Universidad de Atacama

About

Universidad de Atacama, located in Copiapó, Chile, is a public institution renowned for its strong programs in engineering, particularly mining and geology, reflecting its strategic location in Chile's primary mining region. The university also excels in natural sciences and education, contributing significantly to regional development. For international students, UDA offers exchange opportunities through its Office of International Relations, which facilitates academic mobility and provides support for integration into university life, including assistance with administrative processes. While instruction is primarily in Spanish, the university actively participates in international cooperation networks, fostering a diverse academic environment. A distinctive characteristic is its unique focus on research and development related to arid zones and sustainable mining practices.

Background

University of Atacama (Spanish: Universidad de Atacama) or UDA is a university in Chile. It is part of the Chilean Traditional Universities. UDA is in Copiapó, in the Third Region, Atacama. The university was created in 1981, as a fusion of the old Mines School of Copiapo, founded in 1857 and very prestigious in the mineral industries. This school was integrated in 1947 in early founded Universidad Técnica del Estado, being the new U.T.E. until 1981 the most important Chilean university in applied sciences and the Normal School of Copiapó, founded in 1905. UDA has four faculties: Humanities and Education, Law, Engineering, and Natural Sciences, as well as five institutes: the Technological Institute, the Language Institute, the Center for Technical Education (CFT), the Institute for Scientific and Technological Research (IDITEC), and INSAMIN. The University of Atacama campus houses several historical monuments, including the first steam engine to traverse Chile, between Copiapó and the port city of Caldera, in 1851.

Location

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