Quick Summary
Since 1948, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul has been one of Brazil's prominent private (pontifical)s, based in Porto Alegre. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 30000 students including 2.1% from outside Brazil. Known for strengths in Medicine, Computer Science, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 55%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Consistently ranked as the best private university in Brazil; hub for innovation and technology
Subject Strengths
MedicineComputer ScienceLawBusiness AdministrationPsychology
Founded1948
TypePrivate (Pontifical)
Total Students30000
Intl Students2.1%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size55 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital São Lucas da PUCRS (HSL)
AccreditationMinistry of Education (MEC) Brazil
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201–1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Specialization (Latu Sensu), Extension Courses
Programs
24 doctoral programs across various fields
PhD Programs
PUCRS Online (extensive postgraduate digital portfolio)
Online Programs
TECNOPUC (Science and Technology Park), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education (MEC) Brazil
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate55%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July (for second semester intake)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November/December (for first semester intake)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily through the Vestibular exam or ENEM scores. International students should contact the Office for International Cooperation.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Brazilian Real
UG Tuition
R$32,500/yr
per year · BRL
Living Cost
R$27,500/yr
per year · BRL
PG Tuition
R$25,000/yr
per year · BRL
Application Fee
$20
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R$60,100/yr
tuition + living + essentials · BRL
Scholarships AvailableProUni, FIES, PUCRS Credits, Research Scholarships (CNPq/CAPES)
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable via government programs and internal university financing
Work-StudyInternships at TECNOPUC and administrative departments
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Specialization (Latu Sensu), Extension Courses programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
Not Available
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with over 6,000 partner companies and TECNOPUC startups
Industry Connections
Highly connected via TECNOPUCone of South America's premier innovation hubs
Notable Alumni
Erico Verissimo (Author), various federal judges and CEOs in Brazil
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
No official on-campus dormitories; partner private residences nearby
Sports Facilities
Parque Esportivo (Olympic-sized pool, gyms, football fields, courts)
Student Clubs
Academic Directories (DAs), Central Student Directory (DCE), various research groups
Library Resources
Biblioteca Central Irmão José Otão (one of the largest libraries in South America)
Exchange Programs
Agreements with 100+ universities in 25+ countries
Summer Programs
Portuguese for Foreigners, specific short-term research stays