The University Center of Paysandú (Centro Universitario de Paysandú - Universidad de República de Uruguay) has a central headquarters, consisting of two buildings: the old Paysandú Athenaeum (declared historic monument) and the residence boundary. In 2003, the premises of the Circolo Napolitano were ceded in usufruct by the Intendencia de Paysandú to develop the activities offered by the National School of Fine Arts.

The Region of influence of the Center includes the departments of Paysandú, Río Negro and Soriano, as well as part of the Argentine coastline, having integrated cities such as Colón and Concepción del Uruguay that has a vast university tradition, combining urban and rural reality.

The CUP was founded in 1969 as the University House on the initiative of local graduates and teachers of the Experimental Station "Mario A. Cassinoni" (EEMAC). It was created as an extension center with the main purpose of disseminating cultural activities to the environment and bringing the University closer to a population of the interior.

In 1979, the School of Medical Technology began operating with strong participation of teachers from Montevideo. At present the School dictates in Paysandú 11 careers, of which Occupational Health is dictated in Paysandú of exclusive form, in addition has been made concrete the development of local critical mass counting on a significant percentage of established teachers.

In 1987 a pilot training experience in veterinary medicine began at the EEMAC and in 1989, the Binational Obstetrics School, the only binational experience in Latin America, was started in conjunction with the University of Entre Ríos. In 1990 Faculty of Medicine decentralized the Pathological Clinical Cycle and in 1997 Faculty of Law installed a Legal Clinic.

As of the year 2000 a stage of consolidation of university actions is concreted by what the new services that are located in the area (Psychology, Dentistry, Social Work) with an articulating criterion of teaching and extension functions.

In 2002, courses began to be taught by the National School of Fine Arts in the disciplines of Photography, Sculpture and Ceramics and Drawing and Painting, with great receptivity of the Sanducera community.

In 2006, when the linkage policy with the National Administration of Public Education (ANEP) was launched, two training options were opened in conjunction with the Council of Technical Professional Education (CETP), Mechanical Technologist and Chemical Technologist. Coincidentally, Librarianship and Archivology careers were opened.

At the same time, the Institute of Physical Education is incorporated into the University, which dictates the complete career of Bachelor of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation.

In 2009, the School of Nutrition and Dietetics was added with curricular internships and the full career of Computer Technologist that are jointly taught by the Faculty of Engineering and the CETP with the support of the Intendencia de Paysandú through its Paysandú Innova project in whose facilities it is located. they develop the courses.

In addition, an average of ten courses of permanent education are issued annually with the counterpart of institutions of the environment and aimed at various public both university graduates and other professionals.