Founded in 2008, Universidad Técnica Nacional (National Technical University) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the metropolis of Alajuela (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Pacífico, Atenas, Guanacaste, San Carlos. Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica), Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) is a large coeducational Costa Rican higher education institution. Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UTN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.