Florida/Brazil Linkage Institute
Out-of-State Tuiton Exemption Program
The Legislature of the State of Florida created 11 International
Linkage Institutes to assist in the development of stronger economic and
social ties between Florida and countries considered important to Florida's
future. (Florida state statute 288.8175.) The first of the Institutes, the
Florida/Brazil Institute, was established in 1986. The Legislature authorized
each Linkage Institute to award exemptions of out-of-state tuition fees
for up to 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) international students to attend
Florida public universities and community colleges. Each Linkage Institute
has developed its own criteria for selection of students.
The Florida/Brazil Institute awards tuition exemptions on a yearly basis
that permit qualified Brazilian students to pay in-state tuition rates for
community college and graduate classes at Florida public institutions of
higher education.
The exemption program waives the requirement for recipients to pay out-of-state
tuition. Recipients of an out-of-state tuition exemption are still required
to pay in-state tuition and fees. No funds are provided to recipients or
their educational institutions.
Eligibility Guidelines
Applicants must meet the following eligibility guidelines:
- Brazilian citizens studying full-time in the state of Florida with F-1 or J-1 visa status. Dependents (i.e. F-2 or J-2 visa holders) are not eligible.
- Admission to a degree program at a Florida public community college or university. The institute does not fund English as a Second Language study.
- Enrollment as a graduate student or a community college student.
Exemptions are not awarded to undergraduate students in Bachelor's degree programs. Community college students who receive an exemption and transfer to a public university for a Bachelor’s degree are not eligible for continuation of the exemption. - A 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
Other Guidelines
- Students must return to Brazil for a period of time equal to the exemption period within three years of their undergraduate or graduate study.ible.
- Awards are given for a maximum of two academic years for a total of six semesters. After receiving the award for one academic year or part thereof, students must apply for a second year of support. (See the application requirements for renewal applicants.)
Application Deadline
The application deadline for new applications and renewal applications is July 1. Awards are made each July for the upcoming academic year or portion thereof. Applications will be accepted after July 1 on a space available basis only.