Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (PUC or UC Chile) (Spanish: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile) is a traditional private university based in Santiago, Chile. It was founded on June 21, 1888, by Monsignor Mariano Casanova, Archbishop of Santiago. His goal was to create an institution capable of blending academic excellence and training based on the Christian doctrine.

The university initially offered programs in law, business, accounting, chemistry, and electricity. It was one of the first universities in Chile to offer training in technological and practical fields.

In the early years, PUC was a small institution with only a few hundred students. However, it quickly grew and expanded its academic offerings. By the early 1900s, PUC was one of the leading universities in Chile.

In 1928, PUC received the donation of the first observatory located in the country. It had been installed by the University of California in 1903. This observatory allowed an astrophysics group that was incorporated into the Institute of Physics in the late 1960s.

During the 20th century, PUC continued to grow and develop. It established new schools and programs, and its research output increased significantly. PUC also became more involved in social and civic issues.

PUC has a strong commitment to social justice and civic engagement. The university's students and faculty are actively involved in a variety of initiatives to improve the lives of Chileans, both on and off campus.

PUC is a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of leading European universities. The university also has partnerships with many other universities around the world.

PUC is a prestigious university with a long history of excellence. It is a top choice for students who are looking for a challenging and rewarding educational experience.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile is positioned as the #93 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Chile. The university's global rank is improved by 10 points from last year.