UFSCar expands to São José do Rio Preto with new campus

The Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) is expanding its presence in the state of São Paulo with a new campus in São José do Rio Preto. The facility, a former 11,000-square-meter factory, will undergo structural renovations to accommodate the academic community. Currently, 90 students are utilizing temporary facilities provided by the Federal Institute of São Paulo (IFSP).

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Minister of Education Leonardo Barchini visited the future site to signal federal support for the project. The university has already hired 32 professors, with 18 additional positions expected through a public competition by January 2027. The Ministry of Education has also allocated 50 roles for teaching, leadership, and administrative functions.

The new campus will implement an innovative pedagogical model based on interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees. Students will initially enroll in broad programs—Science, Technology, and Innovation; Sciences and Humanities; or Arts—before choosing specific specializations in their second cycle. Planned areas of study include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Architecture, and Manufacturing Engineering.