Universidad de Antofagasta

The University of Antofagasta, state-run, secular and pluralistic is one of the main national benchmarks for complex regional and public education in Chile, with high quality standards in all areas of university work, developing technologies and systems for the efficient and effective use of natural resources in the Antofagasta region and the north of Chile.

In 1918, the continuous renovation of technologies in the industry and the necessity of qualified workforce led to the creation of The Industrial School of Saltpeter. After some time, this formation center became The School of Saltpeter and Mines, and subsequently, in The Mine School of Antofagasta. Later, in 1952, is incorporated into the State Technical University.  In 1968 the University of Chile is established in the region. Finaly, in 1981, is decided to join both establishments giving birth to the Universidad Antofagasta, a professional forging center and excelence recognized in the whole country.

The commitment of our university with the region is reflected in its mission and vision, and their statements, responsibilities and permanent actions with the desert and coastal region.

In this way contributes to achieving social and economic development with environmental harmony and social peace, training socially responsible professionals who lead the sustainable development of the region and the country.

The University is organized into eight Faculties, 24 Departments, Centers and Institutes, covering all areas of knowledge, training students at a technical, professional, master's and doctoral level. Its priority areas for research are mining, marine sciences, energy, astronomy, health and social sciences.

The University of Antofagasta has an accreditation of five years by the National Accreditation Comission (CNA Chile), in the areas of Institutional Management, Undergraduate Teaching, Research and Community Relations. The Accreditation is valid from August 2017 through August 2022.

The University of Antofagasta mission, is to lead and contribute to human development and the social and productive improvement of the regional and national environment, and to project the institutional task at international level.

This mission is specified in:

• The training of people as professionals and the development of human talent at a continuous and advanced level, with the imprint of responsibility towards society and sustainable development.
• The generation, transmission and strengthening of the consolidated areas of knowledge and the promotion of the development of competitive emerging areas.
• The establishment of permanent and mutually beneficial links with the environment, in the heritage, cultural and intercultural, academic, scientific and innovation spheres, that favor the development and social and productive improvement of the corresponding communities.
• The efficient management of resources, public accountability and the development of academic and administrative activities within a framework of an internal quality management system.