Questions frequently asked by Foreign Students (FAQ)
1. What documentation is required in order to apply for the exchange?
Foreign students who wish to study at UFBa must submit the following documentation:
For students from universities with which UFBA has a cooperation agreement
- Completed Online Registration Form;
- Original Transcripts (Academic Record) accompanied by a translation*;
- Cover letter in Portuguese;
- Letter from the home university;
- Copy of the identity page of the Passport;
- Medical certificate certified by the Brazilian Consulate, attesting that the student does not suffer from physical or psychological ailments,
- Certification of Portuguese language level (minimum: intermediate level), certified by the Foreign Language Department of the University of origin or by an official Portuguese language course;
- Student ID;
- 2 (two) reference letters from professors at the home, preferably in Portuguese;
- Study plan (See List of courses)
* The translation may be done by the student, as there is no need for an official translation.
* For further information send e-mail to aai@ufba.br
For Special Students (i.e. students who are not from universities with which UFBA has a cooperation agreement)
- Completed Online Registration Form;
- Original Transcripts (Academic Record) accompanied by a translation*;
- Cover letter in Portuguese;
- Letter from the home university;
- Copy of the identity page of the Passport;
- Medical certificate certified by the Brazilian Consulate, attesting that the student does not suffer from physical or psychological ailments,
- Celpe-Bras Portuguese language certification at intermediate or advanced level;
- Student ID;
- 2 (two) reference letters from professors at the home, preferably in Portuguese;
- Study plan (See List of courses)
* The translation may be done by the student, as there is no need for an official translation.
* For further information send e-mail to aai@ufba.br
2. When must the documentation be sent?
The deadlines for submission of documents are:
- To attend the first semester (March-July), registration must be completed by November 30th of the year prior to the period of the exchange.
- To attend the second semester (August-December), registration must be completed by May 30th of the year in progress.
3. When do classes start?
First semester classes normally begin in March and end in early July.
Second semester classes normally begin in the second half of August and end early December.
4. How long may a foreign student study at UFBA?
The student can study at least one semester and a maximum of two semesters.
5. How many disciplines may the Special Student take at UFBA?
The Special Student may attend up to six courses in a single semester or distribute them over two semesters.
6. Can I take subjects that are not from my course program?
The student can choose any discipline from any academic unit, except disciplines from the Medical course.
7. In which language are classes taught?
All classes are taught in Portuguese.
8. Which area of the UFBA must I first contact when I arrive in Salvador?
Students must first report to the AAI (Assessoria para Assuntos Internacionais – International Affairs Office), located at: Palácio da Reitoria, Rua Augusto Viana, s/n, Canela.
9. Which documents must I present to the AAI?
Students must present their passport (original), the valid student visa and the document issued by the Brazilian consulate in the country of origin, or proof of registration of residence issued by the Brazilian Federal Police.
No. However, food in Brazil is not expensive. There are various inexpensive restaurants both on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods.