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 small city of Santa Maria (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Sul.  Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education, Brazil), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) is a large (EduListing enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational 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 degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the EduListing degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 59 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. 