What Course Levels Are Available at UFRJ for Exchange Students?
UFRJ's course list covers all three main degree levels: undergraduate (graduação), master's (mestrado), and PhD (doutorado) programs. Exchange students can therefore select courses across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral offerings, provided they come through an institutional agreement and meet the Portuguese language requirement.
The three course levels
| Level | Portuguese term | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | graduação | Bachelor's-level exchange students |
| Master's | mestrado | Students enrolled in a master's program at their home institution |
| PhD | doutorado | Doctoral students seeking exchange coursework or research |
The course list published by UFRJ presents options across all three levels, so the level you take depends on your home degree and the agreement between your institution and UFRJ.
Language of instruction
All courses are offered in Portuguese. There is no English-taught track mentioned for exchange students. Most schools and institutes accept exchange students with an A1 proficiency level, though this can vary depending on the specific courses chosen. Free Portuguese conversation classes are offered to incoming students, which can help you build proficiency alongside your coursework.
Because the acceptable level depends on your course selection, confirm the requirement with the incoming students officer before finalizing your choices.
How to access these courses
- Contact the international office at your home institution — UFRJ does not accept "free movers," so you must come through an existing agreement or partnership.
- Your home institution's international office provides the application details and nominates you.
- Once nominated, select courses from the undergraduate, master's, or PhD list according to your level.
- Verify the Portuguese proficiency expectation for your chosen courses with UFRJ's incoming students officer.
Key conditions to keep in mind
- Agreement required: Exchange is only possible through agreements and partnerships with international higher education institutions. Independent applications are not accepted.
- Level flexibility: The course list spans undergraduate, master's, and PhD options, but your eligibility for a given level follows your enrollment at your home institution.
- Semester timing: The academic year runs March–July (first semester) and August–December (second semester), so plan course selection around those windows.
If your goal is to take master's or PhD courses, confirm early that your home institution's agreement with UFRJ covers that level, since not every partnership may extend to all programs.