Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Natal, Brazil • Founded 1958 • QS 2026 #1401-1501
Updated May 2026 · Source: ufrn.br · How we collect data
Overview
Founded in 1958, the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Natal (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Norte.
This institution also has branch campuses in Macaíba, Currais Novos, Santa Cruz and Caicó. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) is a very large-sized coeducational Brazilian higher education institution.
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 65-year-old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Brazilian higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UFRN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.
Academic Details
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte's key academic numbers — student body size, staffing, and accreditation context.
Academic Structures
The academic units of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte are listed below.
Unit 12 items
- Applied Social Sciences Center
- Biosciences Center
- Education Center
- Exact and Earth Sciences Center
- Health Sciences Center
- Health Sciences College of Trairi
- Humanities, Letters and Arts Center
- Jundiaí Agriculture School
- School of Music
- School of Sciences and Technology
- Seridó Higher Education Center
- Technology Center
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministério da Educação, Brazil.
Applied Social Sciences (Centre) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Economics
- Law
- Library Science
- Pedagogy
- Social Work
- Tourism
Bioscience (Centre) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Cell Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Parasitology
- Physiology
- Zoology
Earth and Exact Sciences (Centre) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Geology
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
Health Sciences (Centre) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
Higher Education (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Higher Education
Human Sciences, Letters and Arts (Centre) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- History
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Natural Sciences (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aquaculture
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedicine
Technology (Centre) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Technology
- Textile Technology
- Town Planning
- Zoology
Programs Offered
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping.
82 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Brazil
Bachelor's Degree 79 programmes
Showing 10 of 79.
Associate's Degree 3 programmes
How to apply to Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
A short guide to applying to Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte — five steps.
-
1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte offers 82 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
-
2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte 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
Assemble your application package
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
Submit your application
Apply directly via Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte's online portal at ufrn.br. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
-
5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +55 (84) 3215 3119. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Quick answers to common questions about Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte.
How old is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte?
The institution opened in 1958 (approximately 68 years ago).
Where is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte located?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte is located in Natal, Brazil.
Is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte public or private?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte?
Student enrolment at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte is around 40,000-44,999.
What is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte's ranking?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte holds rank QS 2026 #1401-1501.
How many faculties does Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte have?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte is organised into 12 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte officially recognised?
Yes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte is recognised by Ministry of Education.
What is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte's official website?
The institution's website is ufrn.br.
Top-Ranked Universities in Brazil
Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.
Members of Conselho de Reitores das Universidades Brasileiras (CRUB)
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte and the universities below are both members of Conselho de Reitores das Universidades Brasileiras (CRUB).
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities located near Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte are listed below.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Below: other Brazil universities that offer Education & Teaching programmes.
Universities Compared with Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
These universities are of a comparable scale to Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte.
Studying in Brazil: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.