Established in 1968, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (Rio Grande do Norte State University) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Mossoró (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Norte. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Assu, Pau dos Ferros, Patu, Natal. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (UERN) is a large coeducational Brazilian higher education institution. Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (UERN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 53 years old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UERN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.