Student support · Updated 2026-08-26
The Florida-Brazil Linkage Institute (FBLI) allows up to 25 Brazilian students per year to pay resident tuition rates at Florida's public universities. This page explains eligibility, the real dollar savings, and the application process.
Florida maintains linkage institutes with several partner countries; the Brazil institute's signature student benefit is the out-of-state tuition exemption. A selected Brazilian student admitted to a Florida public university pays the in-state tuition rate — at most institutions, between US$ 4,800 and US$ 6,900 per year instead of US$ 17,000–29,000.
The program is active. The University of Florida's Center for Latin American Studies is accepting applications for the 2026–2027 cycle; students apply directly through the program page at latam.ufl.edu/fbli. This site explains the process and helps families prepare strong applications — the exemption itself is granted through UF.
Eligibility. Brazilian students admitted to, or applying to, a Florida public institution. Statewide capacity is limited to 25 exemptions per year, so timing and documentation quality matter.
Process. (1) Gain admission to an eligible institution. (2) Submit the FBLI application with proof of Brazilian ties within the cycle deadline. (3) Maintain academic standing for renewal.
Where students use it. The exemption pairs most often with admission to the University of South Florida in Tampa, with Miami families gravitating toward Florida International University, Orlando-bound students toward the University of Central Florida, and South Florida commuters toward Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton. Each guide details that campus's costs with and without the exemption.
An out-of-state tuition exemption for Brazilian students at Florida public institutions. Selected students pay in-state tuition rates — typically a 60–75% reduction in tuition alone. Up to 25 students per year may hold the exemption statewide.
The University of Florida's Center for Latin American Studies administers FBLI student selection. Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle are submitted through the program page at latam.ufl.edu/fbli.
No. It waives the out-of-state portion of tuition only. Housing, meals, insurance, and course fees remain the student's responsibility.
Florida's public universities. Students most often combine the exemption with admission to USF, FIU, UCF, or FAU, though all twelve public universities participate.
Portuguese-speaking families: the full guide is also available in Portuguese at Bolsa FBLI.