![](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/themes/custom/the_responsive/img/ui/placeholder-university.jpg)
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
About Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, sometimes known as the "University of Brazil" and commonly abbreviated to UFRJ, is one of the largest and best known universities in Brazil. Founded by the Brazilian State in 1792, the university has gone on to have an enormous influence on public life in Rio, being responsible for laboratories, libraries and hospitals.
The University operates across a number of campuses and facilities throughout Rio de Janeiro, but is primarily focused on Ilha do Fundão, an artificial island off the western shore of Rio’s famous Guanabara Bay. This campus, known as College City, offers a huge range of services and activities for students including a free shuttle bus services for crossing Rio de Janeiro, various restaurants and cafes, a sports centre, as well as accommodation for students.
UFRJ can also lay claim to a number of high-quality academic facilities, such as the largest ocean tank in the world, as well as a domestically operated maglev train system.
As one might expect for a higher education institution of this size and reach, UFRJ offers a huge range and variety of undergraduate courses (more than 170), as well and numerous avenues for postgraduate and research students. UFRJ also distinguishes itself with a significant level of international co-operation, with extensive opportunities for foreign students to come and study in Rio.
The university can also boast of having produced a succession of successful alumni, including writer Jorge Amado, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Osvaldo Aranha, and physician Oswaldo Cruz.
Explore these featured universities
Explore rankings data for Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Compare universities on their key stats
Key statistics
- 1%Percentage of International Students(1)
- 13.5No. of students per staff(1)
- 55 : 45Student Ratio of Females to Males(1)
- 52,534Number of FTE Students(1)
Subjects taught at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Computer science
- Computer Science
Arts & humanities
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Architecture
- Languages, Literature & Linguistics
- Art, Performing Arts & Design
- Archaeology
Social sciences
- Geography
- Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
- Communication & Media Studies
- Sociology
Physical sciences
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Chemistry
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
- Physics & Astronomy
Engineering & technology
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
Life sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Sport Science
Business & economics
- Economics & Econometrics
- Business & Management
- Accounting & Finance
Psychology
- Psychology
Clinical, pre-clinical & health
- Medicine & Dentistry
- Other Health
Education
- Education
Law
- Law