Arrival of foreign students to Bauru boosts the economy and changes the routine of commerce and services

The fame of Bauru (SP) as a university hub and a reference in research and technologies in the field of dentistry has attracted more and more foreign students.

This temporary migration, in addition to reinforcing the municipality's academic role, boosts the local economy — especially the accommodation, property rental and food sectors.

Data from the International Migration Observatory (Obmigra) reveal a constant growth in the number of foreigners arriving in the city with a temporary study visa. In 2022, the municipality registered 903 students; in 2023, the number rose to 973; and in 2024, it jumped to 1,051.

In 2025, more than 1,200 international students arrived in the city. Peruvian student Ivan Tapia, who has lived in Bauru for a year and a half to study a dental specialization, highlights the academic strength of the municipality.

"I chose Bauru because this is the capital of dentistry in the state of São Paulo. It is a beautiful, peaceful city, and, in fact, it is", he stated.

The presence of these students has moved the rental and accommodation market. Studio administrator Luisa Lobrigati, who has worked in the sector for six years, reports that 70% of the accommodations she manages are occupied by this public.

According to her, the longer stay of foreigners brings financial advantages to the business.

"They end up booking slightly longer periods, from seven to 20 days on average, unlike Brazilians, who have an average reservation of two to three days. So the cleaning fee, the cleaning itself, we managed to dilute in seven to 20 days, so it ends up being much more advantageous than short reservations", he explains.

To better welcome tenants, the condominium where Luisa works installed bilingual signs in Portuguese and Spanish and provided an exclusive luggage rack to facilitate the check-in process for newly arrived students.

The arrival of foreigners has also transformed local cuisine. A restaurant located close to the university adapted its menu to attract and please new customers. In addition to the traditional Brazilian barbecue, the establishment now serves typical dishes from neighboring countries, such as ceviche and guacamole.

The restaurant manager, Elias Germano, estimates that almost all of the people served are foreigners.

"Our staff that we serve here are 80% to 90% foreigners. Normally around 15 countries already. We received staff from Italy, staff from Colombia, so it varies", he says.

Peruvian Silvia Pariona Quispe, who has been in Bauru for two years, approved the mix between cuisine from her home country and Brazilian cuisine.

"Here in Brazil, I love chicken, meat, picanha. Brazil is my second home now", says the student.