Federal University of São Carlos logo

Federal University of São Carlos

São Carlos, BR · Ranking #16

The Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) is a prominent public federal research university in São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil, established by law in 1968 and commencing academic activities in 1970. It was the first federal university founded in the rural interior of São Paulo state and has grown into one of Brazil’s well‑recognized institutions for higher education, research and technological innovation. UFSCar operates four campuses — São Carlos (main campus), Araras, Sorocaba and Lagoa do Sino — offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines including engineering, exact sciences, biological and health sciences, humanities and social sciences. The university’s faculty is highly qualified, with most holding doctoral or master’s degrees, and it is engaged in extensive research, extension and outreach activities. UFSCar has been ranked among Brazil’s top universities and was featured in Latin American rankings, reflecting its strong academic reputation and contribution to scientific advancement.

Federal University of São Carlos logo

Federal University of São Carlos

About the university

The Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) is a prominent public federal research university in São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil, established by law in 1968 and commencing academic activities in 1970. It was the first federal university founded in the rural interior of São Paulo state and has grown into one of Brazil’s well‑recognized institutions for higher education, research and technological innovation. UFSCar operates four campuses — São Carlos (main campus), Araras, Sorocaba and Lagoa do Sino — offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines including engineering, exact sciences, biological and health sciences, humanities and social sciences. The university’s faculty is highly qualified, with most holding doctoral or master’s degrees, and it is engaged in extensive research, extension and outreach activities. UFSCar has been ranked among Brazil’s top universities and was featured in Latin American rankings, reflecting its strong academic reputation and contribution to scientific advancement.

Key information

  • Location: São Carlos, BR
  • Ranking #16
  • QS #701
  • THE #1201
  • National ranking #18
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Biological Sciences
  • Exact Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Social Sciences

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: 24,800
  • Undergraduate: 12,300
  • Graduate: 3,500
  • International students: 2%

Campus life

Campus life at UFSCar is a blend of rigorous academics, research collaboration, and vibrant social activities. Students engage in clubs, technical projects and cultural events across multiple campuses, including São Carlos, Araras, Sorocaba and Lagoa do Sino, benefiting from sports facilities, libraries and laboratories. The academic community is actively involved in innovation, extension programs that connect university knowledge with society, and interdisciplinary endeavors that support personal and professional growth. São Carlos itself, known as a technology hub, enhances the student experience with a dynamic environment of industry partnerships and cultural diversity.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $140 - $620 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus dormitories
  • shared housing
  • private apartments

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic clubs
  • technical societies
  • cultural groups
  • research organizations

Sports

  • Soccer
  • volleyball
  • basketball
  • athletics

Career & internships

Partner companies

  • Tech firms
  • research organizations
  • public agencies

Internships: UFSCar students have access to internships and practical experiences with industry partners, research institutes and public organizations, supporting professional development across fields such as engineering, sciences and management. Internship programs often develop through university networks, collaborative agreements and community outreach, allowing students to apply academic learning to real‑world contexts, build professional skills and enhance employability.

Admission requirements

Required documents

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

Tuition costs

  • $0 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 9.00%
  • Scholarships available: UFSCar offers scholarship and financial support programs for undergraduate and graduate students, including need‑based and merit‑based awards, research grants and support for mobility and academic exchange. Such programs aim to assist students in covering living costs, research participation and international opportunities, with eligibility criteria and funding details varying by source and level of study.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1968
  • Teaching languages: portuguese
  • Study formats: offline

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