Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) is a private Chilean higher education institution, belonging to the Catholic Church. Founded on May 31, 1956, it began its activities on March 25, 1957 and was recognized by the State through a law of February 4, 1964. It is a member of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), being one of the six catholic universities that integrate it; It is also part of the G9 University Network (private universities of the CRUCH) and the Association of Regional Universities of Chile (AUR). It is the eighth oldest university in the Republic of Chile, and the third Catholic university created in the country. Its headquarters are located in the city of Antofagasta, it has a campus in the city of Coquimbo, with offices in San Pedro of Atacama and, in addition, of several other installations throughout the Chilean north.

It is currently accredited by the National Accreditation Commission (CNA-Chile) for a period of 6 years (out of a maximum of 7), from November 2016 to November 2022.

In accordance with its mission, the UCN, inspired by the principles of Christian Humanism, creates and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research and connection with the environment, contributing to the integral formation of the person, the preservation of cultural heritage and to the sustainable development of society from the North of Chile.

It currently offers 48 undergraduate courses, 23 master’s programs, 5 doctoral programs and 27 diploma and postgraduate programs1 with a wide range of continuing education programs for the improvement of professionals. Diplomas and postgraduate degrees are also offered in the distance education modality and some in the online education modality.

With a strong regional vocation, a total enrollment of 12,000+ students, the focus of the UCN is centered on the themes of northern Chile and the Andean zone: engineering, mining, geology, astronomy, marine sciences, archaeology, etc.

Traditional. Public. Regional. Accredited.