The University of Montevideo

The University of Montevideo Overview

The University of Montevideo (UM) is a distinguished private institution located in Montevideo, Uruguay. Established in 1986, it attained official university status in 1997. According to the QS World University Ranking for the 2021-2022 period, UM ranks as the top university in Uruguay, securing the 469th position. Similarly, the TOP 50 Under 50 ranking for 2020-2021 places UM within the 71-80 range, recognizing its excellence among universities under 50 years old.

Founded on November 25, 1986, the University of Montevideo traces its origins to the inauguration of the Institute of Business Studies of Montevideo (IEEM) within the premises of the Bolsa de Comercio S.A. building. Since its inception, UM has evolved, offering interdisciplinary programs such as a Postgraduate Degree in Business Law, established in March 1987. Distinguished legal experts, including Jorge Peirano Basso, Ricardo Olivera García, Santiago Pérez del Castillo, Carlos Delpiazzo, and Alberto Faget, contributed to the development and instruction of these programs.

Under the leadership of Alberto Faget, a Postgraduate Program in Tax Legislation was initiated in 1988. The program's interdisciplinary nature was complemented by seminars focusing on Business Law and Business Management, with subsequent expansions including the Master's in Business Law and Master's in Business Taxation. UM continued to grow, introducing programs like the Master's in Business Management and the Master's in Business Tax Consultation, enlisting both local and international professors, including those trained at Harvard University, to facilitate the Harvard case method.

In 1997, the Asociación Civil IEEM was granted authorization to operate as a private university under the name "Universidad de Montevideo." Subsequently, UM expanded its faculties, creating the Faculties of Humanities, Biomedical Sciences, and Communication. The university's emblem, designed by Monseñor Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo during his tenure as Apostolic Nuncio to Uruguay, features interlinked golden rings representing the initial knowledge domains of law, administration, and economics. This emblem symbolizes UM's commitment to interdisciplinary education and its association with the Opus Dei, instilled by San Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer.

UM boasts six academic faculties, including the Faculties of Business and Economics, Law, Communication, Humanities, Engineering, and the IEEM Business School. Its educational framework is fortified by various departments and services, such as the University Library, International Relations, and Communications. The university is led by distinguished individuals, including Dr. Juan Manuel Gutiérrez Carrau as Rector and faculty deans overseeing their respective fields of expertise.

With seven strategically located campuses throughout Montevideo, UM ensures accessibility to quality education and research opportunities. Notable among these campuses are the central headquarters, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Law. These facilities, coupled with the dedication of UM's administration and faculty, collectively contribute to its ranking as a top institution, both in Uruguay and internationally.