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Unesc Stands Out as a Community University with Pedagogical Innovation, International Rankings, and Impact on Regional Development.
The Unesc Community University highlighted, this January, its strategic role in Brazilian higher education by presenting academic, scientific, and social results that place it among the best-rated institutions in the country.
Located in Criciúma, in the south of Santa Catarina, the university celebrates almost 58 years connecting professional training, pedagogical innovation, and regional development, with a direct impact on the economy, health, and education.
The recognition occurs amidst national and international rankings that highlight the community model as a solid alternative outside major centers.
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The non-profit institution reinvests all resources into its academic structure and community services.
Thus, it consolidates a model of Community University focused on public interest, as provided for in Law 12.881/2013.
The goal is to train qualified professionals while transforming the territory in which it operates.
Community University Drives Regional Development
In south Santa Catarina, the presence of Unesc has a direct effect on job creation, workforce qualification, and the provision of free services.
According to data from IBGE, Criciúma has an HDI of 0.792, considered high, and the university acts as one of the main engines of this indicator.
Moreover, the institution maintains extension projects that provide healthcare, legal assistance, and educational actions to the population.
This link with the community strengthens regional development and broadens access to knowledge.
The acting rector, Gisele Silveira Coelho Lopes, emphasizes the social purpose of the model.
“A Community University is not born to serve private interest, but to serve the people.
Unesc does exactly that by offering excellent teaching, research aligned with the needs of society, and concrete actions that contribute to the region, the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and the world.
In our University, students find an education connected to local reality and also to the world.
Every investment in pedagogical innovation or infrastructure aims to prepare more complete and humane professionals.”
Higher Education with Pedagogical Innovation and Practical Learning
Since 2022, Unesc has adopted the Multi Graduation methodology, which integrates students from different courses in real societal challenges.
This model breaks with traditional teaching and brings higher education closer to market demands.
Students participate in quality of life analyses in neighborhoods, accessibility assessments in schools, and technical follow-ups on construction projects.
Thus, they develop competencies such as leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking.
New on-campus courses launched in 2025, such as Software Engineering, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, expand opportunities in areas considered strategic for the future of work.
National and International Recognition of Unesc
The performance of the Community University appears in relevant rankings.
In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, the institution excelled in 15 of the 18 Sustainable Development Goals.
In the Folha University Ranking, it secured first place among non-state community universities in Brazil for Innovation and Research.
It also earned prominent positions in Internationalization, Teaching, and Market.
“The recognitions reflect a continuous effort, based on planning, innovation, and social commitment.
Teaching, Research, Extension, and management walk together in an integrated manner, always connected to the demands of society,” highlights Gisele.
Research, Health, and Social Impact in the Territory
In the scientific field, Unesc integrates the UNAI Network of the UN and is a signatory of the Global Pact. It also achieved second place in Brazil in the SCImago ranking for scientific cooperation.
In the health sector, the Clinical Analysis Laboratory conducts about 10,000 free monthly tests and achieved 100% accuracy in the National Quality Control Program.
Therefore, inclusion projects, such as Unesc for All, promote employability for people with disabilities.
These initiatives reinforce the role of the Community University as an agent of social transformation.
Infrastructure and Strategic Environment for Higher Education
With over 300,000 square meters spread across Criciúma, Araranguá, and Balneário Rincão, Unesc offers 155 laboratories, integrated clinics, and innovation centers.
Then the Scientific and Technological Park (Iparque) and the Criciúma Innovation Center (CRIO) connect academia and businesses.
The strategic location, close to the Geopark Caminho dos Cânions do Sul and regional highways and airports, facilitates access for students from different regions.
The state of Santa Catarina also shows decreasing security rates, according to the Secretary of Public Security.
Community University Open to the Community and with Enrollments Open
Unesc maintains guided tours to the campus for students and families to get to know the structure, courses, and scholarship policies.
Thus, the initiative reinforces transparency and the bond with society.
Enrollments remain open until March 13, with limited spots. Therefore, opting for the Community University means entering a model of higher education that combines academic quality, pedagogical innovation, and commitment to regional development.
Thus, the experience of Unesc demonstrates that university excellence can emerge outside major centers, as long as it is connected to the needs of the community and the future of work.
See more at: Unesc, Brazilian Community University, Connects Education, Science, Territory, and Performance
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