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Brasão da PUC-Rio

Coordenação Central de Cooperação Internacional

Incoming Students

Frequently asked questions

Dear international student,

We are pleased to know that you are interested in studying with us here at PUC-Rio de Janeiro. Below you will see a list of the frequently asked questions that we hope you will find helpful and informative. Please do not hesitate to contact The Senior Advisor for International Mobility (incoming@puc-rio.br) should you have any additional doubts or questions.

 

General Program Info

 

Application Procedures

 

Pre-Term Portuguese As a Second Language Intensive Course

 

Course Info

 

Financials

 

Housing

 


Answers - General Program Info

How does the exchange program work?

A: The objective of the exchange program is to offer international students the possibility to take classes at PUC-Rio and receive course approval and credit for their undergraduate and graduate programs at their home institution.


Are there any exchange students who could share about their experience in Rio and at PUC-Rio with me? Is it possible to contact them?

A: To ensure a student´s protection and privacy, we are not allowed to give you their e-mail addresses without their consent. However, if you wish to contact them as a reference, please let us. Know, and we will get in contact with the former international students directly on your behalf.


Does PUC-RIO offer any sort of financial assistance to international students or does the university have a 4-digit federal code that I could reference for my U.S. federal scholarship or financial aid?

A: Unfortunately, PUC-RIO does not provide scholarships or financial aid for international students. We suggest contacting the Study Abroad office at your home institution to inquire about scholarship and financial assistance specific to study abroad programs.


What is the difference between an "exchange" student and a "Independent" student?

A: Exchange students are students from universities that have a cooperative agreement with PUC-Rio. Independent students are those from any other university that doesn't have a cooperative agreement with PUC-Rio. Both type of students can earn and transfer course credit to their home institution.


Can we arrive at PUC-Rio after the semester begins? Or are we allowed to leave PUC-Rio prior to the semester ending?

A: We strongly advise against students arriving after the start of the semester, as they will be missing the mandatory orientation program and the important introductory classes of their courses. PUC-Rio students are required to attend class throughout the entire semester; therefore, exchange students who wish to leave early must receive consent and approval from the CCCI office.


Answers - Application Procedures

How do I apply?

A: Please be aware of the application deadlines for the period in which you intend to study at PUC-RIO.
DEADLINES for submitting applications:
- May 15 th (exchange period starting in Jul-Aug)
- October 15th (exchange period starting in Feb/Mar)
Send us the proper documents according to your student status (Exchange or Special).

ON LINE APPLICATION FORM
The application form must be filled out online by the student for all types of registration (i.e. Intensive Program, Semester Exchange, and Housing) accessing the following link: http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/forms-hp.html
After you have filled out the online application form for the Intensive Portuguese Program and/or the Regular Exchange Program, please make sure to send the mandatory required documents.

The documentation should be sent by email to our International Office by the above mentioned dates. Applications/documents received after deadline or which are incomplete will not be accepted.
Please, refer to http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/forms-hp_students.html to check the application procedures and required documents.

Upon being accepted, CCCI will send the applicant a letter of acceptance that will enable him/her to obtain a student visa at a Brazilian Consulate.

VISA: A student visa is required. The visa must be obtained BEFORE the student´s entrance Brazil. A tourist visa cannot be transferred into a student visa inside the country. When the applicant is accepted, CCCI will send a LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE that will enable him/her to obtain a visa at a Brazilian Consulate.


When is the application deadline for the exchange program?

A: Our academic year is divided into two terms. If you intend to apply for the second term (August-December), the application deadline is May 15th. If you wish to study during the first term (February-July), you must submit your application documents by October 15th.


When should I apply?

A: We highly recommend that you apply as soon as possible to allow for plenty of time to prepare other requirements such as the student visa solicitation, class registration, arrangement of housing accommodations, etc. You can apply for any academic term, and we will do our best to process your application in an efficient manner.
Remember that the completed and signed online application form filled out and corresponding materials must arrive at our office by the posted application deadlines.

The application form must be filled out online by the student, accessing the PUC-Rio website: <http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming> - Online Application

Required documents: http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/forms-hp_students.html


What kind of transcript is required?

