UFRJ Academic Calendar for Exchange Students: Semesters and Breaks
UFRJ runs two exchange semesters per year: the first (Fall) from March to July, and the second (Spring) from August to December. Summer break lasts about two months (January–February), and winter break is about two weeks in July, depending on the program. These dates come from UFRJ's own exchange information, so you can use them to plan your arrival, visa timing, and course selection.
Semester dates at a glance
| Period | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester (Fall) | March – July | Main intake for the calendar year |
| 2nd semester (Spring) | August – December | Second intake |
| Summer break | ~January – February | About two months |
| Winter break | ~July | About two weeks, depending on the program |
The winter break falls inside the July end of the first semester, so the exact start of your classes in the second semester can shift slightly by program.
What this means for planning your exchange
- Apply through your home institution, not directly. UFRJ states it does not accept "free movers." You must contact the international office of your home university to qualify for an exchange, since placements depend on agreements and partnerships between the two institutions.
- Align your home university's deadlines with UFRJ's semesters. If you want the March–July term, your home institution's nomination and application deadlines will usually fall months earlier. Ask your international office for the specific cut-off.
- Check your program's exact dates. The calendar above is the general framework; individual programs may adjust the start and end of classes, which is why the winter break is described as "depending on the program."
Language and course considerations
All courses are offered in Portuguese. Most schools and institutes accept exchange students with an A1 proficiency level, but this can vary depending on the courses you choose. UFRJ advises checking with its incoming students officer for details, and notes that free Portuguese conversation classes are offered. If your Portuguese is limited, confirm the requirement for your specific course list before committing to a semester.
Where to verify before you commit
Because semester dates and language requirements can differ by school or institute, confirm the following with your home institution's international office and UFRJ's incoming students officer:
- The exact start and end dates for your chosen program.
- Whether your course selections require a Portuguese level above A1.
- Your home institution's nomination deadline for the semester you want.
UFRJ's exchange program operates only through institutional agreements, so your home international office is the first and most reliable point of contact for both the calendar and the application process.