University of São Paulo

The University of São Paulo (USP) is a public state university located in São Paulo, Brazil. It is the largest university in Brazil and one of the most prestigious in the world.

The history of the University of São Paulo (USP) dates back to the 16th century, when the Jesuit college of São Paulo de Piratininga was founded. The college was later renamed the Faculdade de Direito do Largo de São Francisco (Faculty of Law), which is now one of the most prestigious law schools in Brazil.

In the 19th century, several other schools were founded in São Paulo, including the Escola Politécnica (Engineering School) and the Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (College of Agriculture).

In 1934, the intervenor of São Paulo (which corresponded to the governor), Armando de Sales Oliveira, founded the University of São Paulo (USP). The university was created by grouping together the Faculdade de Direito do Largo de São Francisco, the Escola Politécnica, and the Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz.

USP quickly became one of the leading universities in Brazil. It attracted some of the best professors and students in the country, and it was at the forefront of research in a variety of fields.

In the 1960s and 1970s, USP played an important role in the Brazilian student movement. The university was a center of opposition to the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985.

Today, USP is a world-class university that is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. It is a major center of learning and culture in Brazil, and it plays a vital role in the country's development.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2024, University of São Paulo is positioned as the #85 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Brazil. The university's global rank is improved by 30 points from last year.