Quick Summary
Since 1920, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) has been one of Brazil's prominent publics, based in Rio de Janeiro. Ranked #304 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 67350 students including 1.2% from outside Brazil. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Anthropology, Nursing, it maintains an acceptance rate of 8.5%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UFRJ is the largest federal university in Brazil and a primary engine for research in Latin America, offering free, high-quality education in a vibrant cultural hub.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringAnthropologyNursingArchitectureMarine ScienceArchaeologyDevelopment Studies
Founded1920
TypePublic
Total Students67350
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio15.4
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size5.2 million square meters
Affiliated Hospitals9 (including Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho)
AccreditationMinistry of Education (MEC), Brazil
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#304
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601–800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
176 undergraduate programs, 232 postgraduate programs
Programs
102
PhD Programs
Available via CEDERJ and UFRJ distance learning platform
Online Programs
COPPE, IM (Institute of Mathematics), IF (Institute of Physics), CCS (Health Sciences Center), Technological Park UFRJ
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 Rate8.5%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (First Semester SISU)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · June (Second Semester SISU)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is based entirely on the ENEM (National High School Exam) score processed through SISU. High scores are required for Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Brazilian Real
Living Cost
R$35,000/yr
per year · BRL
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R$35,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · BRL
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidPNAES (National Program for Student Assistance), Bolsa Permanência
Work-StudyYes (Monitorias, Scientific Initiation, Outreach Grants)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 176 undergraduate programs, 232 postgraduate programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Petroleum Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Architecture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Social Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
Not Available
Average Salary After Graduation
Not Available
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Petrobras, Vale, and the Technological Park
Industry Connections
Highly linked with the energyoiland gas sectors through COPPE
Notable Alumni
Oscar Niemeyer, Jorge Amado, Clarice Lispector, Nelson Rodrigues, Oswaldo Cruz
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Limited student residences on Ilha do Fundão)
Sports Facilities
EEFD (School of Physical Education and Sports) complex, Olympic-sized pools, and athletic tracks
Student Clubs
Academic Directories (DAs), Athletics Associations, Junior Enterprises
Library Resources
SiBI (System of Libraries and Information) with over 45 decentralized libraries
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Santander Universities, BRAFITEC, and bilateral agreements with 200+ universities
Summer Programs
Not Available