The Federal University of Santa Maria was the first federal university to be established outside of a Brazilian capital. This marked an important milestone in the process of decentralizing public higher education in Brazil and contributed to the state of Rio Grande do Sul becoming the first federative state to host two federal universities. In addition to the main campus in Santa Maria, UFSM maintains three satellite campuses: one in Frederico Westphalen, one in Palmeira das Missões, and another in Cachoeira do Sul.
The university’s current structure encompasses twelve University Units: the Arts and Languages Center, Education Center, Exact and Natural Sciences Center, Ipê Amarelo Early Childhood School, Multidisciplinary Space of UFSM in Silveira Martins, Physical Education and Sports Center, Polytechnic School, Technical Industrial School of Santa Maria, and the Technology Center.
UFSM provides undergraduate courses and degrees, comprising technology-focused undergraduate, licentiate, and bachelor’s degree programs. Furthermore, the institution offers graduate programs, including doctoral, master’s, specialization, and postdoctoral programs. In the realm of basic and technical education, UFSM provides technical courses, courses integrated with high school, regular high school, and early childhood education programs.
Institutional Misson, Vision, and Values
Mission
To foster the creation and dissemination of knowledge, with a strong commitment to training individuals capable of innovating and contributing to the sustainable development of society.
Vision
To be recognized as a premier institution in knowledge creation and dissemination, dedicated to advancing societal development in a novel and sustainable manner.
Values
To commit to education and knowledge, guided by a set of core values, including freedom, democracy, ethics, justice, respect for identity and diversity, social responsibility, innovation, and accountability.
For more pictures of the main campus, please click here.