University of the Americas (Chile)

University of the Americas
Universidad de Las Américas
MottoTu meta es la nuestra
Motto in English
Your goal is ours
Typeprivate, non-profit
Established1988
PresidentJorge Selume
RectorPilar Romaguera, PhD
Academic staff
500
Students22,790
Undergraduates33,000 (2025)[1]
Postgraduates56
Location,
Region Metropolitana
,
Chile
Campus219,407 square metres (54.217 acres)
Websitewww.udla.cl

University of the Americas (Spanish: Universidad de Las Américas), locally known as UDLA, is a private Chilean university.

History

UDLA was founded in 1988 and started its academic activities in 1989. Its headquarters are located in the commune of Providencia, in Santiago.

Its first rector was Mario Albornoz, a commercial engineer from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and MA in economics from the University of Chicago.

In 1995, UDLA created a branch in Quito, Ecuador.

In 1997, it was declared autonomous in 1997 by the CSE, a branch of Mineduc.

In 2000, Laureate International Universities, acquired UDLA, allowing students to obtain combined degrees from other institutions in the Laureate group. In 2020, the organization left its work in the country and the university's finances were taken over by non-profit organization Foundation of Education and Culture (Spanish: Fundación Educación y Cultura).[2]

Locations

  • Greater Santiago
    • Providencia
    • Downtown Santiago
    • Maipu
    • La Florida
    • Maipú
  • Greater Concepcion
    • Chacabuco
    • El Boldal
  • Viña del Mar
    • Los Castaños

References

  1. ^ "UDLA en cifras". Universidad de Las Américas (in Spanish). Retrieved 23 December 2025.
  2. ^ Espinosa, Magdalena (11 September 2020). "Grupo Laureate se va de Chile e instituciones tendrán nuevo sostenedor sin fines de lucro | Diario Financiero". Diario Financiero (in Spanish). Retrieved 23 December 2025.

33°26′13″S 70°36′56″W / 33.43686°S 70.61569°W / -33.43686; -70.61569