Universidad Nacional de Rosario
The Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) is a prominent public research university located in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina. Guided by its Latin motto, Confingere hominem cogitantem ("Educating thoughtful people"), the institution is dedicated to fostering scientific research and professional training with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and cultural integration.
Key Facts
- Established: November 29, 1968, by Law 17.987.
- Type: Public research university.
- Student Population: 96,745 students (as of 2018).
- Academic Staff: 6,500 members (as of 2008).
- Campus: Urban setting with 68,000 square meters of building surface.
- Leadership: Currently led by Rector Franco Bartolacci.
History and Evolution
The UNR was founded by Juan Carlos Onganía in 1968. Its creation involved the incorporation of various academic and administrative entities that previously belonged to the Rosario campus of the National University of the Littoral, which had been established in 1918. This transition allowed the university to build upon a pre-existing foundation of colleges specializing in medicine, engineering, law, and the arts.
Since its inception, the university has maintained an active relationship with the society of Rosario, ensuring that its growth and projects align with regional demands. Today, the institution has expanded to include 12 colleges, three high schools, and one interdisciplinary academy. To modernize its reach, the UNR has also implemented an online campus to provide distance learning supported by web-based teaching tools.
Academic Structure and Offerings
The UNR provides a comprehensive range of academic paths, catering to various levels of professional and scientific development. Its curriculum includes 63 college degrees, 171 postgraduate courses, 15 technical degrees, and 53 intermediate-level college degrees. Additionally, it offers 32 professional non-university post-secondary degrees and 26 degrees designed for articulation with the non-university higher education system.
Science, Engineering, and Health
The university is a leader in technical and medical training. The Faculty of Exact Sciences, Engineering and Surveying covers diverse fields from Computer Science and Physics to various branches of Engineering.

Medical education is centralized in the Faculty of Medicine, while the Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences focuses on Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy.

Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences
The UNR offers robust programs in the humanities and social sciences. The Faculty of Humanities and Arts provides extensive training in Philosophy, History, and various musical disciplines, including composition and instrumentation.

Legal and political training is provided through the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, preparing students for careers in law, notary public services, and social communication.

University Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Founder | Juan Carlos Onganía |
| Total Colleges | 12 |
| Preparatory Schools | 3 (Politécnico Superior, Comercio, Agrotécnica) |
| Postgraduate Courses | 171 |
| Website | www.unr.edu.ar |
Notable Figures
The university has been home to distinguished faculty and alumni who have made significant contributions to science, politics, and the arts. Notable faculty members include mathematician Beppo Levi and chemist Gregorio Baro. Among its alumni are physician and politician Hermes Binner, as well as renowned mathematicians Jana and Federico Rodriguez Hertz.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Universidad Nacional de Rosario founded?
The university was established on November 29, 1968, under Law 17.987.
What is the motto of the UNR?
The motto is "Confingere hominem cogitantem," which translates from Latin to "Educating thoughtful people."
Does the UNR offer distance learning?
Yes, the university has incorporated an online campus that utilizes web support to provide distance learning courses.
How many students are enrolled at the university?
As of 2018, the Universidad Nacional de Rosario had 96,745 students.
What types of preparatory schools are associated with the UNR?
The university includes three preparatory schools: Instituto Politécnico Superior "General San Martín," Escuela Superior de Comercio "Libertador General San Martín," and Escuela Agrotécnica "Libertador Gral. San Martín."