State University of Campinas

State University of Campinas, commonly called Unicamp, is a public research university in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

The history of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) dates back to the early 1960s, when a group of intellectuals and business leaders in the city of Campinas began to advocate for the creation of a new university in the region. At the time, the only public university in the state of São Paulo was the University of São Paulo (USP), which was located in the capital city.

In 1962, the São Paulo State Legislature passed a law creating Unicamp. The new university was designed from the ground up as an integrated research center, unlike other top Brazilian universities, which were usually created by the consolidation of previously existing schools and institutes.

Construction on Unicamp's new campus began in 1966, and the first students were admitted in 1967. The university's early years were marked by rapid growth and development. Unicamp quickly established itself as one of the leading research universities in Brazil, and its graduates began to assume positions of prominence in academia, business, and government.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Unicamp continued to grow and develop, despite the challenges posed by the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985. During this period, Unicamp became a center of resistance to the dictatorship, and its students and faculty played a leading role in the struggle for democracy.

After the end of the dictatorship in 1985, Unicamp entered a new phase of growth and development. The university's reputation for excellence in teaching and research attracted students and faculty from all over Brazil and the world. Unicamp also expanded its international partnerships and collaborations.

Unicamp is a relatively young university, but it has already made a significant impact on Brazil and the world. The university is committed to excellence in teaching and research, and it is a leading institution in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Unicamp is also a major center for the arts and humanities.

Unicamp is a vital part of the Brazilian higher education system, and it plays a key role in the country's economic and social development. The university's graduates are highly sought-after by employers around the world, and they go on to successful careers in a wide range of fields.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, State University of Campinas is positioned as the #232 top university in the world, which makes it the #2 top university in Brazil. The university's global rank decreased by 12 points from last year.