Quick Summary
Universidade de Brasília (UnB), in Brasília, Brazil, is a public federal that has shaped higher education since 1962. Ranked #851-900 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 48500 students including 2.1% from outside Brazil. Known for strengths in Anthropology, Agriculture & Forestry, Political Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 12.5%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the premier research institution in the nation's capital, offering tuition-free education and unparalleled access to the political and diplomatic heart of Brazil.
Subject Strengths
AnthropologyAgriculture & ForestryPolitical ScienceSociologyArchitectureLaw
Founded1962
TypePublic Federal
Total Students48500
Intl Students2.1%
Faculty Ratio16.5
CampusUrban/Multi-campus
Campus Size450 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitário de Brasília (HUB),Hospital Veterinário (HVet)
AccreditationMinistério da Educação (MEC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#851-900
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801–1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#701-800
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Master's,Doctorate,Specialization,Extension
Programs
105
PhD Programs
8
Online Programs
160
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministério da Educação (MEC)
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 · Varies by SiSU cycle (usually January)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · Varies by Vestibular cycle (usually June)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on the PAS (Programa de Avaliação Seriada) if starting high school in Brazil; otherwise, maximize ENEM scores for SiSU or prepare specifically for the Cebraspe-style Vestibular exams.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Brazilian Real
Living Cost
R$28,000/yr
per year · BRL
Application Fee
$40
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R$28,200/yr
tuition + living + essentials · BRL
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,100
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Master's,Doctorate,Specialization,Extension programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Political Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$16,500
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement within Federal Government agencies and local technology parks.
Industry Connections
Brazilian Federal GovernmentEMBRAPAFinepSebraeBiotic Technology Park
Notable Alumni
Oscar Niemeyer,Darcy Ribeiro,Joaquim Barbosa,Cristovam Buarque,Zélia Duncan
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic Center (CO),Multi-sport courts,Athletics tracks,Swimming pools
Student Clubs
65
Library Resources
Biblioteca Central (BCE),One of the largest digital repositories in South America
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+,AUGM,Santander Universities,Bilateral agreements with 250+ institutions
Summer Programs
Available