Founded in 1960, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Federal University of Santa Maria) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Santa Maria (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Sul. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) is a large coeducational Brazilian higher education institution. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) 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 61 years old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UFSM 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.