Founded in 1958, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Belo Horizonte (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Minas Gerais. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Arcos, Betim, Contagem, Poços de Caldas, Serro, Uberlândia. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC MINAS) is a very large coeducational Brazilian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC MINAS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 63 years old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. PUC MINAS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.