University of Santiago, Chile (USACH)

University of Santiago, Chile is one of the country’s oldest universities. Set up in 1849 as the School of Arts and Crafts, it has become known under its current name from 1981. 

The higher level education institution offers a broad range of degrees in science, technology, medicine, engineering, architecture and humanities. All teaching is in Spanish. 

Most of USACH's research focuses on sciences and applied sciences and education, and is done across its nine think tanks, institutes and research centres including: CECTA and CEUS Llanquihue, which concentrate on food and food technology; CEDENNA, which researches nanoscience and nanotechnology; Innovo and Citecamp, researching technology transfer and innovation; CICES, Comenius and CEDETEC, which do research in education, and technology and innovation in education; and IDEA, a social science institute. 

Beyond research, the University of Santiago, Chile prides itself on its orchestra and choirs that have been running since the 1980s and 1950s respectively, and which take part in regular national and international performances. It was also in the 1980s that a planetarium got built on the premises of the institution. The university campus is located in central Santiago, giving students access to the various cultural events that take place across the city. 

Among the University of Santiago, Chile’s prominent alumni are Sergio Campos, a journalist who was awarded the National Prize in Journalism in 2011, Karla Rubilar, politician, doctor and public health specialist and member of Congress, musician, director and social activist Victor Jara, civil engineers Santiago Gonzalez, Sergio Lavanchy, Andres Molina, businessman and philanthropist Leonardo Farkas.