A: A student must submit an official copy of his/her transcript from their current home university. If the student has already graduated, a transcript should be submitted from the university from which he/she graduated.


Do all required documents have to be translated through an official translator?

A: All required documents should be submitted either in English or Portuguese; therefore, official translation services will only be necessary if the requested documentation is written in any other language than English or Portuguese.


Is it sufficient to have the required documents translated in English or do they have to be translated into Portuguese?

A: As long as documents are submitted into English, there is no need to have them translated into Portuguese.


Do the letters of recommendation have to be from former or current teachers or other people ?

A: The letters of recommendation can be written by former or current teachers as well as by people you work with (in case you have already graduated).


What is the selection criteria for incoming exchange students?

A: The International Office will analyze the student´s submitted materials including his/her application, letters of recommendation and transcript. Preference is given to students who have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least a 3.0. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA must have his/her university submit supporting documentation advocating for the student´s participation in the exchange program, upon which PUC will make a final decision.


How can I know if my university has an exchange agreement with PUC-Rio?

A: You can view a list of universities that have an exchange agreement with PUC-Rio at http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/academico/convenios/universidades.html


Answers - Pre-Term Portuguese As a Second Language Intensive Course

As an exchange student, am I required to attend the Pre-Term Portuguese as a Second Language Intensive Course or is it optional? Who should attend this course?

A: All exchange students must take a placement test in order to confirm his/her knowledge of Portuguese. Students are required to take a Portuguese as a Second Language class during the regular academic term corresponding to their level. Students also have the opportunity to take an Intensive Portuguese as a Second Language course before the regular semester begins, although this course is not required.

The Pre-Term Portuguese as a Second Language Intensive Course, held before the regular semester, will not be included in the student’s transcript even if he/she enrolls in the regular semester. Instead, students who take the Pre-Term Portuguese as a Second Language Intensive Course will receive a certificate of completion indicating the course date, student’s grade, and level of Portuguese taken.

The Portuguese language courses are offered at five different levels, from very basic to the advanced levels. Each student will take a placement test to confirm his/her exact knowledge of Portuguese. This course aims to develop the student´s written and oral skills in Portuguese, preparing international students to attend regular courses at the university during the subsequent academic terms.


I assume that the pre-term Portuguese course is held before the March or August semester starts, but when exactly is it held and how long is the intensive language program?

A: Please check  the Central Coordination for International Cooperation - Calendar for the most accurate information by visiting www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/calendar


If I only wish to study Portuguese, do I still have to register for at least 08 credits?

A: As long as Exchange Students (those whose home universities have an exchange agreement with PUC) are registered for at least 08 credits per semester, students may register for the required Portuguese as a Second Language class as well as other Portuguese-related courses offered by PUC´s Department of Letras. Independent students, who are not affiliated with an exchange university, are free to solely enroll in a Portuguese as a Second Language class and are therefore not required to meet the 12-credit requirement.


Answers - Course Info

I would like to study at PUC-Rio during the first term starting in March. When do the classes in the first term end?

A: Please check the Central Coordination for International Cooperation - Calendar for the most accurate information by visiting www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/calendar


Where can I find information about courses (syllabus and class schedule)?

A: Available classes and relevant course information are listed on the "Horário das Disciplinas" site located at http://www.puc-rio.br/microhorario. You can also request the class syllabus by sending a message directly to the Department. Please see the department mail on the website http://www.puc-rio.br/sobrepuc/depto.


Where can I view the courses that are available for international students?

A: Refer to http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/centers_courses.html to view the disciplines offered by each PUC-Rio department.


Do you offer classes in English?

A: The classes in English vary from one semester to the other. The courses have a content based on Brazilian and Latin American aspects, such as: culture, literature, business, design, civilization and history, among others.You can view the courses which will be offered at: http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/study_english_puc.html.


If I currently study International Law, what kind of classes can I attend?

A: You are free to choose the courses you wish to attend at PUC-RIO. However, you should always take your major into consideration when designing your degree/study plan. You will have a status very similar to a "regular PUC-Rio student" and can therefore enroll in most classes for credit, ranging from law to physical education courses for example. 


Are the international students able to attend classes with other PUC students, or are there classes which are not held with Brazilian students?

