1. HOW TO ENTER BRAZIL?
For a foreigner to be admitted in Brazil with the purpose of studying, it is necessary to meet a series of requirements and procedures. Below, we outline the legal requirements:
- a) Obtain a Student Visa:
The student visa, known as VITEM IV, is intended for foreigners who wish to study in Brazil for more than 90 days. One of the first steps is to gain acceptance from a Brazilian educational institution. The foreigner must be accepted by an institution recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). The institution will issue a letter of acceptance, which is one of the documents required for the visa. Find out about the visa application process at the Brazilian Consulate in your country. Also, inquire about mandatory vaccinations. Then, follow the instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the link: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-pedro-juan-caballero/servicos-consulares/vitem-iv-estudante
- b) When the student arrives in Brazil:
Upon arrival in Brazil, the foreigner will need to obtain a Cadastro de Pessoa Física (CPF) and a Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros (RNE), as well as regularize their stay in the country with the Federal Police. This regularization must be done within 90 days of arrival in Brazil, and UFRGS Relinter will provide guidance (incluir o link). CPF can be issued at the consulate when the student applies for the visa. It is important to be financially prepared to pay fees related to bureaucratic procedures before departure. In addition to a passport—essential for international travel—we recommend that the student bring a document containing the names of both parents (father and mother, mandatory) as parentage is used as a criterion to differentiate between two people with the same name. Thus, when the student needs to perform any legal procedure (such as issuing a bus card), they will need to attach a copy of this document. A driver’s license, civil or military ID card, birth certificate, among other documents containing the parents’ names, are accepted (even if the original language is not Portuguese). The student can also use a copy of the visa form received at the Brazilian consulate.
2. WHAT IS PORTO ALEGRE LIKE?
Porto Alegre, the vibrant and welcoming capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is in the very south of Brazil. Known for its rich history, warm hospitality, and diverse culture, specially formed by Portuguese, German and Italian, as well as African and native people, among others, Porto Alegre is the perfect place for your academic journey at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).
A City of Culture and Tradition
Porto Alegre is a city that enchants with its unique blend of European and Brazilian influences. Here, you will find charming neighborhoods with historic architecture, such as Historic Center, Moinhos de Vento and Cidade Baixa, as well as a vibrant cultural scene with theaters, museums, and art galleries. The Mercado Público, one of the city’s main landmarks, is a meeting point where gastronomic and cultural traditions come together.
Nature and Quality of Life
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with plentiful of green spaces like Parque Farroupilha (a.k.a. Redenção), where you can relax, have picnics, and interact with the local community. The sunset at Guaíba Orla is an unmissable experience, a natural spectacle that inspires residents and visitors alike.
Excellence in Education at UFRGS
UFRGS is one of the most renowned universities in Brazil and Latin America, offering high-quality programs in various fields of knowledge. Studying at UFRGS is an opportunity to excel in an academic environment of excellence, with internationally recognized professors and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Come to Porto Alegre and Live an Unforgettable Experience
Choosing Porto Alegre as your study destination means opting for a city that combines tradition, innovation, and quality of life. At UFRGS, you will find the perfect environment to develop your academic potential while experiencing the culture and beauty of southern Brazil.
3. WHAT IS A MASTER'S AND DOCTORATE IN BRAZIL?
Stricto Sensu Education in Brazil
In Brazil, stricto sensu education encompasses master’s and doctoral programs, which are aimed at training researchers and academics in various fields of knowledge. These programs intend to deepen theoretical and practical knowledge in specific areas, as well as promote the production of new knowledge.
The master’s degree in Brazil can be academic or professional:
Academic Master’s: Focused on training for scientific research, the academic master’s prepares the student for an academic career or more in-depth research. This program typically lasts 2 to 3 years and requires the preparation of a dissertation based on original research, which must be publicly defended.
Professional Master’s: Aimed at the practical application of knowledge in specific areas, the professional master’s is designed for professionals seeking technical and scientific advancement in their careers. The duration is also 2 to 3 years, and it requires the preparation of a final project, which can take various forms, such as projects, case studies, or technical products.
Doctorate: The doctorate is the most advanced stage of academic training in Brazil. This program lasts 4 to 5 years and is focused on the development of original and innovative research in a specific area. During the doctorate, the student must prepare a thesis, which is an extensive and in-depth work on an unprecedented topic. The thesis must be publicly defended before an examining board.
4. POSSIBILITY OF CO-TUTELAGE
One of the most attractive opportunities for international students is **co-tutelage** for a doctorate. Co-tutelage allows the student to conduct their research at two higher education institutions, one in Brazil and one abroad, under the joint supervision of advisors from both institutions.
