Welcome Guide for International Graduate Students
UFSC in Numbers 📊
Welcome to one of the top federal universities in Latin America! We are thrilled to have you join our distinguished academic community.
| Category | Data Point | Why it matters to you |
| Students | Over 50,000 | A vast, multicultural network for collaboration. |
| Graduate Programs | Over 130 (Stricto Sensu) | High standard of research and diversity of study areas. |
| National Ranking | Consistently Top 10 in Brazil | Assurance of high-quality education and globally relevant research. |
Where We Are: Exploring Our 5 Campuses 📍
The Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) is primarily located in the beautiful city of Florianópolis, often called the “Magic Island.”
Our largest and main campus, where most Graduate programs are located, is Campus Trindade in Florianópolis. However, UFSC is a multi-campus institution, committed to regional development across the state:
- Florianópolis (Trindade): Main hub for administration and Graduate Studies.
- Blumenau: Focus on technology, engineering, and textiles.
- Joinville: Focus on engineering and design.
- Curitibanos: Focus on agricultural sciences and natural resources.
- Araranguá: Focus on health, rehabilitation, and technology.
🗺️ Click on the campus to see the location on Google Maps.
Understanding Graduate Studies in Brazil 🎓
The Brazilian Stricto Sensu (academic) system follows clear duration and attendance rules:
- Master’s Degree (Mestrado): Typically runs for 2 years (24 months).
- PhD Degree (Doutorado): Typically runs for 4 years (48 months).
Key Academic Concepts:
- Credits (Créditos): Each course has a credit value (usually 2, 3, or 4). You must fulfill a specific number of credits to complete your degree.
- Frequency (Frequência) / Attendance: This is strict! You are generally required to maintain 75% attendance in all registered courses. Failure to meet this requirement often results in immediate failure for the subject, regardless of your grades.
The Departure Checklist (Before You Fly) ✈️
Getting ready for a new life in another country requires organization. Use this checklist to ensure a smooth arrival in Brazil.
The Student Visa (VITEM IV) 🛂
To study as a graduate student in Brazil for more than 90 days, you must obtain the Temporary Visa IV (VITEM IV). Do not come as a tourist if you intend to enroll as a regular student!
- Where to apply: Visit the Brazilian Consulate in your home country.
- Official Info: Click here to access the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) Portal
- Can I work? The VITEM IV is a study visa. Generally, paid employment is restricted. However, there are legal exceptions, such as paid internships related to your course or research scholarships. Always consult the Federal Police regulations before accepting any job offers.
The “Bible” of Documents 📂
Bureaucracy in Brazil loves paper! You must bring the original physical copies of the following documents. Digital copies on your phone will not be enough for official registration.
- Birth Certificate (or Marriage Certificate, if applicable).
- University Diploma (Bachelor’s/Master’s).
- Academic Transcripts (History of your grades).
- Proof of Financial Means (Scholarship letter or bank statement).
🛑 CRITICAL ALERT: The Hague Apostille
Before you put these documents in your suitcase, check if they have the Hague Apostille (Apostila de Haia) or Consular Legalization.
- What is it? An international seal that proves your document is real.
- Where to do it? You MUST do this in your country of origin.
- Warning: You cannot apostille foreign documents inside Brazil. If you forget this step, you might have to mail your documents back home, which is expensive and risky.
Expanding Horizons: Co-supervision and Double Degree Programs
Before arriving in Brazil, please check whether you meet the requirements for the co-supervision and Double Degree Program. Further information is available here.
Health Insurance and Vaccines 💉
- Health Insurance:
- Mandatory Coverage: Students and visitors must maintain Private International Health Insurance (or Travel Insurance) for the entire duration of their stay in Brazil.
- Scope of Coverage: The policy must provide comprehensive medical assistance.
- Repatriation Clause: Insurance must include a funeral repatriation clause to cover the costs of returning remains to the home country if necessary.
- Public System Note: Although Brazil has a public health system (SUS), it does not replace the obligation to hold private international coverage.
- Vaccines: Keep your vaccination card updated.
- COVID-19: Proof of vaccination is often required.
- Yellow Fever: Highly recommended for anyone traveling in Brazil.
Packing: The Myth of “Tropical Brazil” 🧥
Many students arrive expecting eternal summer and beaches. Don’t make this mistake!
UFSC is in the South of Brazil. While summer (Dec-Mar) is very hot, we have a cold and humid winter (June-September).
- The Reality: Temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F), but due to the high humidity and lack of central heating in most houses, it feels much colder.
