The University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas - its Spanish acronym UNICACH - knows that the wealth of a country depends on its propensity for education, and the application of said education for the benefit of society. To this end, colleges and universities play an important role in creating a vision for the future. UNICACH is well-known in the south of the country for its credentials, and is one of the most important universities in Mexico in turning this concept into reality.

UNICACH was originally founded in 1826 under the name National Literary University of Chiapas, under the guidance of humanistic headmaster Matías de Córdova. In 1872 the university’s objectives were modified, and as a result the name changed to The Literary and Scientific Institute of Chiapas, and to the Institute of Arts and Sciences of the Chiapas State in 1881. In 1945 "State" was dropped from the name, and its acronym in Spanish became ICACH. From this point forward, the university has played an important role in higher education for the state.

ICACH eventually merged with the Institute of the Culture of Chiapas in 1995, uniting missions to educate intensively in the sciences, to develop a sense of spirit and expression in art, and to create competent graduates in all fields. The name then changed to the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas, UNICACH, and this continues to be the name to this day.
Due to UNICACH’s long history, it has played an integral role in the history of Mexico. Our institution has been witness and protagonist through multiple changes in the state of Chiapas; produced many well-known professionals in the fields of art, culture, and science; and has left a national legacy for many generations to come. Today more than ever, UNICACH understands the reality of a life after university, and with much effort has created a plan of development for the upcoming years. To this end, strategic decisions have been made in programs involved in crucial areas such as the economy and the labor market, as well as programs focused on sustainable development, culture, and the arts, among others.