Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

International Community Welcome Day marks start of semester for students from 20 countries

12/08/2025 13:47

International students from more than 20 countries are welcomed at UFSC. Photos: Gustavo Diehl/Agecom

Last Friday, 8 August 2025, the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) hosted a welcome event for international students from 20 countries in the Shared Building (EFI) Auditorium, on the Trindade Campus in Florianópolis. The event marked the start of the second semester of 2025 and featured a diverse day-long program.

Organized by the Office of International Relations (SINTER), in partnership with the Prorectorate for Undergraduate Studies and Basic Education (PROGRAD) and other institutional projects, the initiative aimed to support international students in adapting to university life and local culture. Their study buddies – volunteer UFSC students who help newcomers integrate – were also invited for the event.

The official welcome ceremony began at 9:00 a.m., with opening remarks from Rector Irineu Manoel de Souza, Secretary for International Relations Luiz Carlos Pinheiro Machado Filho, and Director of International Relations Fernanda Leal. In their speeches, they stressed the role of internationalization in strengthening the University and presented the services and infrastructure available to the 1,643 international students currently enrolled at UFSC and who chose our university as part of their academic journey.

UFSC Rector, Irineu Manoel de Souza

Rector Irineu Manoel de Souza highlighted one of UFSC’s core pillars:

“UFSC has grown significantly in terms of internationalization, reflecting our collective work and commitment to excellence. The internationalization of our University occurs, above all, through our people. The work of our students, faculty and staff ensure that UFSC is recognized not only in Santa Catarina, but throughout Brazil, Latin America, and the world. We are a well-established University, with approximately 120 undergraduate programs and 156 graduate programs – all supported by our commitment to quality teaching, research, and outreach.”

He also reaffirmed UFSC’s commitment to inclusion:

“Even in the face of financial challenges, UFSC maintains solid student support policies, as we believe that inclusion and retention are fundamental pillars of the institution. We work tirelessly to ensure that all students entering UFSC have the necessary conditions to complete their degrees.”

Following the speeches, Secretary for International Relations Luiz Carlos Pinheiro Machado Filho presented an institutional video showcasing UFSC’s history, values, and social impact, featuring testimonials from students. He also introduced the new international students by country, underscoring the diversity of backgrounds and academic programs. Of the 127 students, 120 are participating in the Incoming Program, coming from countries such as Germany, Spain, Canada, France, China, and Norway. Another seven joined UFSC through the Escala Estudiantes de Grado Program, of the Association of Montevideo Group Universities (AUGM), coming from Argentina and Uruguay. The Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Graduação (PEC-G) brought four students from Angola, Cape Verde, Chile, and East Timor, who are studying at the Florianópolis and Joinville campuses.

About UFSC

Rector Irineu Manoel de Souza, Secretary Luiz Carlos Pinheiro Machado Filho, and Director Fernanda Leal welcoming the students

Founded in 1960, UFSC has played a key role in the socioeconomic and cultural development of Santa Catarina. Present in five cities – Florianópolis, Araranguá, Curitibanos, Joinville, and Blumenau – the University is a multi-campus, democratic institution committed to diversity.

Ranked among the best universities in Brazil and Latin America, UFSC offers programs from early childhood education to doctoral degrees, with an academic community of around 40,000 people. Its inclusion policies include pioneering initiatives such as reserving places for Black, Indigenous, and Quilombola people, alongside student retention and assistance programs that benefit thousands of students.

In research and outreach, UFSC maintains partnerships with public agencies, civil society organizations, and private companies, reinforcing its role as a driver of innovation and social transformation.

Internationalization is another defining feature of UFSC, fostering the mobility of faculty, students and staff, and encouraging global knowledge exchange. For international students, UFSC strives to provide an enriching academic, professional, and cultural experience.

The welcome day also featured a performance by the Devassa Percussion Band, from the Medicine Student Athletic Association (AAAMEDUFSC). Afternoon activities included cultural workshops and guided tours; however, the visit to the São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress was postponed due to bad weather. Other activities on the Florianópolis Campus went ahead as planned.

For more information about the mobility programs and welcome initiatives for international students, visit SINTER website.