Founded in 1998, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale (University of Eastern Piedmont) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Vercelli (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Piemonte. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Novara, Alessandria, Verbania, Asti, Biella, Alba, Fossano. Officially recognized by the Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca, Italia (Ministry of Education, Universities and Research of Italy), Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale (UPO) is a large coeducational Italian higher education institution. Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale (UPO) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 24 years old Italian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UPO also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.