Universidade Franciscana

About

Universidade Franciscana (UFN), located in Santa Maria, Brazil, is a private Catholic institution highly regarded for its robust programs in Health Sciences, particularly Nursing and Medicine, alongside strong offerings in Humanities and Technology. The university is known for its commitment to research and community engagement, deeply rooted in Franciscan values emphasizing ethics and social responsibility. For international students, UFN provides support through its International Relations Office, facilitating exchange programs, cultural integration, and academic guidance. While instruction is primarily in Portuguese, the university actively promotes international cooperation and offers a welcoming environment for global learners. A distinctive characteristic is its strong focus on humanistic education and social impact, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society.

Background

Santa Maria is a municipality (município) in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil. In 2025, its population was 282,395 inhabitants in a total area of 1,823 square kilometres (704 sq mi). Santa Maria is the 5th biggest municipality in the state, and the largest in its micro-region. Santa Maria is often referred to as the "heart of Rio Grande" (from Portuguese: "Coração do Rio Grande"), because the city is located in the geographical center of the State. Santa Maria is considered a university city, thanks to the Federal University of Santa Maria, created by José Mariano da Rocha Filho, and the Franciscan University, elevated to university center status on March 28, 2018. In the early morning of January 27, 2013, Santa Maria became world-famous due to the fire that occurred in a nightclub in the city, the Kiss nightclub. On that occasion, 242 people, mostly young people, died from smoke inhalation or being trampled, given that there was no emergency exit in the building.

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