University of Brasília

University of Brasília is a public higher education institution in Brazil located in Brasília, the Federal District. It is one of the largest higher education institutions in the Midwest region and one of the most important in the country.

The University of Brasília (UnB) was founded on April 21, 1962, by educators Anísio Teixeira and Darcy Ribeiro. The university was created as part of the larger project to build a new capital city for Brazil, Brasília. Teixeira and Ribeiro envisioned a university that would be a model for modern education, with a focus on interdisciplinarity and social responsibility. The UnB campus was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, one of Brazil's most famous architects. The campus is located on the shores of Lake Paranoá and features a number of iconic buildings, including the Central Institute of Sciences (ICC), which is nicknamed the "Minhocão" (caterpillar) for its long, serpentine shape. The UnB began offering classes in 1963, with an initial enrollment of around 500 students. The university quickly grew in size and reputation, and today it is one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil.

The UnB has played an important role in the development of Brazilian society. The university has produced many of Brazil's leading scientists, scholars, and politicians. The UnB has also been a major center of social activism and political debate. In recent years, the UnB has faced a number of challenges, including budget cuts and government interference. However, the university remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality education and research. Today, the UnB is a leading university in Brazil and Latin America. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. The UnB is also a major center of research and innovation. The university is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and to preparing them for success in the global economy.

University of Brasília is ranked as the #9 top university in Brazil during 2025. The rank is improved by 1 point from last year.