Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), also known as Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Portuguese, is a premier public university located in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

In 1895, nestled in the bustling heart of Porto Alegre, a seed of knowledge was sown with the Escola de Farmácia e Química. Soon, another sapling took root: the Engineering College. These early shoots, watered by a thirst for learning, would one day blossom into the magnificent Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). 1934 marked a defining moment. These institutions intertwined, their branches weaving together to form the Universidade de Porto Alegre. Law, Medicine, Dentistry – the spectrum of knowledge broadened, nurturing minds in diverse fields. Yet, this young university faced the turbulent winds of World War II. Adapting with resilience, UFRGS not only endured but contributed to the war effort, its spirit shining even in the darkest hours.

Emerging from the war, the university shed its early name and embraced its destiny as the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in 1947. A critical milestone arrived in 1950 when it attained federal status, solidifying its role as a national leader in education.

UFRGS's growth over the following decades was nothing short of spectacular. Campuses sprouted across Porto Alegre, each pulsating with intellectual energy: Campus Centro, the administrative heart; Campus Saúde, where life and health intertwined; Campus Olímpico, where bodies moved in grace and precision; and Campus do Vale, where science and technology unveiled their secrets.

But UFRGS's reach surpassed bricks and mortar. The academic tapestry expanded, embracing Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and more. Its laboratories thrummed with discovery, its classrooms echoed with passionate debate. National and international acclaim followed, recognizing UFRGS as a research powerhouse driving progress across diverse fields.

Today, UFRGS stands as a monument to the power of knowledge. Its legacy transcends classrooms, shaping the cultural and social landscape of Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil. From nurturing future leaders to pioneering groundbreaking research, UFRGS's story continues to unfold, each chapter etched with the enduring spirit of intellectual pursuit.

Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is ranked as the #8 top university in Brazil during 2025. The rank decreased by 1 point from last year.