The university is named after the famous Swiss child psychologist and philosopher Jean Piaget.

[2] The main campus is in the capital city Praia (Palmarejo subdivision) on the island of Santiago, with a smaller second location in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente,[5] opened in 2005.

[2] Jean Piaget University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as continuing education courses.

José Ulisses Correia e Silva, now prime minister lectured at the university.

Former teachers included Janira Hopffer Almada who later became a politician from 2014 to 2016.