COPPEAD- UFRJ - The Graduate School of Business

COPPEAD-UFRJ, the Graduate School of Business at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, is Brazil’s pioneering institution in advanced management education. Founded in 1973, it has grown into an autonomous institute recognized for academic rigor and strong industry engagement. As the only Brazilian public university business school with international accreditation, it delivers high-caliber programs at no tuition cost, reinforcing its commitment to accessible excellence.

With over 7,000 leaders trained, COPPEAD combines research-driven insight with practical relevance. Its strategic location in Rio de Janeiro and its connection to UFRJ’s multidisciplinary ecosystem ensure an environment where innovation, leadership development, and societal impact converge.

COPPEAD graduates benefit from a robust professional network that spans Brazil’s leading corporations, high-growth startups, and major public-sector institutions. Its alumni include executives in consulting, finance, operations, and general management, supported by an ecosystem that values analytical rigor and sound leadership capabilities.

High employability stems from strong corporate partnerships, internationally recognized program quality, and active engagement with industry councils. Internships, applied projects, and global study modules expand exposure to diverse business contexts. Lifelong alumni services—including events, mentoring, and continuous learning resources—reinforce long-term professional mobility and industry relevance.

Prospective students choose COPPEAD for its unique combination of tuition-free education, global recognition, and a mission-driven commitment to excellence. As the only internationally accredited business school within Brazil’s public system, it offers an exceptional value proposition while maintaining uncompromising academic standards.

Its strengths include a hybrid model that fuses theory and practice, strong international partnerships, and a leadership-development agenda shaped by decades of industry collaboration. COPPEAD’s integration with UFRJ’s research ecosystem enhances resources, while its emphasis on societal impact appeals to professionals seeking meaningful, future-oriented careers in Brazilian and global markets.

COPPEAD drives innovation through research centers and study groups dedicated to challenges such as sustainability, digital transformation, and operational excellence. These initiatives generate applied insights for Brazilian organizations and feed into the production of national case studies, strengthening the school’s role in developing locally relevant knowledge.

The school also cultivates entrepreneurship and public-sector innovation through strategic partnerships with government agencies and industry sponsors. Its emphasis on ethical leadership and societal value aligns with its broader mission to elevate organizational performance. Recognition for inclusive practices and academic achievements underscores its long-standing influence in shaping Brazil’s business landscape.

 Is the Full-Time MBA tuition-free? Yes. As a public university program, it charges no tuition and is open to qualified Brazilian and international candidates who meet academic and professional prerequisites.

What international opportunities exist? Students access exchanges, study-weeks, dual-degree pathways, and global modules through COPPEAD’s partnerships across five continents, enriching global exposure and practical learning.

Are housing options available on campus? No on-campus housing is provided, but students receive detailed guidance on nearby accommodation options based on previous participants’ recommendations.

Admission requirements vary by program but generally include a bachelor’s degree, professional experience, entrance exams, CV submission, essays, and interviews. Doctoral candidates must hold a master’s degree. All programs are tuition-free, and select students may compete for funding from national research agencies.

International applicants follow dedicated procedures for visas, academic documentation, and health insurance. Classes are primarily in Portuguese, with some English-language components depending on the program. The campus, located in Ilha do Fundão, is accessible via public transportation, and applicants should consult COPPEAD’s website for updated deadlines and application cycles.