Universities in Brazil

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 203 Universities in Brazil

The Federative Republic of Brazil is divided into 26 states (Portuguese: estados) and one federal district (Portuguese: distrito federal). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Rio Grande do Sul. São Paulo is the country's economic powerhouse, while Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its cultural significance and tourism. Minas Gerais is known for its rich history and mining industry and Rio Grande do Sul has a strong agricultural base and a vibrant cultural identity. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all states that include at least one Brazilian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Acre (1)  
Alagoas (3)  
Amapa (2)  
Amazonas (3)  
Bahia (10)  
Ceara (7)  
Distrito Federal (2)  
Espirito Santo (2)  
Goias (7)  
Maranhao (3)  
Maranhão (1)  
Mato Grosso (4)  
Mato Grosso do Sul (5)  
Minas Gerais (20)  
Para (6)  
Paraiba (3)  
Parana (16)  
Pernambuco (6)  
Piaui (3)  
Rio de Janeiro (17)  
Rio Grande do Norte (4)  
Rio Grande do Sul (21)  
Rondonia (1)  
Roraima (2)  
Santa Catarina (13)  
Sao Paulo (36)  
Sergipe (2)  
Tocantins (3)  

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The Higher Education System in Brazil

The Brazilian higher education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education (Ministério da Educação, MEC) and includes a mix of public and private institutions. These institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a range of specializations available. The system is divided into two main levels: Graduação (undergraduate) and Pós-graduação (graduate), with institutions adhering to various academic and accreditation standards.

Types of higher education institutions in Brazil

In Brazil, there are several types of higher education institutions:

1. Universidade: universidades are the most comprehensive institutions offering multidisciplinary programs and the ability to grant a wide range of degrees.
2. Faculdade: faculdades specialize in specific fields and offer mainly undergraduate programs.
3. Centro universitário: centros universitários provide undergraduate degrees and some postgraduate programs.
4. Instituto/Escola superiores: these institutions focus on specific fields and offer advanced professional training.
5. Centros Federais de Educação Tecnológica: these are public institutions focused on technical and vocational education.

Access to higher education in Brazil

Students in Brazil generally complete 12 years of basic education before they are eligible to apply for higher education. Admission is commonly based on performance in the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM), a national exam, although other entrance exams may also be used by institutions. A diploma from secondary education is required for university access.

Languages of instruction in Brazil

The primary language of instruction in Brazilian higher education institutions is Portuguese.

Stages of higher education in Brazil

1. First stage: the first stage of university-level education in Brazil is the Graduação, which lasts from 4 to 6 years, depending on the program, and leads to the award of a Bachelor's degree or a professional degree.
2. Second stage: the second stage of education is Pós-graduação, which includes master's degrees (Mestrado) typically lasting 1.5 to 2 years and doctoral degrees (Doutorado) lasting up to 4 years.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Brazilian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Brazil
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Brazilian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Brazil
  Search for Brazilian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Brazilian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Brazilian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Brazil
  Discover Brazilian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Brazil
  Find out about Brazilian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Brazil
  Explore Brazilian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Brazil
  Look for Brazilian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Brazilian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Brazil have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Brazilian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Brazil that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Brazilian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Brazil are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Brazilian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Brazil with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.