The University of Pernambuco (UPE) originated in Higher Education Foundation of Pernambuco - HSPA, sponsor since 1965 of a group of pre-existing higher education units in the state. Extinguished the EPHF in 1990, was established in its place, by State Law No. 10,518, of 29 November 1990, the Foundation University of Pernambuco, the public institution that would become sponsor of the new University of Pernambuco, recognized by Order Ministerial No. 964, of June 12, 1991. "The UPE is a public institution of higher learning present in all regions of the state. In its complex multicampi, consisting of 15 teaching units and three large hospitals, distributed in Recife and the metropolitan area, in Nazaré da Mata, Caruaru, Garanhuns, Arcoverde, Willow, Petrolina, Serra Talhada and Palmares. In addition to education and health facilities, are also part of the university complex of UPE the Dean-four primary and secondary schools (School of Recife and Application Schools)."