Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

Overview

The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) is one of the top universities in Brazil and is known for being a selective institution. It utilizes two exams to determine the students to be admitted and those who qualify for scholarships. As such, the private institution is known to post high scores in the National Student Performance Exam conducted by Brazil’s Ministry of Education.

PUC-Rio is organized into four academic centers—Science and Technology, Theology, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences—and 25 departments. It offers 36 undergraduate and 26 postgraduate programs as well as distance learning programs, double degree courses, and English-taught courses. Some of the university’s highly regarded courses are Art and Design, Politics, Modern Languages, Computer Science, Humanities, Mechanical Engineering, and Economics.

Incoming international students can also avail of PUC-Rio’s customized programs, which are tailored based on demand, with the classes and seminars conducted in English. These programs can include field trips and social and cultural activities so foreign learners can get acquainted with Rio de Janeiro’s special features. The most common customized courses are centered on Politics, Sociology, Portuguese Language and Culture, Engineering, Business, and Environmental Studies.

PUC-Rio’s campus is situated near a forest area and a beach. It features 13 labs, seven libraries, three auditoriums, and a large expanse of greenery where monkeys and squirrels reside. The university also has three restaurants, four coffee shops, five ATM machines, a church, and a sports gymnasium. Additionally, a bus stop and a taxi stop are found near the school premises while parking spaces are provided for those who travel by car.

Established in 1940, PUC-Rio was predicated on the need for the development of academic, scientific, theological, and philosophical knowledge in Brazil. The institution acquired university status in 1946 and was conferred the “Pontifical” title shortly after. It added its first master’s courses in 1963, then awarded the first Master of Science degree in a Brazilian university in 1965.

PUC-Rio, as of 2020, has opened its doors to more than 12,500 undergraduates, 2,500 postgraduate students, and 600 faculty members. The university’s research initiative, which is focused on science and technology, is associated with the creation of the Lua programming language. It has also made significant research contributions to energy, technology engineering, and petroleum engineering as well as partnering up with local organizations from various sectors.

PUC-Rio’s notable alumni include Rodrigo Constantino (columnist), Marielle Franco (politician), Marcelo Gleiser (physicist), Rodrigo Santoro (actor), Gustavo Franco (economist), and Walter Salles (filmmaker).

As a Catholic university, PUC-Rio has undertaken the task of developing its learners academically and professionally, anchored by Christian ethical values. The school is also committed to social action as it has deployed programs to help marginalized communities in Rio de Janeiro.