The history of the University of Santa Cruz do Sul blends together with the history of the Associação Pró-Ensino em Santa Cruz do Sul (APESC), its sponsor, founded in 1962. The project responsible for giving rise to UNISC was designed through collective efforts from the community, following the commitment and participation of different segments of a community who believes in higher education as a resource for social development. Thus, UNISC’s social identity is responsible for its growth following technological advances, without neglecting attention to humans and the environment.
The quality of the work the Institution performs is another continuous concern. The economic crisis and the democratization process Brazil took place during the 80s and had significant effects on the University. It helped on establishing and reinforcing principles that resulted especially in democratic life at all levels, participative planning, management transparency and commitment with the community.
The fact that the University bears several projects linked to health, education, sports, environment, communication and technological development supports the bonds of an institution committed to ethical principles and a sustainable development of the community where it is inserted in.
1962 Foundation of Associação Pró-Ensino em Santa Cruz do Sul (APESC), UNISC’s sponsor.
1964 Creation of the Accounting Sciences School
1967 Beginning of the courses offered by the Philosophy, Sciences and Languages
1968 Creation of the Law School.
1970 Creation of the Physical Education School.
1980 The necessary approval from the Ministério da Educação – MEC (Brazilian Ministry of Education) was given to the Institution in order to create the Faculdades Integradas de Santa Cruz do Sul (FISC), gathering four schools under its responsibility and, this way, making it possible to offer teaching undergraduate courses during a special period - summer and winter breaks – and Graduate (Specialist Degree) courses.
1991 Approval of the consultation letter for the creation of the University by the Conselho Federal de Eduação – CFE (Federal Council of Education) extinguishing the Schools and giving rise to the Departments which began to report directly to the Senior Management
1993 The institution acquired the title of University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) offering education, research and extension and allowing the development of new courses in different fields like Health and Engineering.
1993 Creation of the Polo for Technological Innovation in Rio Pardo Valley.
1994 Implementation of the first graduate course of Master’s degree in Regional Development which, since 2002, has been also offering the Doctorate program.
1998 Establishment of the University Campus in the city of Sobradinho.
1999 APESC became the sponsor of Centro de Educação Profissional da UNISC (CEPRU) [professional education center].
2001 Establishment of the University Campus in the city of Capão da Canoa.
2003 APESC purchased Hospital Santa Cruz (HSC), the oldest and biggest health center in Santa Cruz do Sul and region. It soon became a place where the University’s students can perform their internships.
2004 Establishment of the University Campus in the city of Venâncio Aires.
2005 Development of a technological incubator called ITUNISC at the University.
2008 UNISC obtained the highest score at an evaluation performed by the Education Ministry's (MEC) National System for Evaluating Higher Education (SINAES).
2010 UNISC obtained the highest score, five, at the Avaliação Institucional Externa [External Institutional Evaluation] INEP/SESu/MEC.
2011 Establishment of the University Campus in the city of Montenegro. UNISC signs her reaccreditation with MEC for another ten years.
2012 HSC is acknowledged by the Education and Health Ministries as a teaching hospital.
2014 Official opening of UNISC’s scientific and technological park called TecnoUnisc.
2020 Inauguration of UNISC's Veterinary Hospital
