São Paulo is the largest base for multinational employers in Latin America, and the city's international school market reflects that — deep, competitive, and unforgiving on admissions timelines. Families relocating in 2026 need to think about applications well before the formal moving date, because the most established schools fill priority year groups 9 to 12 months in advance.
This step-by-step guide walks through the São Paulo admissions process: when to apply, what documents you need, how language support actually works, and where to start for each curriculum.
The 2026 admissions calendar at a glance
- March – May (the year before entry): School visits and shortlist. Most schools open online enquiries.
- June – August: Formal applications, family interviews, and entry assessments.
- September – October: Offers issued for the following academic year (the Brazilian school year starts in late January / early February).
- November – December: Place confirmations, fee deposits, and uniform purchases.
- January – February: Start of school year.
For mid-year arrivals, schools accept applications on a rolling basis, but admission is space-dependent — Year 6 and Year 9 fill earliest.
Documents the schools will ask for
- Apostilled birth certificate (with sworn Portuguese translation).
- Apostilled academic transcripts from the last two years.
- Vaccination records translated into Portuguese.
- Passport copies and visa or RNM (foreigner ID) status.
- Two academic references — one from the current homeroom teacher, one from a subject teacher.
- Recent psychoeducational reports if the student has any learning support need.
Assessments and language testing
Most international schools in São Paulo run a low-stakes age-appropriate entry assessment plus a CEFR-aligned English language check. For non-Portuguese speakers, that is enough. For schools with a heavier Brazilian curriculum mix (Avenues, Graded, St Nicholas), expect an additional written Portuguese assessment from Year 5 upwards.
Top international schools and what their admissions look like
Avenues São Paulo
One of the youngest and most ambitious international schools in the city, part of the Avenues global network. Bilingual Portuguese-English immersion from Nursery, with later Mandarin streams. The application is online, with a parent interview the same week as the student visit. School profile on ISA.
Graded — The American School of São Paulo
Founded in 1920, the city's longest-running American-curriculum school. AP courses, US High School Diploma, and a long history of placing students at US universities. Highly competitive at Grade 6 and Grade 9 entry. School profile on ISA.
St Nicholas School
IB World School from Primary Years Programme through Diploma Programme. Bilingual Portuguese-English approach, with several dedicated EAL specialists. Often the best fit for families wanting full IB continuity. School profile on ISA.
St Paul's School
Traditional British curriculum school in Jardim Paulistano. IGCSE plus IB Diploma. Strong university placement to UK and US. Admissions slots are tight from Year 7 onwards.
The British College of Brazil
Newer British curriculum option in Cidade Jardim and Chácara Flora. National Curriculum for England, IGCSE and A-Level. Less competition for places at lower year groups than St Paul's. School profile on ISA.
St John's International School
British curriculum with a strong international cohort, located in Cotia. Often a more accessible entry point at Years 1–5 than the city-centre British schools. School profile on ISA.
2026 fee context
São Paulo fees are quoted in Brazilian reais and adjusted annually with inflation. Indicative 2026 ranges in USD-equivalent at official rates:
- Early Years and Primary: USD 18,000 – 32,000
- Lower Secondary: USD 22,000 – 38,000
- Upper Secondary / IB / AP / A-Level: USD 26,000 – 44,000
Most schools require a non-refundable enrolment fee (USD 3,000–10,000) plus capital levies. Lunch and transport are extras typically charged monthly. Many multinationals provide partial tuition assistance — clarify policy early with HR.
Language support: how it actually works
The best São Paulo schools take EAL seriously. Avenues, Graded, St Nicholas and St Paul's run dedicated structured English support for newer arrivals, with phased exit criteria. Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PFL) is more variable — at British and American schools the focus is on conversational Portuguese until Year 7, with a stronger academic Portuguese push from Year 8. Confirm with each school exactly how PFL is timetabled and whether it is in addition to or instead of the regular Portuguese class.
Where to live and the school commute reality
- Jardins (Jardim Paulistano, Jardim Europa): Central, walkable, close to British and American schools.
- Vila Olímpia / Itaim Bibi: Convenient for parents working in the financial district. Bus services run to most schools.
- Morumbi: Home to several large international school campuses; popular with families wanting a house and garden.
- Alphaville / Cotia: Gated suburbs with their own school clusters (St John's, etc.). Longer commute to the city centre but lower housing cost.
Step-by-step admissions checklist
- Decide the curriculum (American, British, IB, bilingual Brazilian-international).
- Shortlist three to five schools across the curriculum and neighbourhood.
- Book virtual tours and visits at least 9 months before intended start.
- Gather and apostille all academic records.
- Submit applications by the school's priority deadline.
- Complete the entry assessment and family interview.
- Receive the offer, confirm with deposit, sign the financial agreement.
- Lock in transport, lunch and uniform packages.
Frequently asked questions
When should we start the São Paulo school search?
Nine to twelve months before your intended start date is the safe window for top international schools. For mid-year moves, allow at least three months for documents, assessments and visa coordination.
Do São Paulo schools accept students with limited English?
Yes, most international schools accept students with limited English up to about Year 6 or Grade 5 with structured EAL support. From Year 7 upwards, schools expect a working level of English to keep up with content lessons.
Will my child need to take Brazilian national exams?
Only if they want to enter a Brazilian university. International curriculum students at British and American schools typically apply abroad with IGCSE/A-Level, AP or IB Diploma results. For Brazilian university entry, students take the ENEM and the university's own vestibular.
Compare São Paulo international schools side by side, with admissions notes and verified profiles, on International School Advisor.