Founded in 2018, Universidade Franciscana (Franciscan University) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the medium city of Santa Maria (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Rio Grande do Sul. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade Franciscana (UFN) is a coeducational Brazilian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidade Franciscana (UFN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. UFN 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.