National University of La Plata

National University of La Plata is a public research university located in the city of La Plata, capital of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

The history of the National University of La Plata (UNLP) can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the city of La Plata was founded as the new capital of Buenos Aires Province. The provincial government was eager to establish a university in the new city, and in 1889, a group of senators proposed the creation of the Universidad Provincial de La Plata.

The university was officially inaugurated on April 18, 1897, with three faculties: Law, Physicomathematics, and Chemistry, as well as a School of Midwives. Dardo Rocha, the Governor of Buenos Aires Province at the time, was elected as the university's first rector.

In the early years of its existence, the university was relatively small, with only a few hundred students. However, it quickly grew in size and reputation, and by the turn of the 20th century, it was one of the leading universities in Argentina.

In 1905, the university was nationalized by the federal government. This was a major turning point in the university's history, as it gave it access to more resources and allowed it to expand its programs and research.

Over the next few decades, the university continued to grow and develop. New faculties were added, and the university's research output increased significantly. The university also became a major center for student activism and political debate.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the university was severely affected by the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina. Many faculty members and students were persecuted and imprisoned. However, the university survived this difficult period, and it continued to play an important role in Argentine society.

The National University of La Plata is a proud institution that is committed to excellence in education and research. It is a major force for progress in Argentina and in the world.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, National University of La Plata is positioned as the #534 top university in the world, which makes it the #4 top university in Argentina. The university's global rank is improved by 6 points from last year.