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The University of São Paulo (USP) has reclaimed its crown as the top university in Latin America, according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Latin America University Rankings 2024. This win comes after Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC Chile) held the number one spot for five consecutive years.
Brazil Leads in Latin American Rankings
This year’s rankings show Brazil’s strong rise in the region, with an impressive seven Brazilian universities placing in the top 10. The shift in rankings reflects the influence of a new metric focused on “research impact,” which highlights Brazil’s growing research strengths. By shining in key academic fields, Brazil has established itself as a leader in Latin American higher education.
USP Reclaims Its Title
The University of São Paulo (USP) has managed to retake the top spot from PUC Chile, demonstrating its excellence across various academic fields. USP’s achievement underscores Brazil’s dedication to enhancing research quality and investing in the academic sector. As one of the largest and most respected institutions in Brazil, USP’s rise signals the country’s potential to further its standing in global and regional academic circles.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Drops to Fourth
While PUC Chile remains a highly regarded institution, it has fallen from first to fourth place in the 2024 rankings. The shift emphasizes the competitive environment in Latin America’s academic sphere, where top universities are continuously pushing each other to improve.
Tecnológico de Monterrey Drops, Argentina’s La Plata Joins Rankings
Mexico’s Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM) also experienced a shift in position, moving from fourth place down to a tie for seventh. The Mexican university still holds a spot in the top 10 but faces growing competition from its Brazilian counterparts.
In addition, Argentina’s National University of La Plata made an impressive debut, entering the rankings for the first time at 28th position. This is a promising sign for Argentina’s higher education landscape, suggesting potential for further growth.
Research Focus Propels Brazilian Universities
A key factor in Brazil’s recent success is the addition of the “research influence” metric. This metric evaluates how much universities contribute to the global body of research, especially in fields like science and engineering. Brazilian universities excelled here, solidifying their status as research powerhouses within the region.
Top 10 Universities in Latin America 2024
Brazil’s universities dominate the top 10 rankings, with seven spots occupied by institutions from the country. Here’s a snapshot of the leading universities:
| Rank | University | Country |
| 1 | University of São Paulo (USP) | Brazil |
| 2 | University of Campinas (UNICAMP) | Brazil |
| 3 | University of Brasília (UnB) | Brazil |
| 4 | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC Chile) | Chile |
| 5 | Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) | Brazil |
| 6 | Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) | Brazil |
| =7 | Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM) | Mexico |
| =7 | Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) | Brazil |
| 9 | State University of Campinas (Unicamp) | Brazil |
| 10 | Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) | Brazil |
Outlook for Latin American Higher Education
The 2024 Latin America University Rankings spotlight Brazil’s expanding academic reach, especially in research. With continued investments in education and research, Brazilian institutions are set to challenge other top universities in the region. This growth hints at a future where more Latin American institutions can achieve global recognition, fostering a vibrant and competitive academic environment across the continent. For the full list, visit THE’s website.
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