Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
About Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
Basic information and contact details for Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) is a private non-profit Catholic university located in Porto Alegre, capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Eastern Brazil.
Established in 1948 by members of the Marist Brothers Catholic community, the university’s mission is to create a better society through education, based on human rights and Christian principles. In 1950, Pope Pius XII, by request of the Marist Brothers and Archbishop Dom Vicente Scherer, granted the title of "Pontifical" to the university. Today it offers about 50 undergraduate degrees, 30 master’s and 20 doctoral courses.
Tecnopuc, the university’s science and technology park, works with about 100 companies including Microsoft, HP and Dell to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in electronics, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, health sciences, energy, and the environment. Each year, several hundred PUCRS technology and business students get to study at this facility.
A wide range of sports take place on campus. The gymnasium offers classes in ballroom dance, bodybuilding, pilates and many other activities. A swimming pool and courts for basketball, handball, football and volleyball are available.
The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul's main campus in Porto Alegre is a spacious complex with green trees and amenities. The Biblioteca Central Irmão José Otão, one of Brazil’s largest and most advanced libraries, can be found here. The campus is also home to the world’s fifth largest Science and Technology Museum.
Porto Alegre’s historic centre lies a short distance from the campus. It is known as one of Brazil’s most liberal cities, and is known for its lively nightlife and music scene.
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Key Student Statistics
A breakdown of student statistics at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
- Student gender ratio
- 52 F : 48 M (1)
- International student percentage
- 1% (1)
- Students per staff
- 23.8 (1)
- Student total
- 13166 (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026
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Subjects Taught at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
See below for a range of subjects taught at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
Arts and Humanities
- Architecture
- Art, Performing Art and Design
- History, Philosophy and Theology
- Languages, Literature and Linguistics
Business and Economics
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Economics and Econometrics
Computer Science
- Computer Science
Education Studies
- Education
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Law
- Law
Life Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Sport Science
Medical and Health
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Other Health
Psychology
- Psychology
Social Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Politics and International Studies
- Sociology