Skip to main content
Apply Library A-Z Find a person Maps
Brightspace Email
University
of Victoria
Apply Library A-Z Find a person Maps
Sign in Online tools Sign out
International programs & student supports

PUC Rio

Location: Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Website: info for exchange students
Language of Instruction: Portuguese and English

  • There are a number of  courses available in English, see more information on PUC Rio Study In English page
  • There are no Portuguese language requirements prior to exchange, but students have the option to arrive a month in advance to attend the Portuguese intensive language course for an added fee.
Terms: August - December (Fall)  and February - July (Spring)

Highlights

  • PUC-RIO is located near the forest and the beach. Its campus is a pleasant green area with a stream running through it; small monkeys and squirrels can be seen jumping up in the trees.
  •  The perfect place for those who want to  immerse themselves into the South American reality: plays, shows, concerts,  exhibitions, street performances, scientific conferences, cultural debates. .
  • Best Private University in Brazil: According to the General Index of Courses (IGC) in 2011 and the Student's Guide in 2015.
  • Top Overall University (2012): Ranked 13th overall in the University Ranking from the Folha de São Paulo index.
  • Leader in Specific Fields (2013): Ranked first among private universities in Social Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, and Production (Student Guide).
  • International Recognition (2012): Named best private higher education institution in Brazil by the British Quacquarelli Symonds ranking.
  • National Heritage of Tingua Private Reserve - Atlantic Forest
  • See the PUC-RIO Campus Tour video

Accessibility

 PUC-Rio has a number of groups dedicated to supporting students with accessibility needs, for detailed info visit the PUC-Rio website.

Area of study

  • The courses taught in English have a content based on Brazilian and Latin American aspects, such as: Culture
  • Business
  • Design
  • Civilization and History
  • Engineering
  • Psychology
  • International Relations

Along with courses in English, international students must attend Portuguese as a Second Language. See the course catalogue for a full selection of available courses.

Exchange credit history

See the exchange credit history listing of courses that have been previously evaluated from PUC-Rio. Note that this is a guide only, and not a guarantee that your courses would be evaluated in the same way.

Housing

SDGs-in-Action

Add a United Nations CIFAL qualification to your international experience (and your CV!) by taking the SDGs-In-Action challenge.  Below are resources and some of the many ways to get involved at PUC Rio.

PUC Rio has curated volunteer opportunities for exchange students. 

  • Consider enrolling in the project-based course SER 1188 2MA – Community Development, run by the Department of Social Services. 
  • Volunteer with The Network for Social Entrepreneurship (RESPUC), an initiative that brings together students, their projects and community members. 
  • Keep an eye out for the community projects taking place at the Department of Social Work at Rio PUC. 
SDGs-in-Action - Lean more!

How to apply

Learn how to apply or sign up to receive emails about studying on exchange at a partner university. We will send you information about events, application deadlines, funding opportunities, and more!