BEST UNIVERSITY IN SOUTHERN SANTA CATARINA

Your best version starts at Unesc

Come study at one of the most comprehensive universities in Santa Catarina. Excellent courses, state-of-the-art facilities, a welcoming city, and a student life you'll remember forever.

UNESC IN NUMBERS

An institution that transforms lives

Founded in 1970, Unesc is a reference in teaching, research, and extension. Check out the numbers that make our university the 2nd best non-public and the 4th best overall in Santa Catarina (RUF 2025).

19,000+

Students

approximately

150+

Courses

from Elementary School to Doctorate

50,000+

Graduates

throughout history

166

Teaching laboratories

qualified structure

217

Extension programs and projects

in progress

294

Undergraduate scholarships

scientific initiation

111

Research groups

certificates

15

Graduate programs

9 master's and 6 doctoral programs

COME LIVE IN CRICIÚMA

A city that welcomes newcomers

Criciúma is the economic and cultural hub of Southern Santa Catarina. With complete infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and enviable quality of life, it is the perfect place for you to build your future.

225K

Inhabitants

Large enough to offer opportunities, small enough for you to feel at home.

0.788

Municipal HDI

High Municipal Human Development Index, ranking among the best in the state and in Brazil.

Top 10

Safety in SC

One of the safest cities in the southern part of the state to live and study

+80k

Formal jobs

Criciúma has a total of 80,563 active formal jobs, with young people leading hiring and reinforcing market renewal

WHERE TO LIVE

Housing made easy

Criciúma offers great housing options for students, with affordable prices and safe neighborhoods close to the campus.

Studios

The most popular option among university students

Furnished studios are the choice for those who prefer privacy and independence. In the University Neighborhood, there is a good supply of this type of property, many of which are already equipped with planned furniture and basic appliances, making the move much easier.

Apartments

Comfort and independence for those who prefer

A good option for those seeking more comfort and tranquility during their undergraduate studies. In the vicinity of UNESC, there is a good supply of apartments in gated communities with security, ideal for those who want to balance studies with a more structured routine, whether living alone or sharing with a roommate.

Unesc Classifieds

Access our student classifieds board and find rooms, shared housing, properties, and even second-hand furniture — all listed by those who have studied here.

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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND LEISURE

There's so much to enjoy here

Discover the best tourist spots in Criciúma and the surrounding area, along with everything the city has to offer.

British Castle

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Saint Joseph Cathedral

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Heriberto Hülse Stadium

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Octávio Fontana Visitor Mine

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Realdo Santos Guglielmi Lookout

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Prof. Morgana Cirimbelli Gaidzinski Zoology Museum

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Rincão Beach

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Albert Einstein E=mc² Astronomical Park

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Nations Park

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City Hall Square

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Congress Square

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GETTING AROUND

Easy mobility in Criciúma

Bus Terminal in front of Unesc

Arrived in the city and don’t have a car? No problem. The Central Bus Terminal in Criciúma is literally right in front of the Unesc campus. You can access all neighborhoods in the city directly, without needing to transfer. It’s quick, affordable, and hassle-free.

Municipal Bus

Terminal in front of the campus with routes to all neighborhoods.

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Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber, 99, and InDriver available with a good supply of drivers.

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Bike Lanes

Criciúma has a network of bike lanes integrated with the city center and the campus.

Motorcycle Taxi

Popular and quick service for short trips within the city.

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Airport

Regional South Airport - Humberto Ghizzo Bortoluzzi (Jaguaruna) 40 minutes away

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GASTRONOMY

There are options everywhere

On campus or right next door — options for coffee, lunch, and dinner for all budgets.

STUDENT LIFE

The university is much more than just classes

Academic centers, a strong student movement, and traditions that are part of a complete university experience.

Academic Centers

Each course has its active Academic Center, representing students and promoting impactful actions within the university and the community.

Student Movement

A tradition of mobilization, political debate, and student leadership that has shaped leaders for decades.

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Academic Weeks

Each course organizes its own academic week, featuring lectures, workshops, and integration activities among students from all phases.

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International Exchange

Partnerships with universities in Europe, Latin America, and North America for academic exchanges.

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InterCourses Unesc

The largest sports event at the university! Academic centers compete in various sports. This initiative strengthens team spirit, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging to the academic community, reaffirming the institution's commitment to the holistic development of students.

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Unesc Store

Official Store

Identity and Pride Unesc

Opened in March 2024, the Unesc Store was created to connect the academic community through products that embody our essence. Located in the Student Block, the store offers exclusive items developed in collaboration with courses such as Design and Visual Arts.

Apparel

Course t-shirts and traditional models.

Stationery

Academic materials and personalized accessories.

Mascots

Vitorino plush (Muzoo) and collectibles.

Gifts

Exclusive souvenirs from our university.

Where to find us?

We are located in the heart of the campus: Student Block. Stop by to check out the latest news up close!

View models on Instagram

INFRASTRUCTURE

State-of-the-art laboratories

At Unesc, practical classes are real. Cutting-edge technology, fully equipped laboratories, and everything the market demands, because your education deserves the best.

Hair Aesthetics Laboratory

Nutrition and Gastronomy Laboratory

Polymer Processing Laboratory

Multifunctional

Multi-user Laboratory

School of Medicine Clinic

School Pharmacy

Architecture Studio

Mixed Reality Center

Chemistry Laboratory

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Students at the Unesc Language School

Unesc Language School

Speak the language of your future

The Unesc Language School offers courses in German, Spanish, French, Guarani, Italian, English, Brazilian Sign Language, and Portuguese for Foreigners, with a communicative approach focused on conversation. Prepare for exchanges, new career opportunities, or simply to explore the world.

