Founded in 1969, Universidade do Vale do Taquari (University of Taquari Valley) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Lajeado (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Sul. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade do Vale do Taquari (UNIVATES) is a large coeducational Brazilian higher education institution. Universidade do Vale do Taquari (UNIVATES) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. UNIVATES also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.