Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

The Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais was established in 1958. It is a private and non-profit university situated in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Its history began with the birth of Dom Cabrel in 1884, who is the reason behind the university's foundation. He aimed to train students professionally.
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Filter by All Overview Admission Process Student Safety Programs and Courses Scholarships and financial aid Student life Location and Accommodation Post Study Work Visa
PUC Minas stands out as the largest Catholic university in the world, recently recognized by the Vatican. Founded in 1958 and based in Belo Horizonte, it combines academic excellence with Catholic values, serving over 73,000 students and offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
PUC Minas is a Catholic university maintained by the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte. It received pontifical status from the Vatican in 1983, which means it adheres to the doctrines and educational values of the Catholic Church, while promoting inclusive and socially-oriented education.
Yes. PUC Minas has been recognized six times by the Student Guide as the best private university in Brazil. It is also ranked among the top universities globally by Times Higher Education, making it a top choice for both Brazilian and international students seeking a reputable private education.
To apply, international students must first be nominated by their home university, which must email PUC Minas at [email protected] with the student’s name, program, email, and desired exchange semester. Once nominated, students complete an application form, submit the required documents, and provide proof of health insurance.
PUC Minas does not provide on-campus housing, but the university can recommend accommodation options in Belo Horizonte. Students are encouraged to arrange housing in advance and plan to arrive at least one week before the semester starts (February or August).
If you're from a partner university, tuition at PUC Minas is typically waived. You should budget around USD 300 per month for living expenses, not including rent. The first semester runs from February to June, and the second from August to December, so plan accordingly for application deadlines and arrival.
Belo Horizonte is a vibrant city, but like any large urban area, it comes with safety considerations. International students should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and follow local advice to minimize risks. PUC Minas provides guidance through its international office to help students settle in safely.
Avoid displaying valuables like phones, cameras, or jewelry in public. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps instead of unfamiliar transport. Don’t walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or dimly lit areas. Stay informed about safe neighborhoods through local students or staff.
Yes, PUC Minas’ international office helps students adjust to local life, including offering advice on safe living, commuting, and emergency contacts. While there’s no on-campus housing, staff can assist in recommending secure accommodation options in safe neighborhoods.
PUC Minas offers a broad range of programs, including 102 undergraduate degrees (with 2 fully online options), Master’s and Doctoral programs, and over 280 specialized courses in areas like Humanities, Health Sciences, and STEM. Students benefit from modern labs and hands-on learning environments designed to prepare them for the job market.
PUC Minas offers distance learning (EaD) opportunities, including fully online undergraduate programs and several extension and specialization courses. This flexible model is ideal for students seeking quality education with remote accessibility.
Yes. While most graduate programs are taught in Portuguese, some research-based programs are open to international collaboration. Notably, the Mechanical Engineering program (Master’s and PhD) is recognized by CAPES, and the Biology program offers advanced research in areas like neotropical vertebrate conservation and behavior.
PUC Minas offers a variety of scholarships, including university-funded merit scholarships, need-based financial aid, and external scholarships provided by independent organizations. These can support both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and some awards may cover full tuition costs.
Yes, international students are eligible to apply for certain scholarships at PUC Minas, including independent scholarships such as the MyUS Community Scholarship and the Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship. Eligibility and application details vary, so it's important to check individual scholarship guidelines.
Students can explore scholarship options through the PUC Minas official website and platforms like Masters Portal, which list updated opportunities and application requirements. It's also recommended to contact the university’s admissions or international office for personalized guidance.
Student life at PUC Minas is vibrant and well-rounded, combining academic excellence with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and cultural events. The university promotes a strong sense of community across its multiple campuses, especially the main campus in Belo Horizonte.
Yes, PUC Minas has over 80 international partnerships with universities and language schools, offering student exchange programs, dual-degree opportunities, and faculty mobility, making it a popular choice for both Brazilian and international students.
PUC Minas offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a library system with over 900,000 volumes, 250+ laboratories, and research centers, such as one of Brazil’s first climatological labs. All programs include access to practical labs with industry-relevant equipment.
No, PUC Minas does not provide on-campus housing or university-run dormitories. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation while studying in Belo Horizonte or other cities with PUC Minas campuses.
While PUC Minas does not offer direct housing, it provides guidance and support to help students locate safe and affordable off-campus housing. This includes recommendations, resources, and tips through its international office.
International students are encouraged to arrive in Belo Horizonte at least one week before classes begin. This extra time helps them secure accommodation, adjust to the city, and settle in comfortably before the semester starts.
No, Brazil does not currently offer a specific post-study work visa for graduates of PUC Minas or other universities. International students must secure a job offer and then apply for an appropriate Brazilian work visa.
After completing your degree, you must: Find a job in Brazil Ensure the employer is willing to sponsor your work visa Apply for the relevant VITEM V (Temporary Work Visa) through Brazil’s immigration system More details can be found on the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security website.
Brazil does not have a formal "job search visa" for graduates. To remain in the country after graduation, you must transition to a work visa by obtaining a job offer from a Brazilian employer.

University Of Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais Application Statistics

80000
40800
39200
2300
37:1
R$ 58900
R$ 70000
R$ 7500
2.7
30
65 %
6

Learn About -

* All cost are in BRL

University Of Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais Application Statistics

80000
40800
39200
2300
37:1
R$ 58900
R$ 70000
R$ 7500
2.7
30
65 %
6

Learn About -

* All cost are in BRL

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Connect With Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais

  • Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
  • (31) 3319 4444

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