Quick Summary
Based in Fortaleza, Brazil, Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC) is a public with roots dating back to 1954. Ranked #851-900 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 44500 students including 1.2% from outside Brazil. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Medicine, Pharmacy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 12.5%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UFC is a leading research institution in Northern/Northeastern Brazil with zero tuition fees and high innovation indices.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryMedicinePharmacyDentistryEngineering
Founded1954
TypePublic
Total Students44500
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio15.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size250
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitário Walter Cantídio (HUWC), Maternidade-Escola Assis Chateaubriand (MEAC)
AccreditationMinistério da Educação (MEC) Brazil
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#851-900
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001–1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#701-800
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Extension, Professional Master's
Programs
78
PhD Programs
Yes (Distance Learning - EaD programs available)
Online Programs
Nutec, Seara da Ciência, Labomar (Marine Sciences), Center for Technology
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministério da Educação (MEC) Brazil
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate12.5%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (via SISU cycle)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · June (via SISU cycle)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily via the ENEM exam and the SISU system; candidates should focus on high scores in Natural Sciences and Mathematics for STEM courses.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Brazilian Real
Living Cost
R$24,000/yr
per year · BRL
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R$24,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · BRL
Scholarships AvailableYes (PIBIC, PIVIC, PIBID, Student Assistance)
Avg Scholarship$850
Financial AidFederal student assistance programs (PNAES) including housing and food subsidies
Work-StudyYes (Bolsas de Monitoria, Extension scholarships)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Extension, Professional Master's programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Dentistry | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$11,500
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with industrial sectors in Pecém and local health networks
Industry Connections
FIEC (Federation of Industries of Ceará)BNB (Bank of Northeast)Pecém Industrial and Port Complex
Notable Alumni
Ciro Gomes, Rachel de Queiroz, Belchior (attended), Patativa do Assaré
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Residência Universitária for low-income students)
Sports Facilities
Multi-sport courts, swimming pools, athletic tracks (Benfica and Pici campuses)
Student Clubs
Academic Directories, Junior Enterprises, Sports Leagues, Cultural Groups
Library Resources
University Library System (BU/UFC) with 15+ specialized libraries
Exchange Programs
Yes (Erasmus+, Santander Universidades, AUGM, Brafitec)
Summer Programs
Yes (Cursos de Férias and extension workshops)