University of the Republic (Faculty of Law)

The University of the Republic Faculty of Law is Uruguay’s oldest legal institution, founded in 1838 and integrated into UDELAR in 1849. Located in Montevideo’s historic Cordón district, it operates from its original neoclassical building and remains central to the country’s public higher education system. As part of a constitutionally autonomous university, it upholds a mission of accessible and academically rigorous legal training.

With more than 180 years of uninterrupted activity, the Faculty has shaped Uruguay’s legal and political landscape. It contributes significantly to national research output and maintains a reputation for excellence rooted in the civil law tradition and public-service values.

The Faculty maintains one of Uruguay’s strongest professional networks, with alumni serving as presidents, legislators, judges, and public administrators. This legacy creates a powerful support system for students entering the legal field. Close ties with courts and public agencies enable students to gain experience interpreting rulings, engaging with state institutions, and understanding judicial operations.

Graduates pursue careers in judiciary roles, private practice, public prosecution, legislative advisory work, and notarial services. With high employment rates and a well-established national presence, the Faculty provides strong pathways into influential positions across the legal and governmental sectors.

The Faculty offers unmatched historical prestige and continuity as Uruguay’s first law school, shaping national leadership for nearly two centuries. Its tuition-free model ensures equitable access to top-tier legal education, supported by state funding and a commitment to public service. Students benefit from a stable, tradition-rich academic environment rooted in civil law excellence.

The co-government system empowers students to participate in academic decision-making, promoting leadership development. Its central location and proximity to key legal institutions enable real-world learning. A proven track record of producing influential professionals reinforces its role as a leading choice for aspiring jurists.

The Faculty plays a central role in Uruguay’s legal research ecosystem, contributing extensively to national scholarship on constitutional interpretation, judicial independence, and legal-system modernization. With interdisciplinary projects and collaborations across UDELAR, it advances studies in fields such as health law, environmental registries, and administrative law.

Innovation initiatives include digital access to case databases, virtual moot environments, and emerging legal-tech projects supporting analytical research. Through community-focused programs and academic leadership, the Faculty continues to influence legal reforms and public debate, ensuring an evolving and socially responsive academic environment.

 What are the entry requirements? Applicants must hold a secondary school completion certificate and demonstrate Spanish proficiency. Selection is based on academic merit within UDELAR’s centralized admission system.

 Are there tuition fees or scholarships? All programs are tuition-free. Scholarships are available to support living costs and are awarded based on need and academic performance through UDELAR services.

 Is the Faculty friendly to international students? While most students are local, international applicants are welcomed. Courses are taught in Spanish, and exchange programs help newcomers integrate comfortably into academic life.

Admission is processed through UDELAR’s online portal, with applications typically open from December to February for a March start. Candidates must upload identification, academic transcripts, and language credentials. Postgraduate applicants additionally submit diplomas and research proposals. Selection emphasizes academic performance and program readiness.

Tuition is fully funded by the state. Students arrange off-campus accommodation, with affordable options available in Montevideo. The campus is easily accessible via public transport, and international students must secure visas based on university acceptance. Orientation covers academic expectations, campus resources, and co-government participation.