The University of Caxias do Sul (the Universidade de Caxias do Sul or UCS) was established in 1967 and is now one of the biggest and oldest universities in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, with 37,000 students.
Built with concerted and collected efforts from the local community, it is still run with the commitment and engagement to all sections of society who see higher education as a source of social development.
Represented by a board of directors of the supporting Foundation by public authorities, from a city, state and federal level, as well as by entities representing civil society groups.
The Universidade de Caxias do Sul’s main campus is located in Caxias do Sul, however it has satellite campuses are in Bento Goncalves, Vacaria, Farrouphilia, Guapore, Nova Prata, Sao Sebastiao do Cai, Canela and Veranopolis.
In 1995, Fundacao Universidade de Caxias do Sul created Centro Tecnologico Universidade de Caxias do Sul, which is a high school and vocational educational school with teaching units in Caxias do Sul and Bento Goncalves. All teaching programmes are taught in Portuguese.
Caxias do Sul forms part of the Serra Gaúcha, which is known for its wine tasting and grape-growing. This region has the largest contingent of Italian immigrants in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and is known for its Grape Festival, which takes place every two years.
There are strong Italian and other immigrant traditions and histories mingled with gaúcho (regional), which is reflected in the Immigrant National Monument, in the Municipal Museum, and in the Museu de Ambiência Casa de Pedra, a beautiful example of the city's Italian architecture. The demonym of the citizens of Caxias do Sul is Caxiense.
