Overview of Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)
The Federal University of São Carlos (Universidade Federal de São Carlos, UFSCar), founded in 1968, is a prominent public research university located in São Carlos, São Paulo State, Brazil. As the first federal university established in the interior of São Paulo, it has expanded to comprise four campuses across the municipalities of São Carlos, Araras, Sorocaba, and Lagoa do Sino. UFSCar enrolls approximately 15,000 undergraduate and 5,000 postgraduate students, supported by over 1,000 academic staff members and organized into eight academic centers. This scale and its federal, research-intensive mandate highlight UFSCar’s relevance and impact in Brazilian higher education.
UFSCar is nationally and internationally recognized for its excellence in engineering (notably materials, production, environmental, and chemical engineering), life sciences, computer science, and the humanities. Its educational model promotes interdisciplinarity and practical, problem-based learning. UFSCar consistently ranks among the top federal universities in Brazil, according to QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. The institution boasts diverse research centers and technology parks, and maintains academic partnerships with institutions worldwide for joint degrees, mobility, and collaborative projects. Its faculty and students regularly earn national prizes and international recognition for innovation and scientific output.
Campus life at UFSCar is vibrant and inclusive, offering students diverse clubs, academic societies, and cultural organizations. The university actively supports artistic activities, theater, music festivals, and sports initiatives, fostering a well-rounded environment. Dedicated support services address student well-being, academic guidance, and accessibility. On-campus housing is available, with particular attention to social inclusion and diversity. UFSCar’s community is distinguished by a robust commitment to equity, internationalization—hosting over 150 exchange agreements—and the promotion of cultural plurality, making the university a dynamic meeting point for ideas and collaboration.
UFSCar’s mission is to advance knowledge for the benefit of society, guided by the values of excellence, social responsibility, sustainability, and inclusion. It seeks to cultivate leaders, foster innovation, and contribute to equitable and sustainable development in Brazil and beyond.
