Universidad Del Alba

The institution originated in 1987 as a non-profit Private Law Corporation, achieving full autonomy in 2001.

After a period of crisis, the University started a new and clear cycle of development in 2019: Thus, a new Management Board was established as the highest governing body, which registered an amended statute with the Ministry of Education; professionals with proven track records and credentials were incorporated into academic leadership positions (Rector’s Office, Vicerrector’s Offices, Dean’s Offices); a Strategic Development Plan 2020 – 2024 was drawn up, greater challenges; and measures were taken to strengthen the institution in educational, organisational, financial and administrative terms. This led to a change of corporate image and name, with the institution assuming the official name Universidad del Alba (UDALBA) – approved by the Ministry of Education in 2021 – leaving behind its previous name (Universidad Pedro de Valdivia).

It should be noted that, in November 2019, like many other sectors of Chilean society, the University was damaged in the context of the so – called social outbreak; thus, its Central Campus in Santiago was completely burned and looted, losing academic and administrative equipment.

In the same month, the University was informed of the rejection of its institutional accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission (CNA), a process that had been initiated in the pre – 2019 administration. Therefore, an audit by the Superintendence of Higher Education (SES) was installed in 2020, which involved development of the so – called Recovery Plan to correct the problems identified.

Despite the loss of the Santiago campus and then the Covid – 19 pandemic, UDALBA successfully passed the SES audit, which verified the continuity and quality of educational services. The mission of Universidad del Alba is dedicated to train competent professionals who respond to the requirements of the environment, though the transmission and development of student – centered knowledge and strengthening critical thinking applied to professional work.

In terms of its vision, it seeks to stand out as a leading institution in the training of professionals relevant to regional development, driving progress in the fields of culture, science and technology, striving to offer its students an enriching educational experience, based on interdisciplinary knowledge and the promotion of innovative skills, all with a firm social commitment rooted in institutional values, through solidarity, humanity and inclusion.

Universidad del Alba is a pluralistic institution, not linked to or dependence on organisations of a religious or ideological nature, and adheres to the values of inclusion, solidarity and social responsibility. It is present in four important regions of Chile and offers Education in the main areas of knowledge. Its central function is the training of professionals and the integral development of students, and it promotes research and links with the community. It is committed to quality and meeting standards with competent bodies at national and then international level. In 2023, it was awarded institutional accreditation by the CNA. Nowadays, it has a total enrolment of 8.174 and a new enrolment of 2.492 students (year 2024), distributed among the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, the School of Engineering and the Advance programme. Its main campus is located in Santiago, but it has a regional impact with branches in Antofagasta, La Serena and Chillán. In its hallmark, the University is committed to contributing to the development of the communities where it operates and to fostering social inclusion.