The Austral University of Chile (UACh) is a private research higher education institution that has a strong reputation for scientific research. With headquarters located in Valdiviat, UACh is one of the first universities in southern Chile and among the traditional Chilean universities that is still owned by a non-profit organization.
The university was founded in 1954, 12 years after local politicians and industrialists including the senator of Valdivia Carlos Acharán Pérez de Arce joined efforts with the idea it will bring knowledge to the local area.
In the past UACh heavily relied on private donations for its multidisciplinary research, but now the university of one the biggest recipients of state funds in the region.
Scientists from UACh regularly contribute with research in various fields such as archeology, dairy technology and science, paleontology and virology. The university is also famous for its scientific journals such as the forestry publication Bosque, which analyses current developments relevant to South America.
UACh has 10 different faculties: architecture and arts, science, agricultural science, economics and management, forestry and natural resources, social and legal studies veterinary science, engineering, philosophy and humanities and medicine that are taught on six campuses.
A peaceful natural environment surrounds the main campus of the university Isla Teja, which covers 106 m2 of land. The campus is based in the city Valdivia, which is also the capital of Los Rios administrative centre.
One of the main attractions on campus is a botanical garden, which is home for 950 unique species. Other facilities include bank, casinos, post office and cinema club.
Notable UACh alumni are football player Arturo Norambuena, and Chilean politicians Roberto Dalmastro and Iván Flores.
