The Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) is a public research university located in the State of Sao Paulo. It is one of the most renowned institutions of high education and research in Brazil and Latin America. Every year about 3,000 vacancies for undergraduate courses as well as 54 graduate Programs in master's and Ph.D. in several areas of knowledge are offered at its three campuses: São Carlos, Araras and Sorocaba. Due to its rich academic excellence and important research projects, UFSCar has been rewarded with many important prizes, such as: Best Public University in Brazil countryside, Institutional Merit on Young Scientist Award in 2008 and it was ranked the eighth best university in the country, according to the General Index on Courses of the Ministry of Education.