universidade estácio de sá, or estácio university, is the largest private university in brazil, according to the number of students enrolled.

it serves over 260,000 students and has been in operation for over 40 years - the university has multiple campuses throughout the city, as well as the surrounding area and regions throughout the country.

universidade da gama filo is a large private university with a varied and broad spectrum of academic offerings. 

the university is also known for its attention to athletics serving as host to a variety of national and international sporting events - ugf has rio campuses in barra de tijuca, centro and engenho.