Federal University of Santa Catarina logo

Federal University of Santa Catarina

Florianópolis, BR · Ranking #9

The Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) is a leading public federal university in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, founded in 1960 with a mission to integrate teaching, research and community extension to advance knowledge and societal well‑being. Its main campus in Florianópolis, along with campuses in Araranguá, Blumenau, Curitibanos and Joinville, hosts a vibrant academic community of around 50,000 people including students, faculty and staff. UFSC offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and a broad range of graduate programs, promoting interdisciplinary education across fields such as engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, social sciences and arts. Known for its robust research output, international collaborations and comprehensive academic infrastructure, UFSC is recognized among the top universities in Brazil and Latin America, with active engagement in innovation, sustainability initiatives and global partnerships with institutions worldwide.

Federal University of Santa Catarina logo

Federal University of Santa Catarina

About the university

The Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) is a leading public federal university in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, founded in 1960 with a mission to integrate teaching, research and community extension to advance knowledge and societal well‑being. Its main campus in Florianópolis, along with campuses in Araranguá, Blumenau, Curitibanos and Joinville, hosts a vibrant academic community of around 50,000 people including students, faculty and staff. UFSC offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and a broad range of graduate programs, promoting interdisciplinary education across fields such as engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, social sciences and arts. Known for its robust research output, international collaborations and comprehensive academic infrastructure, UFSC is recognized among the top universities in Brazil and Latin America, with active engagement in innovation, sustainability initiatives and global partnerships with institutions worldwide.

Key information

  • Location: Florianópolis, BR
  • Ranking #9
  • QS #801
  • THE #1001
  • National ranking #9
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Engineering
  • Natural Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Humanities
  • 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: 45,000
  • Undergraduate: 26,500
  • Graduate: 12,400
  • International students: 2%

Campus life

Campus life at UFSC is dynamic and interconnected with Florianópolis’ cultural and coastal environment. Students engage in academic, scientific and social activities across multiple programs and disciplines. The university offers a range of student clubs, cultural events, sports and community outreach initiatives that enrich the experience beyond classrooms. With access to beaches and a subtropical climate, life outside the campus also contributes to a vibrant student lifestyle, while UFSC’s research, innovation and international partnerships foster a collaborative and supportive academic environment.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $250 - $900 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus dormitories
  • private apartments
  • shared housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic clubs
  • cultural societies
  • research groups

Sports

  • Soccer
  • volleyball
  • basketball
  • athletics

Career & internships

Partner companies

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

Internships: UFSC students can participate in internships and practical training with industry partners, public sectors and research organizations, gaining real‑world experience aligned with their academic disciplines. These opportunities support the development of professional competencies and enhance employability, and may be facilitated through departmental programs, university networks and collaborations with external entities.

Admission requirements

Required documents

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

Tuition costs

  • $0 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 14.00%
  • Scholarships available: UFSC provides scholarship and financial support options for undergraduate and graduate students, including need‑based and merit‑based awards, research grants and funding for academic mobility. Additional opportunities may arise through government programs and institutional partnerships, and international students are supported via the university’s international relations office to identify eligible scholarships.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1960
  • Teaching languages: portuguese
  • Study formats: offline

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