Founded in 1960, Universidade Católica de Pelotas (Catholic University of Pelotas) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Pelotas (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Sul. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Arroio Grande, Canguçu, Pinheiro Machado, Piratini, Santa Vitória do Palmar. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade Católica de Pelotas (UCPEL) is a coeducational Brazilian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidade Católica de Pelotas (UCPEL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 61 years old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UCPEL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.