Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil • Founded 1934 • World Rank #457
Overview
Established in 1934, the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Porto Alegre (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Sul.
This institution also has a branch campus in Tramandaí. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) is a very large-sized coeducational Brazilian higher education institution.
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) 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 89-year-old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UFRGS 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
Where to find Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.
Unit 13 items
- Faculty of Agronomy
- Faculty of Architecture
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Library Science and Communication
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- School of Administration
- School of Engineering
- School of Nursing
- School of Physical Education
Degrees
Also teaching qualifications
Other 73 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Dentistry
- Design
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Geography
- Geology
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- History
- Journalism
- Law
- Library Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Medicine
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Neurosciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Painting and Drawing
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Physiology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Regional Planning
- Regional Studies
- Religious Music
- Rural Studies
- Sanitary Engineering
- Sculpture
- Social Sciences
- Social and Community Services
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Theatre
- Urban Studies
- Veterinary Science
- Visual Arts
- Water Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministério da Educação, Brazil.
Agronomy (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Soil Science
- Zoology
Architecture (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Design
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Economics
- International Relations and Diplomacy
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Library Science and Communication (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Advertising and Publicity
- Journalism
- Library Science
- Museum Studies
- Public Relations
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 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.
Pharmacy (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Veterinary Science (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Veterinarian
- Animal Health Specialist
- Wildlife Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Basic Health Sciences (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Bioscience (Institute) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Food Science and Technology (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Food Science
- Food Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
GeoSciences (Institute) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
- Geography
- Geology
- Mineralogy
- Paleontology
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Hydrology Research (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Water Science
Informatics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Sciences
Letters (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
Mathematics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy and Humanities (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- History
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Administration (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Health Administration
- Public Administration
Engineering (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Physical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Education (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dance
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
Bachelor's Degree
9 programmes
Browse 9 programmes at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Biblioteconomia Library Science Online
Ciências Biológicas Education & Teaching Online
Ciências Da Natureza Para Os Anos Finais Do Ensino Fundamental Education & Teaching Online
Ciências Sociais Education & Teaching Online
Computação E Robótica Educativa Education & Teaching Online
Desenvolvimento Rural Business Administration Online
Geografia Education & Teaching Online
Letras - Inglês Education & Teaching Online
Pedagogia Education & Teaching Online
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
A short guide to applying to Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul offers 9 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Each programme at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul 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 Prepare your application 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 Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul's online portal at www.ufrgs.br. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +55 (51) 3308 3142. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
The questions below summarise Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
How old is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul?
The institution opened in 1934 (approximately 92 years ago).
In which city is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul is based in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul has approximately 35,000-39,999 students.
Where does Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul stand in university rankings?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul is ranked #457 globally and #6 in Brazil.
What is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul's academic structure?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul has 13 academic units.
Is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul accredited?
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul is accredited by Ministry of Education.
What is Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul's official website?
The institution's website is www.ufrgs.br.
Top-Ranked Universities in Brazil
Top universities in Brazil typically offer the most generous institutional scholarships. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul's scholarship range relative to these benchmarks reflects funding capacity.
Members of Conselho de Reitores das Universidades Brasileiras (CRUB)
Joint research grants among Conselho de Reitores das Universidades Brasileiras (CRUB) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Students considering Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Accreditation portability differs for Education & Teaching programmes across Brazil. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Often Compared with Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.