Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA (Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre)

Located in Porto Alegre, the tenth most populous city in Brazil, the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) specializes - as its name suggests - in health sciences. 16 different undergraduate degrees and 12 graduate degrees are offered by the university, in subjects such as biomedicine, medicine, nursing, psychology, pharmacy and food technology.

The university benefits from a close link with Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in not just Brazil but the whole of Latin America. This allows students access to practical experience which they may not get elsewhere. In total, there are almost 5,000 students at the university. Around 2,000 of these are undergraduates.

Students based in Porto Alegre will get to experience the city’s rich and diverse nightlife. Few Brazilian cities cater for such a wide range of tastes and budgets and the city also has a vibrant music and culture scene. The city also hosts the Porto Alegre Carnival, which first began in the 18th century. Lasting four days, the festivities are presided over by King Momo, a ceremonial role created for the carnival.