4.1 HOW IT WORKS:
- Two Institutions, Two Countries: The student divides their time between the two institutions, fulfilling academic and research requirements in both countries.
- Joint Supervision: The student receives guidance from two professors, one from each institution, enriching their training with diverse academic and cultural perspectives.
-Double Certificate: Upon completing the doctorate, the student receives diplomas from both universities, significantly increasing their competitiveness in the global market.
4.2 BENEFITS OF CO-TUTELAGE:
Co-tutelage is a unique opportunity for internationalization and academic collaboration. It allows the student to:
- Expand Their Network: Working in two countries offers the chance to build a global network of academic and professional contacts.
- Develop Cutting-Edge Research: With access to resources and infrastructure from two institutions, the student can develop research with greater impact and relevance.
- Gain International Recognition: The double certificate strengthens the student’s resume and expands their career opportunities in different countries.
5. UFRGS AND ITS HISTORY
The Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul) is a century-old educational institution nationally and internationally recognized. It is centered in Porto Alegre – the capital city of the State of Rio Grande do Sul – and it offers academic programs from all different fields of knowledge, for all stages of education, ranging from elementary to graduate school.
The qualification of its faculty, composed mostly of master’s and doctorate degree holders, the continuous updating of the infra-structure of laboratories and libraries, the increase to student assistance, as well as the prioritization of its national and international involvement are policies in constant development.
More than 30 thousand people circulate its facilities in search of receiving one of the top 10 most qualified educations in Brazil. This, combined with its leading research programs and expressive community outreach, grants UFRGS to be ranked among the best universities in the country.
As a public institution dedicated to serving the community and to building its future with a critical consciousness, UFRGS respects diversity, prioritizes innovation and, above all, reaffirms its commitment to education and spreading of knowledge, inspired by ideals of freedom and solidarity.
It offers undergraduate courses (93), master’s programs (76), and doctoral programs (73). Additionally, it has over 700 research groups distributed across all areas, promoting scientific innovation within the university and a solid extension policy that benefits the community in terms of health and social, cultural, and economic inclusion.
Its mission is to prepare professionals capable of facing challenges in times of transformation, with creativity and scientific innovation as educational pillars.
The internationalization of UFRGS is among the priorities of its administrators and professors, based on the idea that the expansion of knowledge results from partnerships between different sectors, countries, and cultures.
Its values are rooted in tolerance and respect for different forms of knowledge, which, together, can build a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Its international mobility policy involves approximately 60 countries, covering double degree programs, sandwich master’s and doctoral programs, postdoctoral programs, and multinational scientific research consortia.
UFRGS is composed of 28 teaching units—including institutes, faculties, and schools—covering the following areas:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Exact and Earth Sciences
- Human Sciences
- Applied Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Linguistics, Letters, and Arts
The university has a cultural center, two theaters, a cinema, a network of museums, a planetarium, an astronomical observatory, a radio station, a newspaper, a TV production unit, a publishing house, a printing house, a hospital, a dental hospital, a veterinary hospital, six university restaurants, and 32 sectoral libraries distributed across its five campuses: Campus Centro, Campus do Vale, Campus Saúde, Campus Olímpico, and Campus Litoral.
Click to watch the video and learn more about UFRGS
GRADUATE STUDIES
International students interested in pursuing a period of graduate academic mobility should contact the graduate commission of the chosen course.
The course offerings are available at the following links:
MASTER’S
DOCTORATE
6. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HOSPITAL DE CLÍNICAS DE PORTO ALEGRE: Excellence in Research in the UFRGS Medical Graduate Program
At UFRGS, the graduate program in Medicine stands out for its academic excellence and strong integration with the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), one of the largest and most renowned university hospitals in Brazil. This strategic partnership is one of the fundamental pillars that ensure the quality and relevance of the research conducted by our students.
State-of-the-Art Research Infrastructure
The HCPA offers a complete and modern infrastructure that is fully accessible to graduate students. With cutting-edge laboratories, clinical research centers, and a dynamic hospital environment, students can develop advanced research in various areas of medicine.
7. WHAT IS THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES LIKE?
The Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (PPGPSQ) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) is nationally and internationally recognized for its excellence in training master’s and doctoral students in mental health. The program holds a score of 7 in the CAPES evaluation, the highest rating awarded in Brazil to academic excellence programs.
CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) is the federal government agency responsible for evaluating and promoting graduate education (stricto sensu) in Brazil. A score of 7 represents a quality standard comparable to the best international research centers.
