Quick Summary
Private, catholic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), est. 1940. Ranked #661 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 18500 students including 3.5% from outside Brazil. Known for strengths in Engineering (Mineral and Mining), Economics, Social Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 28%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Consistently ranked as the top private university in Brazil with a campus integrated into the Atlantic Forest.
Subject Strengths
Engineering (Mineral and Mining)EconomicsSocial SciencesArts and HumanitiesLaw
Founded1940
TypePrivate, Catholic
Total Students18500
Intl Students3.5%
Faculty Ratio12
CampusUrban/Park-like
Campus Size100 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMEC (Ministry of Education, Brazil)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#661
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601–800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#801
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Master's,PhD,Specializations,Professional Education
Programs
Business Administration,Chemistry,Computer Science,Economics,Engineering,History,Law,Physics
PhD Programs
Distance Learning Specializations,Continuing Education Modules
Online Programs
IEPUC,BRICS Policy Center,Instituto Tecgraf,LNCC Partnership
Research Centers
High
Research Output
MEC (Ministry of Education, Brazil)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate28%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 20
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission for local students is based on the Vestibular exam or ENEM scores. International students should apply through the CCCI portal and demonstrate Portuguese proficiency or enroll in language modules.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Brazilian Real
UG Tuition
R$46,000/yr
per year · BRL
Living Cost
R$34,000/yr
per year · BRL
PG Tuition
R$49,000/yr
per year · BRL
Application Fee
$45
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R$80,240/yr
tuition + living + essentials · BRL
Scholarships AvailableProUni,Fies,PUC-Rio Merit Scholarships,Social Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Master's,PhD,Specializations,Professional Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Informatics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| International Relations | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$16,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with global companies in Rio's financial and energy districts.
Industry Connections
PetrobrasValeGoogleBTG PactualItaú
Notable Alumni
Pedro Malan,Arminio Fraga,Rodrigo Santoro,Marieta Severo
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Multisport courts, gymnasium, and outdoor recreation areas.
Student Clubs
Academic Directories (DAs), Athletics Associations, Junior Enterprise (Empresa Júnior).
Library Resources
Central Library (BCE) with extensive digital archives and specialized sectorial collections.
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with over 250 universities globally including Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Sciences Po.
Summer Programs
International Summer/Winter Schools in Brazilian Culture and Portuguese as a Second Language.