Colleges & Universities in Peru

Universities in Peru New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Peru? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Peruvian University Ranking of 123 Peruvian higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Peru
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of Peruvian Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Regions

The Republic of Peru is divided into 25 regions (Spanish: regiones), further subdivided into provinces (Spanish: provincias), along with the Lima Province. The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in Lima Province, which hosts the national capital, Lima. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all regions that include at least one Peruvian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Amazonas (3)  
Ancash (4)  
Apurimac (2)  
Arequipa (5)  
Ayacucho (3)  
Cajamarca (4)  
Callao (1)  
Cusco (5)  
Huancavelica (2)  
Huanuco (3)  
Ica (2)  
Junin (7)  
La Libertad (7)  
Lambayeque (5)  
Lima (48)  
Loreto (3)  
Madre de Dios (1)  
Moquegua (2)  
Pasco (1)  
Piura (3)  
Puno (4)  
San Martin (1)  
Tacna (3)  
Tumbes (1)  
Ucayali (3)  

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Overview of Universities in Peru

Overview of Peru Universities

Peru's higher education system comprises 123 universities, blending historic institutions with modern academic centers. The landscape features 51 public universities (state-funded) and 72 private universities (self-funded), offering diverse programs across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Institutions range from comprehensive universities with broad disciplines to specialized schools focusing on fields like engineering or business. Key hubs include Lima, Trujillo and Huánuco, with degrees regulated by SUNEDU (National Superintendence of Higher Education) to ensure quality standards. Keywords: Peru universities, higher education Peru, public vs private universities Peru, SUNEDU accreditation, undergraduate programs Peru.

Top 10 Peru Universities

  1. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, PUCP) – Ranked #1 in Peru (#393 globally). Established 1917. Private non-profit university in Lima, offering multidisciplinary programs.
  2. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (National Major San Marcos University, UNMSM) – Ranked #2 in Peru (#605 globally). Founded 1551. Public university in Lima, recognized as the Americas' oldest continuously operating university.
  3. Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, UPC) – Ranked #3 in Peru (#940 globally). Established 1994. Private for-profit institution in Lima focusing on professional sciences.
  4. Universidad Tecnológica del Perú (Technological University of Peru, UTP) – Ranked #4 in Peru (#966 globally). Founded 1997. Private university in Lima emphasizing technology and innovation.
  5. Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (National University of Engineering, UNI) – Ranked #5 in Peru (#1048 globally). Established 1876. Public engineering-focused university in Lima.
  6. Universidad César Vallejo (César Vallejo University, UCV) – Ranked #6 in Peru (#1714 globally). Founded 1991. Private university in Trujillo, La Libertad, offering diverse academic programs.
  7. Universidad de Lima (University of Lima, ULIMA) – Ranked #7 in Peru (#2073 globally). Established 1962. Private university in Lima providing comprehensive education.
  8. Universidad del Pacifico (University of the Pacific, UP) – Ranked #8 in Peru (#2221 globally). Founded 1962. Private non-profit institution in Lima specializing in economics and business.
  9. Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizan (Hermilio Valdizán National University, UNHEVAL) – Ranked #9 in Peru (#2235 globally). Established 1964. Public university in Huánuco offering multidisciplinary studies.
  10. Universidad Privada del Norte (Private University of the North, UPN) – Ranked #10 in Peru (#2322 globally). Founded 1994. Private for-profit institution in Trujillo, La Libertad.

Analysis of University Types

Peru's 123 universities show a distinct distribution between public and private institutions. Public universities constitute 41% (51 institutions), funded by the state and typically offering lower tuition. Private universities dominate at 59% (72 institutions), operating under self-funded models with varying tuition structures. Geographically, Lima hosts the highest concentration of universities, including 8 of the top 10 institutions, reflecting centralized educational resources.

Global Ranking and Standing

While no Peruvian universities rank in the global top 200, four institutions achieve positions within the top 1,000 worldwide – representing 3.3% of the country's total universities. This group includes Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (#393), Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (#605), Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (#940) and Universidad Tecnológica del Perú (#966). These top-ranked Peru universities demonstrate competitive academic programs on the international stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many universities are in Peru?
A: Peru has 123 recognized universities – 51 public and 72 private institutions.

Q: What is the #1 university in Peru?
A: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) ranks as Peru's top university according to uniRank.

Q: What is the oldest university in Peru?
A: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, founded in 1551, is both Peru's and the Americas' oldest university.

Q: Are Peruvian degrees internationally recognized?
A: Degrees from SUNEDU-accredited Peruvian universities hold international recognition, particularly within Latin America.

Q: What percentage of Peruvian universities are private?
A: 59% of Peru's universities (72 institutions) are privately operated.


Related Peruvian University Lists

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