Founded in 1948, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Porto Alegre (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Sul. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Uruguaiana, Viamão. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) is a large coeducational Brazilian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 73 years old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 30-40% making this Brazilian higher education organization a very selective institution. PUCRS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.