With an interdisciplinary approach, the PPG-PBC integrates two areas of concentration — Psychiatry and Mental Health, and Behavioral Sciences — and encompasses 11 research lines, addressing topics such as the neurobiology of mental disorders, psychotherapy, child psychiatry, neuroimaging, genetics, epidemiology, and digital mental health.
7.1 Research Lines of the Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Neurobiological Bases of Mental Disorders
- Psychopharmacology and Neurochemistry
- Genetics and Genomics in Mental Health
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Mental Health and the Life Cycle
- Epidemiology and Mental Health Assessment
- Psychotherapy and Psychodynamic Processes
- Neuroimaging and Translational Neuroscience
- Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics
- Digital Mental Health and Health Technologies
- Quality of Life, Stress, and Biological Rhythms
The program trains highly qualified professionals for careers in academia, scientific research, clinical practice, and public policy development. It combines cutting-edge infrastructure, personalized mentorship, strong international engagement, and a commitment to the social impact of knowledge.
7.2 Curriculum Structure for the Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
The program offers academic training at the Master’s level (24 months) and Doctoral level (48 months), with curricula that combine mandatory and elective courses, allowing for a solid and personalized educational path.
To complete the Master’s degree, students must earn at least 16 credits, demonstrate proficiency in English, pass a qualification exam, and present at least one scientific article accepted or with an acceptance letter from a high-impact indexed international journal, based on the objectives, methods, and results of their research, in addition to the public defense of their dissertation.
For the Doctorate, students must complete 24 credits, demonstrate proficiency in two foreign languages, pass a general qualification exam, and present two scientific articles: one accepted or published, and another submitted — both in indexed international journals of recognized impact. The program culminates in the public defense of the doctoral thesis. The curriculum is designed to foster scientific excellence, with a strong emphasis on high-quality academic output and international engagement.
8. HOW TO APPLY TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES?
Admission to the Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UFRGS, a stricto sensu program, includes both Master’s and PhD degrees. It is open to candidates holding a recognized undergraduate degree who meet the academic requirements and institutional regulations of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).
Applications are accepted through public calls for admission, which are regularly published on the Program’s website. There are two main admission formats:
- Annual Selection Call – with a defined calendar and specific evaluation stages for admission in the following academic year.
- Rolling Admission Call – for candidates who meet specific requirements, allowing entry throughout the year depending on availability and criteria set in the call.
We recommend that prospective applicants consult the Program’s website for current admission notices and carefully review the instructions for each type of selection process.
9. WHAT RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE IS AVAILABLE IN THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES?
The Program offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, shared between the UFRGS School of Medicine and the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), enabling access to specialized laboratories, clinical and experimental research centers, vivariums, and digital learning environments.
Highlights include:
- Clinical Research Center (CPC) – featuring consultation rooms, biological sample collection and infusion rooms, collaborative workspaces, and data analysis infrastructure for multicenter studies and clinical trials.
- Experimental Research Center (CPE) – with dedicated labs for neurobiology, molecular psychiatry, biological rhythms, and quality of life research, equipped for translational and preclinical studies.
- Consolidated research groups and shared laboratories – equipped with real-time PCR, flow cytometry, laminar flow hoods, stereotaxic devices, actigraphs, behavioral analysis systems, and tools for neuroimaging and genetic studies.
- Hybrid and digital learning environments – including videoconferencing, advanced statistical software (R, Python), access to scientific databases, and flexible platforms for remote research activities.
Additionally, the program is supported by ethics committees nationally and internationally accredited, a skilled administrative team, and a strong network of national and international collaborations—ensuring that students and researchers work in an environment conducive to excellence and innovation in mental health science.
10. SCHOLARSHIPS
All students enrolled in Stricto Sensu Graduate Programs are exempt from any academic fees, enrollment fees, or tuition fees throughout the entire course period.
Additionally, UFRGS offers scholarship opportunities for international students who wish to enroll in our graduate programs.
These scholarships are awarded with the aim of attracting global talent and promoting the internationalization of teaching and research at the university.
Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) PEC-PG Scholarships
The Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Pós-Graduação (PEC-PG) is a specific initiative for students from developing countries with which Brazil maintains educational and cultural cooperation agreements. This program offers:
- Exemption from academic fees: Selected students are exempt from any enrollment or course fees.
- Monthly Scholarship: A monthly financial allowance to cover living expenses in Brazil.
- Health Insurance: Medical coverage during the study period.
