Established in 1974, Universidad Rafael Urdaneta (Rafael Urdaneta University) is a private higher-education institution located in the metropolis of Maracaibo (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Zulia. Officially recognized by the Ministerio del Poder Popular para Educación Universitaria, Ciencia y Tecnología, Venezuela (Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Venezuela), Universidad Rafael Urdaneta (URU) is a large coeducational Venezuelan higher education institution. Universidad Rafael Urdaneta (URU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 48 years old Venezuelan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. URU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.