Quick Summary
Public in Santa Maria, Brazil — Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, est. 1960. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28500 students including 1.5% from outside Brazil. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Veterinary Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 12%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of the most prestigious public universities in Southern Brazil with tuition-free education and strong research focus
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryPharmacy & PharmacologyVeterinary Science
Founded1960
TypePublic
Total Students28500
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio14.2
CampusMain campus in Camobi with regional campuses
Campus Size1,900 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitário de Santa Maria (HUSM)
AccreditationMinistério da Educação (MEC), Brazil
02
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, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Technical and Vocational Education
Programs
48
PhD Programs
Distance Learning (EaD) available in various fields including Public Administration and Education
Online Programs
Space Science Center (Southern Regional Center for Space Research - INPE), Center for Rural Sciences, Technology Center
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%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (via SiSU)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · June (via SiSU second semester)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the ENEM exam score, particularly in the weightage areas required for your specific course of choice.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Brazilian Real
Living Cost
R$25,000/yr
per year · BRL
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R$25,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · BRL
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidFederal student assistance programs (PNAES), including housing and food subsidies
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Technical and Vocational Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Agronomy | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Veterinary Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Electrical Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Philosophy | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong internship programs through the Pro-Rectory of Student Affairs and Industry Partnerships
Industry Connections
Strong links with agribusiness firmsspace research agenciesand healthcare sectors
Notable Alumni
Nelson Jobim, Maria do Rosário, Jorge Alberto Pozzobom
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
CEFD - Center of Physical Education and Sports with olympic tracks and swimming pools
Student Clubs
Academic Directories, Junior Enterprises, Athletic Associations, Cultural Groups
Library Resources
SiB-UFSM (Integrated Library System) with over 500,000 volumes
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, AUGM (Association of Universities of the Montevideo Group), and bilateral agreements worldwide
Summer Programs
Inverno Cultural and various technical workshops