About
Universidade Virtual do Estado de São Paulo (UNIVESP) is Brazil's first and largest public virtual university, established to provide free, high-quality distance learning education across the state. It is best known for its innovative approach to democratizing access to higher education, particularly in fields like Engineering (Computer, Production), Pedagogy, and Information Technology. For international students, the experience is entirely online and requires strong proficiency in Portuguese, as all programs are delivered exclusively in the national language. UNIVESP does not offer dedicated international student offices, English-taught programs, or specific international student support, meaning prospective students would integrate directly into the general virtual learning environment. Its distinctive characteristic is its pioneering role as a fully public, virtual institution in Brazil, making higher education accessible to a broad audience.
Background
The Virtual University of the State of São Paulo (in Portuguese: Universidade Virtual do Estado de São Paulo, UNIVESP) is a public university in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, designed to offer semipresencial courses for the whole state. It is the first virtual public university in Brazil. UNIVESP was founded under the Geraldo Alckmin government in 2012 and is linked to the São Paulo state government's Secretariat for Economic Development, Science, Technology and Innovation. Its courses are offered in partnership with the University of São Paulo, State University of Campinas, Paulista State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Paula Souza Center and Padre Anchieta Foundation. UNIVESP courses are held in the Virtual Learning Environment (Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem, AVA), where there is interaction between the student and the tutor and students, as well as providing videotapes, digital libraries and pedagogical contents. There are also face-to-face meetings for activities and evaluations.
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Nearby universities
Also in São Paulo
- Centro Universitário Álvares Penteado - FECAP
- Centro Universitário Senac
- Cruzeiro do Sul University
- FAAP - Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado
- Faculdade Impacta - IMPACTA
- Faculdade Italo Brasileira
- Insper Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa
- Instituto de Tecnologia e Liderança - Inteli
- Universidade de Santo Amaro
- Universidade de São Paulo
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SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.