo offers exchange students real-world context for their business studies. From multinational headquarters to dynamic startup ecosystems, the city serves as a living laboratory for understanding business in Latin America. If you are exploring other top-ranked programmes in the region, our guide to Stellenbosch Business School MBA offers additional perspective on leading business education options in the Southern Hemisphere.

FGV EAESP Accreditations and Global Rankings

FGV EAESP holds the coveted triple crown accreditation — AACSB, EFMD EQUIS, and AMBA — a distinction held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide. This triple accreditation confirms that the school meets the highest international standards in curriculum design, faculty qualifications, research output, and student outcomes.

The AACSB accreditation validates the quality of FGV EAESP’s teaching and learning processes, while EQUIS evaluates the school’s internationalisation strategy and corporate connections. AMBA accreditation specifically endorses the school’s MBA and postgraduate management programmes. Together, these three seals of approval provide exchange students with assurance that credits earned at FGV EAESP will be recognised and valued by partner institutions and employers worldwide.

Beyond accreditations, FGV EAESP consistently ranks among the top business schools in Latin America in the Financial Times rankings and QS World University Rankings. The school’s research centres produce influential work in areas ranging from public policy to digital transformation, contributing to its reputation as a thought leader in the Brazilian business landscape. Students exploring highly ranked European alternatives may also find value in our comprehensive guide to Sciences Po Paris tuition fees and scholarships.

Undergraduate Exchange Courses at FGV EAESP

FGV EAESP offers exchange students a diverse range of undergraduate courses across three main schools, with several programmes available entirely in English. The primary areas of study include finance, economics, marketing, human resources, production and operations, business law and political sciences, and information systems. Exchange students must select only from courses designated as available for international students.

Courses Taught in English

The Bachelor in Business Administration programme is available in both term-based and semester-based formats, giving exchange students flexibility in matching their home institution’s academic calendar. The Law School offers term-based courses and short courses in English, ideal for students interested in international business law. The School of Economics provides semester-based courses in English, covering micro and macroeconomic theory with a focus on the Brazilian and Latin American context.

Courses Taught in Portuguese

For students with Portuguese language skills, additional options include the Bachelor in Business Administration (Administração de Empresas) and the Bachelor in Public Administration (Administração Pública), both available in term-based and semester-based formats. These programmes provide deeper immersion into Brazilian business culture and public sector management. Class sizes typically range from 30 to 50 students, fostering interactive discussions and case-based learning.

Graduate Exchange Programmes and Master Options

At the graduate level, FGV EAESP provides exchange students with access to several distinguished master’s programmes. The flagship English-taught option is the MPGI — Master in International Management, a term-based programme that attracts students from around the world. MPGI students can take a maximum of three courses per module (six per semester) and a minimum of one course per module (two per semester).

The school also participates in the CEMS Master in International Management programme, a prestigious global alliance of leading business schools and multinational companies. CEMS and Double Degree students follow specific requirements managed by dedicated coordinators. The graduate-level Law School programme offers term-based courses and short courses in English for those pursuing international legal studies.

Portuguese-taught graduate options include the MPA (Part-time MBA), which requires at least five years of professional experience; the CMCD Academic Master in semester or term-based format; and the MPGPP — Master in Public Policy and Management, which features elective courses in English. The minimum course load for all exchange students is three courses per semester, ensuring meaningful academic engagement during the exchange period.

Academic Calendar and Course Structure 2025

The FGV EAESP academic year is divided into two semesters, each further split into two modules for term-based courses. Understanding this structure is essential for planning your exchange semester effectively.

The modular structure is particularly advantageous for exchange students who may only be available for part of a semester. Term-based courses run approximately eight to ten weeks, while semester-based courses span the full academic period including examinations. All dates are subject to change, and students are advised to confirm the latest calendar with the Office for Global Affairs. For a different academic calendar structure, explore our guide to the Open University Access Modules programme.

Language Requirements and Portuguese Course

One of the most attractive features of the FGV EAESP exchange programme is its inclusive language policy. For English-taught courses, no specific English language test is required. The school trusts the student selection process conducted by partner institutions, simplifying the application significantly. For Portuguese-taught courses, an in-house Portuguese proficiency test is administered upon arrival.