Classes for all levels

Authorized TOEFL testing center

Qualified Teachers

Differentiated Prices

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WHO HAS COME TO SHARE

The experience of those who chose Unesc

"As a law student, I feel that here I learned much more than just theory; I had contact with extremely qualified professors who work in the market and share the practical reality of the profession, showing how the daily life of advocacy works. Additionally, I was very impressed by the university's structure, especially the space where the community can seek free legal assistance, bringing students closer to practice and reinforcing the institution's social commitment."

Maria Eduarda K.

Law • Balneário Gaivota-SC

To start, I arrived in this country through a scholarship, PEC-G (undergraduate student exchange program). I randomly chose Unesc because the process required selecting two courses, one as a preference and another as an auxiliary. So I chose medicine as my preference, and for the auxiliary, I didn't have one, so I thought and said I would choose anything but it should be in the health area, and then I found Biomedicine. Interestingly, I didn't even know what area of health Biomedicine was in because it is not a prominent course in our country. So I started looking at universities that had openings in the Biomedicine course, and that's when I found Unesc (university in the extreme south of Santa Catarina). I just applied there, and that was it. And today here I am in Criciúma, a beautiful, peaceful city with good people, and what impressed me the most is how I was welcomed by you all; your reception made me feel at home. I thank you, Unesc, for making me fall in love with this university because your reception makes a big difference in my life as someone seeking knowledge. Once again, thank you.

Tozi António Loio

Biomedicine • Guinea-Bissau

PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Live all the experiences

Discover the programs and opportunities that make Unesc a unique place.

Support and Welcoming

Welcoming Program: Offers psychological support, emotional assistance, and brief psychotherapy to help students in their university and personal journey.

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SAMA: Individualized support to identify learning difficulties and improve academic performance. Communication accessibility for deaf students in classes and events. Assists students with specific needs in mobility, assistive technologies, and academic integration. Spaces for sharing experiences about disability, mental health, and learning.

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Art and Culture

Unesc Dance Company: Allows experimentation with different body techniques and contemporary dance languages.

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Unesc Choir: Focused on music education and performances at various events.

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Unesc Instrumental: A musical interaction group with weekly rehearsals.

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Periodic Events: Cultural Thursdays (weekly performances on campus) and the Toque de Arte project promote artistic diffusion.

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Sports

Weight Training (Gym): Strength training in modern facilities.

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Swimming: Aquatic activities supervised by qualified professionals.

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Water Aerobics: Aerobic exercises performed in the pool.

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Beach Tennis: One of the sports offered by the department.

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Space Rental: Students and the community can rent sports facilities for events or specific activities.

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Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Junior Company Movement (MEJ): Students plan and manage non-profit junior companies, applying classroom knowledge in practice.

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Unesc Labs: Selection of university talents to develop skills by creating real solutions for companies.

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Technological Incubator (i-tec.in): Supports business ideas and tech startups with infrastructure, technical support, and access to Iparque's laboratories.

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Unesc Connect: Innovation Hub to connect students with people, organizations, and the productive sector.

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Entrepreneurship Center: Entrepreneurial training to transform university knowledge into innovative products, processes, or services.

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Connection Activities in the Hub: Access to mentoring, lectures, workshops, immersions, and networking to boost your career.

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Unesc Solution: Connects student-researchers with the productive sector to develop projects aimed at societal demands.

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UNDERGRADUATE

Well-rated courses that the market wants

Excellence recognized by the MEC, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a comprehensive curriculum with over 60 undergraduate courses.

INVESTMENT

Benefits of being a Unesc student

There are many ways to finance your undergraduate studies. Discover the options available for you.

Our Scholarship for Teaching Degrees

The Nossa Bolsa Program is an initiative of Unesc, integrated into the admission modality for Teaching Degree courses. The scholarship reinforces the University’s commitment to teacher training and access to higher education.

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ProEngenharias I Scholarship Program

The program offers significant financial benefits for students in Engineering, Architecture, and Design courses, encouraging training in strategic areas and expanding professional qualification opportunities.

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Racial Equity Scholarship

Program aimed at promoting access and retention of Black and Indigenous students in higher education, contributing to inclusion, diversity, and equity in the university environment.

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Criciúma City Hall Scholarship (PMC)

Granted by the Government of the Municipality of Criciúma, the scholarship benefits students who have resided in the city for at least five years. Offered biannually, it is primarily aimed at individuals in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability and people with disabilities.

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University for All (ProUni)

With your Enem score, you can earn a scholarship through ProUni and enroll at the University without worrying about tuition fees until graduation. It’s the opportunity to turn your Enem performance into access to higher education with guaranteed financial support.

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Free University Program

It is a financial assistance program that guarantees free tuition for higher education students. At Unesc, the benefit is valid for in-person courses, expanding access and strengthening students' retention in their undergraduate studies.

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Santander Scholarships 2024

The Santander Scholarship Program 2024 is a partnership between Unesc and Banco Santander to provide financial support to students regularly enrolled in undergraduate programs at Unesc, both in-person and online.

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Pravaler

Finance your tuition fees and pay over double the time, interest-free for selected courses with simplified enrollment.

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Ready to take the next step?

Join a community university that transforms lives through education