University of the Americas

University of the Americas Overview

The Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA) stands as a distinguished pillar of Chilean education, tracing its roots back to its founding in 1988. This private autonomous institution has carved a notable niche within the nation's academic landscape, and its reputation extends beyond Chile's borders. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, UDLA has established a formidable presence across the country, boasting three central campuses and seven comprehensive campuses thoughtfully dispersed across Santiago, Viña del Mar, and Concepción. It is worth highlighting that UDLA holds the prestigious distinction of being the pioneering Chilean institution to align itself with the globally renowned Laureate International Universities network, a testament to its forward-looking ethos.

Presently, UDLA stands as a beacon of quality, having secured accreditation from the esteemed Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile) for an impressive five-year period, spanning from March 2023 to March 2028. The university's commitment to maintaining an exceptional standard of education resonates in its ranking as the 33rd leading university in Chile, as per the respected SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) of 2022.

The university's rich history dates back to its inception in 1989, led by the visionary guidance of Mario Albornoz Galdámez, a distinguished engineer and commerce expert. UDLA's autonomy, a testament to its academic prowess, was officially recognized in December 1997 by the Chilean Consejo Superior de Educación. UDLA's influence extends across various regions, with campuses spanning Providencia, Santiago Centro, La Florida, Maipú, Viña del Mar, and Concepción, showcasing its commitment to holistic educational accessibility.

UDLA's global aspirations became evident in 1993 when it embarked on discussions with Ecuadorian entrepreneurs to establish a bi-national educational initiative. With meticulous curriculum adaptations, UDLA extended its reach into Quito, Ecuador, marking the commencement of academic activities just two years later. The pivotal year 2000 marked a transition of ownership, as UDLA's reins passed to Sylvan International Universities, now renowned as Laureate International Universities. This transition heralded the inception of the coveted Laureate Program, granting students the unique privilege of pursuing dual international degrees.

During the period spanning 2000 to 2007, UDLA surged to become the largest private university in Chile, demonstrating its leadership and transformative impact on the nation's education landscape. Notably, UDLA holds the distinction of being the first university in Chile to integrate into the Laureate consortium, solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in the higher education sector.

The transformative year 2020 ushered in a new chapter as Laureate International Universities concluded its Chilean operations, including UDLA, entrusting stewardship to the Fundación Educación y Cultura. This strategic move was informed by the evolving educational landscape post-Chile's 2020 national plebiscite, demonstrating UDLA's adaptive and forward-thinking approach.

UDLA's distinguished leadership is underscored by its illustrious board members, including José Palacios G. as President, José Pedro Undurraga I. as Vice President, and Paulina Hernández P. as Secretary General, among other esteemed individuals. The university's lineage of rectors includes luminaries such as Mario Albornoz Galdámez, Patricia Cabello Pedrasa, José Pedro Undurraga Izquierdo, and Pilar Armanet, each contributing to the enduring legacy of UDLA.

While UDLA has received numerous accolades, it has also encountered challenges. In 2012, over three thousand education graduates participated in the voluntary Prueba Inicia, with UDLA ranking fourth lowest, indicating the need for pedagogical enhancements. The same year, the Comisión Investigadora sobre el Funcionamiento de la Educación Superior de la Cámara de Diputados identified administrative irregularities within UDLA and other institutions affiliated with Laureate International Universities.

UDLA's diverse faculties and extensive program offerings span a multitude of domains including Law, Architecture, Design, Construction, Agronomy, Veterinary Medicine, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Communications, Arts, Education, Engineering, and Business, effectively catering to an array of academic pursuits.

Expanding over an impressive expanse of 237,300 square meters, UDLA encompasses three central campuses and seven comprehensive campuses, strategically positioned across regions including Santiago, Valparaíso, and the Biobío. UDLA's commitment to innovation is evident through its pioneering Latin American Centers of Health Simulation Training, Simulation Centers for Oral Trials, Legal Clinics, Psychological Care Centers (CAPS), and the technologically advanced Campus Virtual platform.

UDLA's physical presence is manifest in diverse campuses, including Campus Providencia, Campus La Florida, Campus Maipú, Campus Santiago Centro, Campus Melipilla, Campus Los Castaños, Campus Chacabuco, and Campus El Boldal. These campuses encapsulate UDLA's dedication to creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment.

Complementing its academic offerings, UDLA's research publications include Revista Entheos, Revista Herencia, Revista Sapiens, and Revista Educación las Américas, exemplifying the university's scholarly spirit and commitment to advancing knowledge across various disciplines.