Austral University (Argentina)
Austral University (Universidad Austral, UA) is a private, Roman Catholic research university located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Founded in 1991 by the Institute of Social Studies (IESE), it has grown to encompass a wide range of academic disciplines across its various campuses.
History:
The university’s origins lie in the IESE, an institute dedicated to research and advanced studies. With the support of prominent Argentine business leaders and academics, IESE established Austral University with a focus on providing a rigorous, values-based education. The university’s early years were marked by rapid expansion, adding new faculties and programs.
Campuses:
Austral University operates across several campuses primarily located in and around Buenos Aires:
- Buenos Aires Campus: This is the university's main campus and houses the Schools of Law, Business Administration, Political Science, Communication, and the IESE Business School.
- Pilar Campus: Located in the city of Pilar, north of Buenos Aires, this campus is home to the School of Engineering, the School of Biomedical Sciences, and the Austral University Hospital.
- Rosario Campus: Located in the city of Rosario, it houses the School of Business Administration and other academic programs.
Academic Organization:
The university is organized into the following schools and institutes:
- School of Business Administration
- School of Law
- School of Engineering
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- School of Political Science and International Relations
- School of Communication
- IESE Business School (Buenos Aires campus)
- Austral University Hospital (Pilar campus)
Reputation and Accreditation:
Austral University is generally regarded as one of the top private universities in Argentina and Latin America. It is accredited by the Argentine Ministry of Education. Its IESE Business School consistently ranks highly in global business school rankings.
Notable Features:
- Strong Focus on Research: The university emphasizes research across all its disciplines.
- Links with International Institutions: Austral University maintains partnerships with numerous universities and research institutions worldwide.
- Ethical and Values-Based Education: The university integrates ethical considerations and Catholic values into its curriculum.
- Austral University Hospital: The university operates its own teaching hospital, providing students in the biomedical sciences with practical experience.
Alumni:
Austral University boasts a network of alumni holding prominent positions in government, business, and academia, contributing to Argentina's social and economic development.