FGV EAESP offers an optional 60-hour Intensive Portuguese Language Course before the start of regular classes. While not mandatory, this course is highly recommended for students who wish to navigate daily life in São Paulo more comfortably and to access Portuguese-taught electives. A registration fee applies, with details provided after the application period. Note that FGV EAESP does not award credits or certificates for this preparatory course — only a final report is provided.

Living Costs and Housing in São Paulo

São Paulo offers exchange students a surprisingly affordable cost of living compared to major European and North American cities. Based on exchange rates as of mid-2024 (USD 1 = R$5.36), the total monthly expenses for an FGV EAESP exchange student are approximately R$3,840 (USD 716 / EUR 667).

FGV EAESP has partnered with Uliving Student Housing to provide exchange students with quality accommodation in a dynamic student community. Most students live within walking distance of the campus, minimising transportation costs. Bus tickets cost R$4.40 and subway tickets R$5.00, but many students find they rarely need public transport. Students are highly recommended to arrive at least one week before classes begin to get acquainted with the city, the neighbourhood, and FGV EAESP facilities. The mandatory Welcome Day takes place during this pre-semester period.

Student Support and the 4STUDENT Platform

FGV EAESP demonstrates its commitment to international student welfare through the 4STUDENT platform, provided completely free of charge to all exchange students. This comprehensive support service ensures that students have assistance available around the clock throughout their stay in Brazil.

The 4STUDENT platform includes 24-hour emergency assistance available via WhatsApp and a dedicated emergency phone number, logistics support and wellness services, local information and recommendations for navigating São Paulo, and organised events and integration outings that help exchange students build connections with both Brazilian and international peers.

Beyond the free services, 4STUDENT also offers additional pay-per-use services such as professional cleaning, chauffeur services, and home repairs — practical amenities that can significantly ease the transition to life in a new city. The Office for Global Affairs, led by Associate Dean Julia von Maltzan Pacheco, provides dedicated coordinators for each programme level, ensuring personalised guidance throughout the exchange experience.

Visa Requirements and Practical Information

All international students attending FGV EAESP programmes must obtain a VITEM IV student visa before arriving in Brazil. Applications must be submitted from the student’s native country or a country where they have maintained fixed residency for at least 12 months. Students should contact their nearest Brazilian Consulate or Embassy well in advance to begin the visa process.

Exchange students must carry valid international health insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 (or equivalent in USD), with coverage for the entire Brazilian territory and the complete duration of their stay. São Paulo’s climate is subtropical with temperatures ranging from around 15°C in July to 38°C in December. The city is known for rapid temperature changes within a single day, so students should pack layers. Brazil uses a specific electrical outlet type adopted since 2012, and students should bring an adapter or purchase one upon arrival. The Brazilian currency is the Real (BRL), and exchange rates fluctuate frequently — current rates can be checked at the Central Bank of Brazil website.

How to Apply: Nomination Process and Deadlines

The FGV EAESP exchange application follows a nomination-based process through partner institutions. Students cannot apply directly — they must be nominated by their home university’s international office.

Nomination deadlines are firm: October 15th for the first semester (February to June) and April 15th for the second semester (August to December). After nomination, partners receive detailed instructions from the respective FGV coordinator, and an acceptance package containing all required documents is sent to nominated students.

For undergraduate programmes, inquiries should be directed to Luisa Bastos Longo (incoming exchange coordinator) at luisa.bastos@fgv.br. Graduate programme questions can be addressed to Amanda Chan (double degree and exchange coordinator) at amanda.chan@fgv.br. General inquiries about global affairs can be sent to globalaffairs@fgv.br or by calling +(5511) 3799-7762. Students interested in the CEMS programme should contact programme manager Chander Carvalho at chander.carvalho@fgv.br. Whether you are considering FGV EAESP or evaluating alternatives such as the Bologna Business School Master in HR, starting the application process early is essential for a smooth exchange experience.