
Learning a new language can be quite expensive. But fortunately, in São Paulo, it’ s possible to do it for free! In January, the city government announced an offer of free language courses for students, who will be able to learn eight foreign languages – such as English, Chinese or German.
The opportunity is available to students from the 4th year of elementary school to the 3rd year of secondary school in the municipal network. So if you want to take part, or know a student who would be interested, check out all the details and find out how to apply below! After all, it ‘s not every day that we get the chance to connect with a foreign language on the spot.
Check out the free language courses for students in SP
Language courses are offered at the São Paulo Language Centers (CELPs) run by the Department of Education. In partnership with consulates and international organizations, they will offer free classes in German, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, French, English, Italian and Japanese at more than 50 locations in São Paulo.
Registration for the 2025 classes is now open, with 8,000 places available. The courses last three and a half years, with beginner, intermediate and advanced modules, and the student will receive a certificate of completion at the end of each level.
Each student will receive their own teaching materials, as well as R$156.60 in credits to buy school supplies at accredited stores.
How do I sign up?
The classes are all face-to-face, at 58 Unified Educational Centers (CEUs) throughout the capital of São Paulo. Classes take place in the morning, from 7am to 9.15am and from 9.35am to 11.50am, and also in the afternoon, from 1pm to 3.15pm and from 3.35pm to 5.50pm.
To register, students from the municipal network must go in person to the service desks at the CEU Training Centers, whose addresses are available here. Remember to bring the following documents with you:
- Student’s ID
- ID and CPF of the guardian
- Proof of residence
- Municipal school enrollment data
Each student can choose one language to study. So if you’re interested, check out the languages available at each CEU at this link and sign up!