São Paulo state offers 1,000 free study‑abroad slots for public‑school students

The São Paulo state government’s “Prontos pro Mundo” programme will provide 1,000 fully funded overseas study placements each year for students enrolled in the public high‑school system. Selected youths will spend about three months attending a secondary school in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom or New Zealand while living with host families. All costs—including airfare, passports, visas, accommodation, meals, local transport, school fees, health and travel insurance, and a personal allowance—are covered by the state.

Eligibility requires Brazilian nationality, at least 14 years of age, continuous enrollment in public schools since the 6th grade, participation in the Saresp exam with a minimum 90 % attendance record, and a minimum overall grade point average of 7.0. Applicants must also pass a face‑to‑face English proficiency test (minimum 7.0), maintain 90 % attendance in an intensive preparatory English course, and clear a socio‑emotional interview with no serious disciplinary record. The selection process begins automatically for eligible students, with families able to withdraw. In the 2026 intake, roughly 34,400 students competed for 500 places in each of the two batches.