For more information, visit:
https://www.gov.br/capes/pt-br/acesso-a-informacao/acoes-e-programas/bolsas/bolsas-e-auxilios-internacionais/encontre-aqui/paises/multinacional/programa-de-estudantes-convenio-de-pos-graduacao-pec-pg
Social Demand or PROEX Scholarships – Program Quota}
In partnership with Brazilian funding agencies such as CAPES and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), UFRGS offers scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs. These scholarships include benefits such as a monthly stipend to help cover the student’s living expenses during the study period.
Access to these scholarships is subject to the availability of program quotas at the time of the student’s admission.
11. USEFUL INFORMATION
Below, we list some general information that may be useful to international students during their stay.
Useful phone numbers
RELINTER: 51 3308-3258
Porto Alegre Airport – Salgado Filho International Airport: 51 3358-2000
Hospital de Clínicas: 51 3359-8000
Police: 190
Fire Department: 193
Civil Defense: 199
Women’s Support Hotline: 180
SAMU (ambulance): 192
Directory Assistance: 102
Public Transport: 118
CVV (Life Valuation Center): 188
Useful addresses
RELINTER:
Department of Mobility
Praça Argentina, s/n – Building 11.102 — Château — Campus Centro UFRGS
Central Library:
Campus Centro. Av. Paulo Gama, 110. Annex I of the Rectory, ground floor. Phone: 3308-3065
Identification Center:
Av. Paulo Gama, 110 — Annex I of the Rectory. Phone: 3308-3038
Federal Police:
Av. Ipiranga, 1.365. Phone: 3235-9189
Federal Revenue:
Avenida Loureiro Silva, 445
RU1:
Campus Centro – Av. João Pessoa, 41. Phone: 3316-4030
RU2:
Campus Saúde – Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2.600. Phone: 3316-5259
RU3:
Campus do Vale – Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9.500. Phone: 3316-7298
RU4:
Faculty of Agronomy – Av. Bento Gonçalves, 7.412. Phone: 3316-6568
RU5:
ESEFID – Rua Felizardo Furtado, 750
RU6:
Campus do Vale – Block 4 – Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9.500. Phone: 3308-7883
APPS
With a practical and well-designed interface, UFRGS has three apps that assist, inform, and guide students.
UFRGS Mapas:
Don’t know where a building is? The campus is very large, and you’re lost? This app allows you to search for all university buildings.
UFRGS Mobile:
Focuses on useful daily information and tasks, such as checking university news, RU menus, and renewing library loans.
**RU UFRGS Menu**: It’s almost lunchtime, and you don’t know what’s on the RU menu? Check the menu for all RUs directly on your phone with this app.
Useful websites
UFRGS
http://www.ufrgs.br/
Relinter
http://ufrgs.br/relinter
Relinter Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/relinter
International Students Group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/181629708558170/
RU Menu
http://www.ufrgs.br/ufrgs/ru
UFRGS Library System
http://sabi.ufrgs.br
UFRGS News
http://www.ufrgs.br/ufrgs/noticias
Porto Alegre Transport
http://www2.portoalegre.rs.gov.br/eptc/
Bus Route Information
http://www.poatransporte.com.br/
Taxi Fare Prices
http://www.tarifadetaxi.com/porto-alegre
Federal Police
http://www.dpf.gov.br/
Porto Alegre City Hall
http://www2.portoalegre.rs.gov.br/portal_pmpa_novo/
About the City
http://www2.portoalegre.rs.gov.br/turismo/
Portuguese for Foreigners Program (PPE)
http://www.ufrgs.br/ppe
Life Valuation Center (CVV)
https://www.cvv.org.br/
University Legal Advisory Service (SAJU)
Composed of 17 thematic groups, SAJU provides legal assistance to anyone (Brazilian or foreign) who cannot afford a lawyer. If you need legal support, contact SAJU by phone at (51) 3308-3967 or directly at the office, located at the Faculty of Law (Av. João Pessoa, 80). Among the groups, the Group for Assistance to Immigrants and Refugees (GAIRE) specializes in assisting foreigners. Contact the group through SAJU or by email at <gairesaju@gmail.com>.
Unified Health System: SUS}
It is one of the largest public health systems in the world, ensuring comprehensive, universal, and free access for the entire population.
To obtain a SUS card and be treated at the nearest Basic Health Unit to your residence, simply have a CPF number and pre-register on the ‘Citizen Portal’ website:
https://portaldocidadao.saude.gov.br/portalcidadao/area Cadastro.html
Note that the ‘municipality of birth’ field should be filled in with ‘Porto Alegre’.