puc rio, pontifícia universidade católica do rio de janeiro, or the catholic university of rio de janeiro is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in all of brazil. 

the university, based in southern rio, in the neighborhood of gávea, was ranked by the brazilian ministry of education as the best private university in the country in 2010, and ranks among the 20 best universities in all of latin america.

puc-rio was founded in 1940 as a private, non-profit catholic university and has earned worldwide recognition as one of the finest doctoral research centers in brazil and south america.

it now serves over 20,000 students (including international students) without regard to ethnic, religious or social background.

it remains as one of the most selective universities in brazil known for its quality programs and beautiful rio setting.