Universities in Panama ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 22 Universities in Panama

League Tables and University sub-rankings of Panamanian Universities in the following provinces:

Chiriqui (2)  
Panama (20)  

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Overview of Panama Universities

Panama's higher education system comprises public and private institutions offering diverse academic programs. Public universities receive government funding and typically have larger enrollments, while private universities often focus on specialized fields. The system includes both comprehensive universities (broad academic scope) and specialized institutions (technology, education, health sciences). Panama's universities primarily serve domestic students but increasingly attract international learners seeking Spanish-language programs and tropical research opportunities. Degree levels range from technical diplomas to doctoral programs, with accreditation managed by the Ministry of Education.

Top 10 Panama Universities

1. Universidad de Panamá (University of Panamá, UP) ranks #1 nationally and #2538 globally. Established in 1935 in Panama City, this public comprehensive university offers diverse fields of study.
2. Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (Technological University of Panamá, UTP) holds #2 nationally (#3104 globally). Founded in 1981 in Panama City, this public specialized institution focuses on engineering and technology.
3. Universidad Latina de Panamá (Latina University of Panamá, ULATINA) ranks #3 nationally (#4992 globally). Established in 1989 in Panama City, this private comprehensive university provides multidisciplinary programs.
4. Universidad Autonoma de Chiriqui (Autonomous University of Chiriqui, UNACHI) is Panama's #4 university (#5736 globally). Founded in 1995 in David, Chiriquí, this public comprehensive institution serves western Panama.
5. Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (Santa María La Antigua Catholic University, USMA) ranks #5 nationally (#6105 globally). Established in 1965 in Panama City, this private comprehensive university emphasizes humanities and social sciences.
6. Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (Interamerican University of Panamá, UIP) holds #6 nationally (#6346 globally). Founded in 1994 in Panama City, this university offers comprehensive programs across disciplines.
7. Universidad Metropolitana de Educacion, Ciencia y Tecnologia (Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology, UMECIT) ranks #7 nationally (#6732 globally). Established in 2002 in Panama City, this specialized institution focuses on applied sciences.
8. Universidad del Istmo (University of the Isthmus, UDI) is Panama's #8 university (#6909 globally). Founded in 1987 in Panama City, this institution provides comprehensive professional programs.
9. Universidad Especializada de Las Americas (Specialized University of the Americas, UDELAS) ranks #9 nationally (#7310 globally). Established in 1997 in Panama City, this public specialized university focuses on health sciences and education.
10. Universidad Tecnológica Oteima (Oteima University of Technology, UTEIMA) holds #10 nationally (#8515 globally). Founded in 1986 in David, Chiriquí, this specialized institution emphasizes environmental and agricultural sciences.

Analysis of University Types

Panama has 22 universities. Public institutions constitute 18% (4 universities), while private universities dominate at 45% (10 institutions). The remaining 36% (8 universities) don't report their control type. Geographically, Panama City hosts most institutions (16 universities, 73%), with regional hubs like David in Chiriquí Province hosting 2 universities (9%).

Global Ranking and Standing

No Panamanian universities currently rank among the world's top 200 (Top200PerGeoArea: 0). Similarly, none appear in the global top 1,000 (Top1000PerGeoArea: 0). While Panama's universities serve important national educational roles, international rankings indicate opportunities for enhanced global research competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Panama's top-ranked university?
A: Universidad de Panamá consistently ranks as Panama's #1 institution.

Q: Are public or private universities more common in Panama?
A: Private universities are more numerous (10 private vs. 4 public), though public institutions enroll more students.

Q: Do Panama universities teach in English?
A> While Spanish is the primary language, some private universities offer English-language programs, particularly in business and international relations.

Q: Which Panamanian city has the most universities?
A> Panama City hosts 16 of the country's 22 universities, serving as Panama's educational hub.

Q: How old is Panama's university system?
A> The oldest university (Universidad de Panamá) was founded in 1935, making Panama's modern higher education system relatively young compared to regional counterparts.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Panamanian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Panama
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Panamanian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Panama
  Search for Panamanian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Panamanian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Panamanian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Panama
  Discover Panamanian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Panama
  Find out about Panamanian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Panama
  Explore Panamanian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Panama
  Look for Panamanian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Panamanian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Panama have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Panamanian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Panama that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Panamanian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Panama are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Panamanian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Panama with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.