Rio de Janeiro State University logo

Rio de Janeiro State University

Rio de Janeiro, BR · Ranking #18

The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) is a major public research university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, established in 1950 and recognized as one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the country and Latin America. It operates multiple campuses across the state, including its main campus in the Maracanã neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, and offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, law, and health sciences. UERJ is known for strong academic research, extension programs, and cultural activities, and its faculties of Law and Medicine are particularly distinguished. The institution emphasizes inclusive education, academic excellence, community engagement, and contributes significantly to scientific production and societal development in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro State University logo

Rio de Janeiro State University

About the university

The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) is a major public research university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, established in 1950 and recognized as one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the country and Latin America. It operates multiple campuses across the state, including its main campus in the Maracanã neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, and offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, law, and health sciences. UERJ is known for strong academic research, extension programs, and cultural activities, and its faculties of Law and Medicine are particularly distinguished. The institution emphasizes inclusive education, academic excellence, community engagement, and contributes significantly to scientific production and societal development in Brazil.

Key information

  • Location: Rio de Janeiro, BR
  • Ranking #18
  • QS #1201
  • THE #1501
  • US News #801
  • National ranking #11

Popular faculties

  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Social Sciences
  • Natural Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Arts

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 43,000
  • Undergraduate: 34,000
  • Graduate: 9,000
  • International students: 1%

Campus life

Campus life at UERJ is vibrant and diverse with a strong emphasis on academic engagement, cultural activities, research, and community outreach. Students participate in numerous student organizations, academic societies, cultural programs, extension projects, and sports. The main Maracanã campus and satellite locations across the state offer a dynamic environment with access to libraries, laboratories, clinics, and facilities that support both formal education and extracurricular involvement.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $240 - $860 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus housing
  • Shared apartments
  • Private rentals

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic societies
  • Cultural clubs
  • Volunteer orgs
  • Sports clubs
  • Arts groups

Sports

  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Athletics

Career & internships

Partner companies

  • Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto
  • Local Hospitals
  • Public Sector Organizations
  • Brazilian Corporations

Internships: UERJ collaborates with institutions, public bodies and private organizations to provide internship and practical training opportunities linked to academic programs. Students can gain professional experience through partnerships with companies, hospitals (such as Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto), clinics, NGOs, governmental or research institutions, often integrating practical learning with academic coursework.

Tuition costs

  • $0 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 20.00%
  • Scholarships available: As a public university in Brazil, UERJ provides access to a range of financial support mechanisms including government‑funded scholarships and grants, research funding, student aid programs, and opportunities through national programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups and research development. International students may access bilateral exchange scholarships and institutional support where available; specifics vary by department and program.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1950
  • Teaching languages: english, portuguese
  • Study formats: offline

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