Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 69.9%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (23,993 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:23
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 74.0%
- Retention Rate
- 83.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $8,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at PUC-SP reflects both the urban setting and the intellectually engaged culture. Without a traditional enclosed campus, the boundary between university and city blurs. Students grab coffee at neighborhood padarias, study in apartment buildings near campus, and experience São Paulo's cultural offerings as an extension of their education. This integration into city life feels natural to most students, though those expecting a sheltered campus experience may find the adjustment challenging. Political engagement runs unusually high compared to most universities. Student government elections draw genuine interest and debate, protest movements find ready participants, and conversations in common areas often turn to current events and social issues. This atmosphere attracts students who want their education connected to real-world concerns but may feel overwhelming to those seeking a more traditional academic experience. Housing is entirely off-campus, with students renting apartments individually or in shared arrangements throughout nearby neighborhoods. Perdizes offers convenient options within walking distance, while other areas like Pompéia and Higienópolis attract students willing to commute. Public transportation via metro and bus connects the campus area to the broader metropolitan region. Cultural events, lectures, and debates occur regularly, with notable public figures from journalism, politics, and academia often appearing on campus. The university's location in São Paulo means that concerts, theaters, museums, and galleries are always nearby, providing entertainment options that match virtually any interest.
Location & Surroundings
São Paulo is an overwhelming city in the best sense. Home to over 12 million people in the city proper and more than 21 million in the metropolitan area, it offers everything: world-class museums, restaurants representing every global cuisine, live music venues from intimate jazz clubs to massive concert halls, and neighborhoods with distinct personalities waiting to be explored. PUC-SP's Perdizes campus sits in the western-central zone, a relatively calm residential area that provides some relief from the city's more intense commercial districts. The climate stays mild year-round, without the extremes that characterize much of Brazil. Summers are warm and rainy, while winters bring cooler temperatures that locals consider cold but rarely drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The absence of beaches means social life centers on restaurants, bars, and cultural venues rather than outdoor recreation, creating a distinctly urban character. Getting around São Paulo requires patience and planning. Traffic congestion ranks among the world's worst, making cars impractical for regular commuting. The metro system provides fast, reliable transport but serves limited areas. Buses fill the gaps but can be slow and crowded. Many students living near campus simply walk to class. The Pinheiros and Vila Madalena neighborhoods, accessible by metro, offer some of the city's best nightlife, dining, and cultural scenes. Paulista Avenue provides the symbolic heart of São Paulo, lined with cultural centers, protest spaces, and people-watching opportunities. The city's Japanese, Italian, Arab, and Jewish communities have created distinct neighborhood cultures that reward exploration.
Costs & Career Outcomes
PUC-SP tuition rates fall in the upper range for Brazilian private universities, reflecting the institution's reputation and São Paulo location. Monthly fees typically range from 2,000 to 5,000 Brazilian reais depending on the program, with law, psychology, and some graduate programs at the higher end. Living expenses in São Paulo add substantially to the total cost, as housing, food, and transportation in Brazil's largest city don't come cheap. Financial assistance options include FIES student loans and PROUNI scholarships for qualifying students. PUC-SP also offers institutional aid including work-study arrangements and need-based discounts. Catholic charities associated with the university provide some additional support for students facing financial hardship. Despite these options, the total cost makes PUC-SP a significant investment compared to free public universities. Career outcomes depend heavily on the field of study. Graduates in law, psychology, and communication find doors opened by the PUC-SP name, particularly within São Paulo's professional circles. Those in more academic fields like philosophy or social sciences often continue to graduate study, enter journalism or public policy, or pursue teaching careers. The university's progressive reputation resonates positively with employers in media, civil society, and cultural institutions. The alumni network includes numerous prominent journalists, scholars, politicians, and professionals who maintain connection to their alma mater. For students planning careers in São Paulo specifically, the PUC-SP community provides valuable connections across multiple sectors.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free