A: Yes, exchange students are able to take classes with both Brazilian and international students, as we strongly recommend intercultural exchanges to be one of your objectives. You will have the opportunity to attend classes with other international students during the mandatory Portuguese course as well as interact with other Brazilian students in your regular PUC classes.


How do I start or conclude an undergraduate or graduate program at PUC-Rio?

A: If you intend to start or conclude an undergraduate course at PUC-RIO, please contact the PUC Admission and Register Department at http://www.puc-rio.br/sobrepuc/depto/dar or e-mail dar@puc-rio.br. International students are considered Non-Degree Seeking students and are unable to receive a PUC degree if they are participating in an international exchange program.


How do I enroll in physical education classes?

A: Students may enroll in any physical education class available during that semester.

Access the Coordination of Physical Education :

https://www.puc-rio.br/vrc/educacaofisica/
 


How many classes am I required to take during a semester?

A: Exchange Students must take a minimum of 2 classes (08 credits) and a maximum of 5 classes (24 credits).


Am I allowed to only study Portuguese, or do I have to register for at least 08 credits?

A: As long as Exchange Students (those whose home universities have an exchange agreement with PUC) are registered for at least 08 credits per semester, students may register for the required Portuguese as a Second Language class as well as other Portuguese-related courses offered by PUC´s Language Department (Departamento de Letras).

Independent students, who are not affiliated with an exchange university, are able to solely enroll in a Portuguese as a Second Language class and are therefore not required to meet the 12-credit requirement. 


How many credits are the Portuguese as a Second Language courses?

A: Portuguese Levels I – III meet for 90 class hours per semester and are to 6 credit hours. Portuguese Levels IV – V meet for 60 hours and are equivalent to 4 credit hours. The Pre-Term Intensive Portuguese Language course offers 90 hour of instruction; however, this course does not offer transferable credit that will appear on your transcript.


Is the Portuguese course also required for graduate exchange students?

A: Graduate exchange students, similar to undergraduate students, are required to take a Portuguese as a Second Language class in addition to the other graduate courses wish to take during their exchange program.


How are PUC grades translated to the U.S. grading system?

A: The PUC-Rio grading scale is as follows: 0 (minimum) – 5 (minimum passing grade) – 10 (maximum). For example, the conversion scale between PUC and U.S. universities would be as follows:

A+ = 10 B+ = 8,5 C+ = 7,0 D+ = 5,5
A = 9,5 B = 8,0 C = 6,5 D = 5,0
A-= 9,0 B- = 7,5 C- = 6,0 F = Any grade below 5,0

Answers - Financials

What are the overall costs for attending classes at PUC-Rio, for the Pre-Term Portuguese as a Second Language intensive course, for housing accommodations and for other pertinent expenses?

Regular Term

Exchange Students:
An orientation/activities fee is charged upon arrival. The cost of the program may vary according to the home institution. Students registered for a year or students who request an extension of the exchange period from 6 months to 1 year must pay the renewal of the orientation/activities fee that is charged according to the Exchange Period Extension schedule. For the current orientation/activities and renewal fees, please refer to: http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/fees_tuition.html

Special Students:
An orientation/activities fee and a registration fee will be charged upon arrival. Students registered for a year or students who request an extension of the exchange period from 6 months to 1 year must pay the renewal of the orientation/activities fee charged according to the Exchange Period Extension schedule.

For the current orientation/activities and renewal fees, please refer to: http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/fees_tuition.html

For more information about tuition and fees, please refer to: http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/fees_tuition.html

Pre-term Portuguese as a Second Language Intensive Course:
Program costs cover the course instruction and registration fee. Students who intend to attend the Intensive Pre-Term Portuguese course AND the following regular term will have to comply with all the requirements of each academic period.

Housing:
Please see the Housing page for more information.
http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/housing.html


H
ow does the tuition payment work for special students?

A: The academic tuition will be charged according to the number of credits taken in each term. In Brazil, the yearly tuition is divided into 12 monthly payments. The semester (term) tuition at PUC-Rio is divided into 6 monthly installments for regular students. Thus, in our first term of the year (late February/early March to late June/early July), students make 6 payments: in January, February, March, April, May and June; The same happens in the second term, with payments in July, August, September, October, November and December.

