History 

Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)’s history is marked by significant achievements and intertwined with the development history of the state of Paraná. It was the boldness and competence of its founders, motivated by Paraná society, that made UFPR the oldest university in Brazil.
In 1892 the politician Rocha Pombo laid the foundation stone for a future university in Ouvidor Pardinho Square. However, due to the instability generated by the Federalist Revolution occurring in southern Brazil due to the disagreement between the Federalist and Republican elites, the project did not move forward.

It was only in 1912, when it was assessed that Paraná needed more qualified professionals, that the pro-University of Paraná movement began. At that time, political leaders also mobilized in favor of creating the university. On December 19, 1912, Victor Ferreira do Amaral e Silva led the effective creation of the University of Paraná. It was a time of progress for Paraná's economy, due to the abundant production and prosperous trade of mate tea.

"December 19 represented the political emancipation of the state and should also represent its intellectual emancipation."

Stated Victor Ferreira do Amaral.

In 1913, the university began operating as a private institution. The first courses offered were Legal and Social Sciences; Engineering; Medicine and Surgery; Commerce; Dentistry; Pharmacy; and Obstetrics. After founding the University of Paraná, Victor Ferreira do Amaral, who served at its first rector, began the construction of the central building on loan, in Santos Andrade plaza, on land donated by the city hall.

With the outbreak of the First World War (1914), economic recession and the first difficulties arose. Among them was a law mandating the closure of private universities, an attempt by the Federal government to centralize power over higher education institutions.

In Paraná, alternatives were created to prevent the closure of the university. The solution at the time to comply with the law and continue operating was to dismember the institution into autonomous faculties, each recognized individually by the government.

For approximately 30 years, the aim was to reestablish the university, a goal achieved by the late 1940s when the existing faculties, along with the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, were consolidated as the University of Paraná. The support of the press and the Paraná community was fundamental for this consolidation. 

Once the university was restored, the campaign for its federalization began in 1946. Flávio Suplicy de Lacerda, rector at the time, mobilized the state's leadership, and in 1950, established the Federal University of Paraná as a free public institution. The university adopted the tripod of Teaching, Research, and Extension, guiding its activities towards the development of the community in which it is located.

With its federalization, the institution underwent a phase of expansion. The construction of the Clinical Hospital Complex (1953), Rectory Complex (1958), and the Polytechnic Center (1961) represented its consolidation. It's 100 years of history marked by perseverance and resilience. UFPR is the greatest creation of Paraná, elected as a symbol of Curitiba. As a result of the audacity of its creators, UFPR is the oldest university in Brazil and a source of pride for all people from Paraná.