Federal University Rio de Janeiro

Overview

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) is one of Brazil’s oldest and most prestigious public universities. Founded in 1920, UFRJ is located in Rio de Janeiro and has earned recognition for excellence in education, research, and cultural contribution. For many international and domestic applicants, UFRJ is especially attractive because it combines large-scale academic programs with active research in areas such as science, engineering, medicine, and the arts.

Beyond its historic campus and strong reputation, UFRJ supports students through research institutes, cultural centers, and community-focused initiatives. If you’re comparing options across Brazil, you may also want to review similar profiles like the University of São Paulo and the University of Brasília.

2. General Information

Name	Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
Established	1920
Type	Public Research University
Location	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Main Campus	Ilha do Fundão (Cidade Universitária)
Student Population	Over 60,000 (undergraduate and postgraduate)
Rector	Prof. Roberto Medronho
Website	https://ufrj.br

3. Fee Structure

As a federal public university, UFRJ generally does not charge tuition fees for many undergraduate and most postgraduate programs. However, applicants should still budget for administrative and student-support-related costs where applicable, as rules can vary by program and applicant category.

Tuition Fees	No tuition fees for undergraduate and most postgraduate programs (as a public university)
Administrative Fees	Minimal student service fees (often around R$50 – R$200 depending on the course)
Estimated Monthly Living Costs	R$1,200 – R$2,500 (including accommodation, transport, food, and books)

4. Academic Programs

UFRJ offers a wide range of programs across multiple academic fields. Below are some of the main faculties and schools that applicants commonly consider when exploring coursework and research pathways.

Faculty of Medicine
Polytechnic School (Engineering)
Institute of Chemistry
Institute of Physics
Faculty of Law
School of Fine Arts
Faculty of Economics
Institute of Biomedical Sciences
School of Communication
National Museum (academic and research unit)

If you want to compare how other public research universities structure their offerings, you can also explore Federal University of Minas Gerais and Federal University Paraná.

5. Facilities

UFRJ provides students with facilities and services that support both academic achievement and personal development. The university’s research culture encourages students to participate in scientific inquiry, technical experimentation, and collaborative learning across disciplines.

Extensive libraries and online research access
High-tech research laboratories
On-campus university hospital (where applicable to medical and related training)
Sports and recreation centers
Performance theaters and music-related academic/community spaces
Student support services, including free psychological and medical assistance

6. UFRJ Accommodation

Accommodation options at UFRJ typically include university-managed residence and private housing near campus. Availability can change by term, so it’s wise to confirm current housing deadlines and eligibility requirements through the university.

University residence (Moradia Estudantil) available for low-income students
Private student housing options in Rio’s north zone, close to campus
Shared apartments commonly used by students around Ilha do Fundão and downtown Rio

Students who are considering other large campuses in Brazil may want to compare housing approaches at State University Campinas and the Federal University Rio Grande do Sul.

7. Contact Information

Address: Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos, 274 – Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 21941-619, Brazil
Phone: +55 21 3938-9400
Website: https://ufrj.br

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