Federal University of Ceará logo

Federal University of Ceará

Fortaleza, BR · Ranking #12

The Federal University of Ceará (UFC) is a major federal public research and higher education institution based in Fortaleza, Brazil, founded by law in 1954 and operational since June 25, 1955. UFC has several campuses across the state of Ceará, including three in Fortaleza (Benfica, Pici and Porangabussu) and others in cities such as Sobral, Russas, Quixadá, Crateús and Itapajé, serving a broad academic community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields including engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, arts and technology. UFC is recognized as a leading center for research and education in the North‑Northeast of Brazil, with a strong commitment to scientific production, community extension, international collaboration and socio‑economic development. The institution emphasizes interdisciplinary activities, innovation and cultural engagement, fostering opportunities for students through academic societies, research projects and partnerships both locally and internationally.

Federal University of Ceará logo

Federal University of Ceará

About the university

The Federal University of Ceará (UFC) is a major federal public research and higher education institution based in Fortaleza, Brazil, founded by law in 1954 and operational since June 25, 1955. UFC has several campuses across the state of Ceará, including three in Fortaleza (Benfica, Pici and Porangabussu) and others in cities such as Sobral, Russas, Quixadá, Crateús and Itapajé, serving a broad academic community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields including engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, arts and technology. UFC is recognized as a leading center for research and education in the North‑Northeast of Brazil, with a strong commitment to scientific production, community extension, international collaboration and socio‑economic development. The institution emphasizes interdisciplinary activities, innovation and cultural engagement, fostering opportunities for students through academic societies, research projects and partnerships both locally and internationally.

Key information

  • Location: Fortaleza, BR
  • Ranking #12
  • QS #1201
  • THE #1501
  • National ranking #14
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts
  • Computer Science

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: 40,000
  • Undergraduate: 33,500
  • Graduate: 6,800
  • International students: 1%

Campus life

Campus life at UFC combines academic engagement with rich cultural, social, and extracurricular activities. Students participate in research groups, academic clubs, community outreach and cultural events across multiple campus sites, particularly in Fortaleza’s Benfica, Pici and Porangabussu locations. The institution’s facilities, including libraries, laboratories and sports complexes, support a dynamic student experience, while the city’s coastal setting and vibrant urban culture provide additional opportunities for leisure, social interactions and professional growth.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $250 - $900 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus dormitories
  • private apartments
  • shared housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic societies
  • cultural clubs
  • research groups

Sports

  • Soccer
  • volleyball
  • basketball
  • athletics

Career & internships

Partner companies

  • Tech companies
  • healthcare providers
  • research organisations
  • public institutions

Internships: UFC facilitates internships and practical training placements with industry partners, research institutions, hospitals and public organisations that help students gain real‑world professional experience aligned with academic disciplines. Internship programs support competency development and employability through departmental networks, collaborative agreements and career services, allowing students to apply classroom learning to practical scenarios and build professional networks beneficial for future careers.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • High school diploma
  • national entrance exam results (ENEM)
  • identification
  • Portuguese proficiency

Tuition costs

  • $0 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 10.00%
  • Scholarships available: UFC offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options for undergraduate and graduate students, including merit‑based and need‑based awards, research grants and support for academic mobility and exchange. International students may access guidance through the university’s international relations office to explore suitable opportunities, with eligibility criteria and award amounts varying by program and funding source.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1954
  • Teaching languages: portuguese
  • Study formats: offline

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