Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV Law School)

FGV Direito Rio is a leading private law school in Rio de Janeiro, founded under the prestigious Fundação Getulio Vargas. It stands out for its strong academic reputation and commitment to Brazil’s socioeconomic development through advanced legal training. The school has earned top national evaluations, including the highest Brazilian Bar Exam performance among private institutions, reflecting its rigorous approach to teaching and research.

With a focus on modern, interdisciplinary legal education, the school combines law with economics, governance, and public policy. This integrated model prepares students to engage with Brazil’s evolving legal and institutional landscape while remaining connected to global academic networks.

FGV Direito Rio graduates benefit from a robust professional network shaped by FGV’s longstanding national influence. Alumni often secure key roles across Brazil’s judiciary, government agencies, and corporate sector, supported by the school’s strong track record in bar exam performance and market-oriented training. This ecosystem fosters rapid career progression in litigation, business law, regulatory fields, and public service.

Partnerships with major law firms, corporations, and courts create a constant flow of internship and employment opportunities. Research centers further elevate professional development by exposing students to real-world legal challenges, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with practical experience and competitive credentials.

FGV Direito Rio appeals to students seeking rigorous legal education grounded in innovation and national relevance. Its reputation for academic excellence, including top Ministry ratings and high Bar Exam performance, positions graduates competitively. The curriculum integrates law with economics, public policy, and technology, creating professionals equipped to navigate modern legal challenges.

The school’s strong global connections, influential alumni network, and partnerships with international institutions broaden students’ horizons. Combined with personalized learning environments and access to impactful research centers, FGV Direito Rio provides a comprehensive formation that supports both national and international career aspirations.

FGV Direito Rio drives legal innovation through its research centers and contributions to public policy. The Technology and Society Center advances studies in digital governance, intellectual property, and privacy, influencing both national and international regulatory debates. Meanwhile, the Justice and Society Center collaborates with judicial institutions on modernization and evidence-based reforms.

Emphasizing applied research, the school fosters interdisciplinary projects linking law to economics, sustainability, and social issues. These initiatives produce practical solutions for emerging challenges in Brazil’s legal system, positioning FGV Direito Rio as a catalyst for institutional improvement and forward-looking legal development.

How does FGV prepare students for the Bar Exam? The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes practical training, case-based learning, and academic excellence, helping students perform strongly on the OAB exam.

What exchange opportunities are available? FGV Direito Rio maintains international partnerships, including with top global universities, allowing visiting students to access select undergraduate and graduate courses.

Are there flexible learning formats? Yes. Online 30-hour courses offer practical legal content for working professionals, with some recognized by the Bar Association for internship credit.

Admissions prioritize merit, with undergraduate entry through Brazil’s vestibular exam and graduate programs requiring academic records, essays, and interviews. Exchange students apply through partner institutions and can enroll in courses taught at the Rio campus. Portuguese proficiency is generally required, though select graduate offerings support international learners.

Practical considerations include competitive tuition rates, scholarship options, and access to detailed guidance for international students. While FGV does not offer on-campus housing, the surrounding neighborhoods provide convenient accommodation options. Rio’s academic calendar follows a February–June and August–December semester structure.