What to bring: Bring at least one heavy coat, sweaters, and good socks. You will thank us in July! 😉
Arrival & Bureaucracy (The “Big Three”) 📝
Welcome to Brazil! 🇧🇷 Now that you have arrived, we need to “unlock” your life in Brazil.
Don’t worry, every international student goes through this. We call them the “Big Three” because once you solve these, everything else becomes easy.
Step 1: The CPF (The Key to Everything) 🔑
The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is your Individual Taxpayer ID. In Brazil, your name is important, but your CPF number is essential.
- Why do you need it? You literally cannot buy a SIM card for your phone without it. You also need it for online shopping (Amazon, Mercado Livre), to get supermarket discounts, to rent an apartment, and to open a bank account.
- How to get it: Access accurate information on the website of the Gov and Receita Federal (Federal Revenue Service) here.
Step 2: Federal Police Registration (RNM) 👮
This is the most critical step. You entered Brazil with a visa, but now you need your ID card, called the CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório).
- The Deadline: You have 90 days from your arrival date to register. Do not miss this deadline, or you will pay a heavy daily fine.
- The Process:
- Fill out the form + Pay the Fees (GRU) + Schedule an Appointment
💡 Pro Tip: Consult the SINTER team (International Support Section) for assistance with this stage and to schedule an appointment with the Federal Police.
Step 3: Opening a Bank Account 💳
You will need a Brazilian account to receive scholarships or pay bills. You have two main options:
| Feature | Traditional Bank (e.g., Banco do Brasil) | Digital Bank (e.g., Nubank, Inter, C6, Wise) |
| Location | Physical branch on UFSC Campus (Trindade). | 100% via Smartphone App. |
| Bureaucracy | High. Requires more paperwork and a visit to the manager. | Low. Fast approval, often within hours. |
| Fees | May have maintenance fees (ask for the Student Account). | Usually zero fees (free transfers/cards). |
| Best for… | Scholarship holders. Many government grants require a Banco do Brasil account. | Daily life. Paying friends, using PIX (instant payment), and tracking expenses. |
Enrollment and UFSC Systems 💻
The Graduate Office
Once you arrive, the Graduate Office is the place where you must deliver your final documents. This step officially completes your enrollment process, so make sure to check deadlines and bring everything requested.
🛑 CRITICAL ALERT: This step must be completed directly at the office of the Graduate Program to which you are enrolled. It is there that you will deliver your final documents, officially confirming your enrollment. Make sure to check the specific requirements and deadlines of your program before visiting the office.
Navigating the Digital Maze
UFSC has several online systems that you will use during your studies. Here’s a quick overview:
- idUFSC: This is your digital identity at UFSC. You will need to create a password following the tutorial provided. With this login, in addition to accessing most of the university’s systems, you will be able to use G Suite for Education services and Microsoft Office. For more information on all available services, visit this website.
- Eduroam (Wi‑Fi): UFSC is part of the Eduroam network, which allows you to connect to secure Wi‑Fi on campus using your idUFSC credentials. Once configured, Eduroam also works at many universities worldwide, making it especially useful for international students.
- CAPG: Through CAPG, you can view your grades and academic history.
- Moodle: Moodle is the platform where you will access your classes, course materials, and interact with professors. Make sure to log in regularly to stay updated.
University Library (BU) 📚
The University Library (BU) has its own password system, which is different from your idUFSC. You will need to register separately to borrow books and access library services.
- Library Password: Create your library password to use BU resources.
- CAPES Portal Access: You can access the CAPES Portal (a large database of academic journals and articles) from home using VPN or the Café system. This is a valuable tool for your research and studies.
University Restaurant (RU) 🥘
All regularly enrolled students are welcome to use this service for their daily meals. Your official student ID card is essential at the RU; it is used both to gain entry to the restaurant and as a debit card to pay for your food.
For detailed instructions on how to set up your card’s password or how to load credits onto it using PIX, please visit the official pages. RU.
Support in Situations of Violence (SEAVIS) 🫂
UFSC is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone. If you find yourself in a situation of violence—whether it is physical, sexual, psychological, or institutional harassment—know that there is a dedicated support network available to you. The university offers a specialized service known as SEAVIS (Specialized Service for Care of Violence Victims). SEAVIS provides a safe, private, and confidential space for you to be heard without judgment. Their team is trained to offer psychosocial support, explain your rights, and guide you through the available options for reporting procedures or accessing further help, always prioritizing your well-being and choices.
For more information on how to access this support flow, please visit this website.
