It is one of the largest and most prestigious higher education institutions in Brazil, with many of its courses among the best ranked in the country, including Law, International Relations, Journalism, History, Psychology, Business Administration and Engineering.

UNISANTOS's history began in 1951 when the Society was founded by Visconde de São Leopoldo.

As a member of the Brazilian Association of Community Universities, the UNISANTOS provides part of their revenue to provide funding for scholarships, free hospital visits, psychology clinics, and legal assistance, among others.

Additionally, it maintains the Open University for the Elderly, a pioneer project in the region.

[3] The UNISANTOS has an agreement to exchange students with foreign institutions located in Portugal, Spain, Germany, Mexico and Costa Rica.