Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Recife, Brazil • Founded 1946 • World Rank #1335
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1946, the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (Federal University of Pernambuco) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Recife (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), PernambuCo. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) is a very large-sized coeducational Brazilian higher education institution.
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. This 77-year-old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UFPE also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Universidade Federal de Pernambuco is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Universidade Federal de Pernambuco — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Degrees
The degrees available at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco are categorised by level. Pathway programmes leading into degree-level entry exist for students with non-standard prior qualifications.
Other 101 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- Anatomy
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Cardiology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Studies
- Community Health
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Dentistry
- Design
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Food Technology
- French
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geology
- Gerontology
- Health Sciences
- Histology
- History
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Law
- Linguistics
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Mining Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Musical Instruments
- Natural Sciences
- Neurology
- Neurosciences
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pathology
- Pedagogy
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Portuguese
- Production Engineering
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Science Education
- Secretarial Studies
- Singing
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Social and Community Services
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Stomatology
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Systems Analysis
- Taxation
- Technology
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Town Planning
- Tropical Medicine
- Urban Studies
- Visual Arts
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministério da Educação, Brazil.
Caruaru (Campus) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Studies
- Design
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Pedagogy
- Physics
- Production Engineering
Centro (Campus) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Victoria (Campus) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Community Health
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Physical Education
Applied Social Sciences (Centre) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- Economics
- Secretarial Studies
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts and Communication (Centre) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Music
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biology (Centre) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biophysics
- Botany
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Genetics
- Histology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Centre) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- Philosophy of Education
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Exact and Natural Sciences (Centre) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Centre) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Health Sciences
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Tropical Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Juridical Sciences (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy and Human Sciences (Centre) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Geography
- History
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Technology and Geosciences (Centre) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
- Systems Analysis
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
All active programmes at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
82 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Brazil
Bachelor's Degree 82 programmes
Showing 10 of 82.
How to apply to Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Application guidance for Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
-
1
Research programmes at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco offers 82 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
-
2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
-
3
Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
-
4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via Universidade Federal de Pernambuco's online portal at www.ufpe.br. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
-
5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +55 (81) 2126 8001. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
The questions below summarise Universidade Federal de Pernambuco's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did Universidade Federal de Pernambuco open?
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco traces its founding to 1946 (approximately 80 years ago).
What city is Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in?
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco operates from Recife, Brazil.
Is Universidade Federal de Pernambuco public or private?
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco operates as a public institution.
How big is Universidade Federal de Pernambuco's student body?
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco serves approximately 30,000-34,999 students.
Where does Universidade Federal de Pernambuco stand in university rankings?
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco is ranked #1335 globally and #17 in Brazil.
Is Universidade Federal de Pernambuco accredited?
Yes, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco is recognised by Ministry of Education.
What is Universidade Federal de Pernambuco's official website?
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco's official website is www.ufpe.br.
Top-Ranked Universities in Brazil
Brazil's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Universidade Federal de Pernambuco's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Members of Associação das Universidades de Língua Portuguesa (AULP)
Universities sharing Associação das Universidades de Língua Portuguesa (AULP) affiliation with Universidade Federal de Pernambuco offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.
Faculties at nearby universities
Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Universidade Federal de Pernambuco's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Beyond Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, several other universities in Brazil deliver focused Education & Teaching programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Compared with Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
Studying in Brazil: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
