Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo

About

Located in São Paulo, Brazil, the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP) is a prestigious private Catholic university widely recognized across Latin America for its academic excellence in the humanities, social sciences, law, and psychology. The institution offers a vibrant intellectual environment where undergraduate and graduate students benefit from rigorous faculty-led research and a strong tradition of civic engagement. For international students, PUC-SP provides a welcoming atmosphere supported by its dedicated International Relations Office, which coordinates exchange semesters, Portuguese language courses, and integration events. While the majority of degree programs are taught in Portuguese, the university increasingly hosts mobility students through specialized incoming programs and offers select coursework or guidance to help visiting scholars thrive. A particularly distinctive characteristic of PUC-SP is its historical role as a stronghold for democratic resistance and human rights advocacy during Brazil's military dictatorship, embedding a unique social conscience and progressive spirit into its academic culture.

Background

The Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (Portuguese: Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, PUC-SP), locally known as PUC or Catholic University (Universidade Católica), is a private and non-profit Catholic university. It is maintained by the Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo. The university is also responsible for the St. Lucinda Hospital (Sorocaba) and the TUCA theatre (São Paulo).

Location

Quick facts

Nearby universities