University of Concepción

University of Concepción Overview

The University of Concepción (UdeC), also known by its acronym UdeC, is a renowned traditional private university located in Chile, specifically in the city of Concepción. Established on May 14, 1919, it holds a significant position as one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the country, acknowledged for its extensive research activities across various knowledge domains. As the third oldest university in Chile and a member of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape.

UdeC operates from its main campus in Concepción and boasts two additional campuses in the cities of Chillan, located in the Ñuble Region, and Los Ángeles, situated in the Biobío Region. It has also extended its presence to the capital city of Chile with its Santiago Unit, situated in Providencia. The university has been chosen as a symbol that embodies the identity of the local community, as confirmed in a 2012 civic survey.

Founded as the first university in the southern region of Chile, UdeC holds unique distinctions, such as being the first private corporation and a member of the Cross of the South University Network, as well as the G9 University Network. Furthermore, UdeC played a pioneering role in the university reform movement in Chile during the late 1960s, granting students greater involvement in university governance by approving the University Reform in 1968.

The university's establishment was primarily championed by the Chilean educator and lawyer, Enrique Molina Garmendia, who aimed to create the first secular university in Chile. UdeC is committed to dedicating a significant portion of its budget to academic research and proudly houses the most comprehensive collection of Chilean art in the country. The university encompasses various sports facilities and a network of 11 libraries, with its main library alone occupying an area of 10,000 square meters and holding a total of 100,000 volumes.

As of 2012, the university had conferred degrees to around 57,000 graduates. With a student body of approximately 23,700, including 2,166 postgraduate students, the university maintains an impressive faculty, with 72% of its professors holding doctoral or master's degrees. Its expansive infrastructure, spanning 243,556 square meters of constructed space, ranks among the largest in Chile.

Currently, UdeC holds accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission (CNA-Chile) for a seven-year period from November 2016 to November 2023. The university has garnered recognition both nationally and internationally, ranking 3rd among Chilean universities in the SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) 2022 and AmericaEconomía 2021 rankings. It is also one of four Chilean universities listed in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, where it secured the 3rd position. Furthermore, UdeC stands among the top 11 Chilean universities in the QS World University Rankings 2020 and the Times Higher Education Rankings 2020.

The Concepción campus was declared a National Heritage Site in 2016 by the National Monuments Council of Chile, making it the first and only university in Chile to receive such recognition. This designation ensures special protection and preservation of the campus and its surroundings by the state, with any interventions subject to the approval of the National Monuments Council. Additionally, the university is actively engaged in the upcoming construction of the first and only Bío Bío Scientific Technological Park (PACYT) in Chile, located near the UdeC campus. This initiative, in collaboration with the Chilean government, is aimed at fostering future productivity and serving as a significant hub for the country's development, facilitating innovative ideas and knowledge generation.

With a total of 5,369 employees across various positions, the University of Concepción stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Chile. From its inception, the university has been at the forefront of educational development, inspiring students, and contributing significantly to the cultural, social, and economic progress of the nation.

The University of Concepción offers an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, catering to diverse fields of study, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Its commitment to research and development, as well as its cultural and architectural heritage, has solidified its position as a prominent institution both regionally and globally.