For the international students it is divided differently, based on the date of arrival. Because international exchange and special students arrive to the university only in the second month of the semester, the semester tuition will be divided into 4 installments (March, April, May and June), THE FIRST TWO INSTALLMENTS ARE EQUAL to the sum of 2 monthly tuition payments each. In the case of a late registration, the total tuition amount will be divided into 3 monthly payments (April, May and June). For example, if the student registers online for 16 credits He/she will pay for 16 credits.

All international non-degree-seeking students are part of the Center of Theology and Human Sciences (CTCH) due to their attendance of the mandatory Portuguese classes.

According to PUC's table of values, in 2012 CTCH regular students the total tuition of R$ 15.849,00 per term or R$ 2.641,50 per month over 6 months for 16 credits. In the case of an international student who arrives ON TIME for classes in late February/early March or August, he/she will pay for 32 credits in the first and second monthly installments and for 16 credits in the third and fourth monthly installments. For example, the first two monthly would be R$ 5.283,00 each and the last two monthly installments would be R$ 2.641,50 each.

In case the student wants to cancel any class, the reimbursement will only appear in the next month's installment.

If the student Add more classes during the Drop & Add period the tuition amount will change too.

For example: Before the Drop & Add the students had chosen 20 credits and during the Drop & add added one sport class of (2 credits). His/her tuition will change from 20 credits to 22 credits; consequently, the difference of this 2 credits will appear in the others installments

For more information about tuition and fees, please refer to: http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/fees_tuition.html

IMPORTANT:
Please be aware that all payments (tuition, orientation fee, registration fee, etc.) must be made in Reais (R$), according to the dollar rate of the day. Traveler's checks, credit cards and personal or checks are not accepted.


How do the exchange students deal with their money in Rio?

A: Our international students usually bring traveler's checks with them and debit/credit cards that work with the Cirrus system. Cirrus is an international credit network which works together with regular credit cards, thus allowing you to withdraw money from almost every bank machine in Rio, including the banks located on the PUC-RIO campus. There are also Visa Electron and a few Citibank ATMs located in Rio.

If you are going to study for only one semester at PUC-Rio, it is not recommended to open a bank account due to the bureaucracy of Brazilian banks. However, a recommended way to avoid excessive ATM fees is to open a bank account with HSBC or Citibank in your home country and withdraw money from these respective banks while in Brazil.

Please be aware that all payments must be made in REAIS, checks and credit cards are not accepted.


Answers - Housing

How does the accommodation system work?

A: PUC-Rio doesn't have dorm-style housing options. However, we offer our international students the possibility of living with a Brazilian host family during their stay in Rio. We have an agreement with families who live close to the PUC-Rio campus. The student will receive an individual room with a fan, a weekly change of sheets and towels, access to Light, gas a Brazilian breakfast (coffee, milk, bread, butter, jelly and fruit) and laundry facilities. The use of the telephone, internet access, air-conditioner, hygiene products (shampoo and soap) must be agreed upon by both parties upon arrival.  Monthly rent payments must be made in Reais and must be paid directly to the family.

For more complete information, check the housing website at http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/incoming/housing.html


Am I required to stay with a host family?

Exchange students are not required to stay with a host family. However, PUC-Rio is not responsible for students who decide to live in risky places (i.e., slums) instead of living in homestays selected by the CCCI Housing Accommodation Program.


Can I leave my homestay or am I required to stay with the host family throughout the semester?

In case the student wishes to leave the homestay, s/he must inform the family and notify the International Cooperation Central Coordination (CCCI) Office via written notification at least 15 days prior to moving out. In case the family does not respect the 15-day notice deadline, the student will receive a full reimbursement for the month. On the other hand, should the student not respect the same 15-day deadline, s/he must pay the family for the entire month.

Contact / Social Media

Address

Rua Marquês de São Vicente 225,
Edifício Padre Leonel Franca - 8º andar, Gávea
CEP 22451-900
Rio de Janeiro - RJ - BRASIL

Office hours

Monday to Friday:
9h to 12h and 14h to 17h