For Students For Agencies

National University of San Marcos

Lima, 🇵🇪 Peru Public
#2 National #951 QS World #1501 THE
National University of San Marcos campus
37,468 students Urban $200 - $800/yr

About National University of San Marcos

The National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) in Lima, Peru, is the oldest continuously operating university in the Americas, established in 1551. It is a public research university renowned for its historical and academic significance, often referred to as the most important educational institution in Peru. UNMSM consistently ranks among the top universities in the country.

Academics


UNMSM offers a wide array of disciplines across 20 faculties and 62 academic schools, covering health sciences, basic sciences, engineering, economic and management sciences, and humanities and legal and social sciences. The university is a leading center for scientific research, with around 500 research groups and 37 academic research units. Notable programs include those in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Financial Criminalistics, Nuclear Energy, Water Engineering, and Digital Supply Chain Management. The teaching approach emphasizes rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs, distinguished by exemplary teaching and innovative curricula.

International Students


While specific support services for international students are not extensively detailed, UNMSM fosters a vibrant and diverse campus life, encouraging cultural integration through various student organizations and cultural events. The university has a student body of over 30,000 undergraduates and 6,602 postgraduates, including some international students. Tuition fees for international students start from approximately 1,000 USD per year. Students can engage with a wide range of student organizations catering to diverse interests and passions, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Campus & Location


The main campus, known as "University City," is located in Lima, Peru's capital, offering students access to a bustling city environment with numerous opportunities. The campus houses 17 of the 20 faculties, the Central Library, the San Marcos University Stadium, and university residences. The University City also includes the archaeological complex of Huaca San Marcos. Additionally, the university has cultural centers in historic buildings, such as the Casona de San Marcos, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Historic Center of Lima.

Career Outcomes


UNMSM graduates generally find employment without difficulty, partly due to the university's strong reputation among employers. The university's career services provide guidance on internships, job opportunities, and career planning. Many of Peru's leaders, thinkers, and artists are alumni of UNMSM, including a Nobel Prize laureate, highlighting the institution's significant impact on national and international spheres. The university is actively developing programs in fields like Artificial Intelligence and Digital Supply Chain Management, aligning with future industry needs.

Highlights

  • Oldest university in the Americas
  • Leading Peruvian research institution
  • Diverse academic disciplines
  • Vibrant Lima campus life
  • Affordable international tuition

Subject Areas

MedicineEngineeringSciencesLiteratureLaw

Student Life & Support

Campus Housing Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

National University of San Marcos photo 1National University of San Marcos photo 2National University of San Marcos photo 3National University of San Marcos photo 4National University of San Marcos photo 5National University of San Marcos photo 6National University of San Marcos photo 7National University of San Marcos photo 8National University of San Marcos photo 9

Programs Offered at National University of San Marcos (36)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (22)

Accounting

Contabilidad

Accounting

Accounting
accountingbachelorcontabilidadperu
60 months Spanish Full-time

Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
architecturebachelornationalperu
60 months Spanish Full-time

Business Administration

Business

Business
businessbachelor's degreebachelor in businessstudy in peruperu
60 months Spanish Full-time

Administración

Business Administration

Business Administration
administraciónadministrationbabachelorbachelors
60 months Spanish Full-time

Dentistry

STEM

Odontología

Dentistry

Dentistry
bachelor in dentistrybachelor's in dentistrystudy dentistry in perudentistry program in limabs dentistry
60 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor in Economics

Economía

Economics

Economics
bacheloreconometricseconomicseconomíafinance
60 months Spanish Full-time

Education

Educación

Education

Education
babachelorbsbsceducación
60 months Spanish Full-time

Education

Education

Education
babachelorbengbscbtech
60 months Spanish Full-time

Systems Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
engineering at National University of San Marcosbachelor's degree in engineeringstudy engineering in Limasoftware developer careerBS Engineering
60 months Spanish Full-time

Chemical Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelorundergraduatebscbabs
60 months Spanish Full-time

Veterinary Medicine

STEM

Health Sciences

Medicine
Veterinary MedicineMedicineBachelor in Medicinebachelorundergraduate
60 months Spanish Full-time

Medicine

STEM

Health Sciences

Medicine
babachelorbachelorsbsbsc
84 months Spanish Full-time

Industrial Engineering

STEM

Ingeniería Industrial

Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering
bachelors in industrial engineeringbachelors industrial engineeringstudy industrial engineering in perubachelors industrial engineering in peruindustrial engineering program in lima
60 months Spanish Full-time

Law

Law

Law
law program in perulaw careerslaw schoolstudy law in limalegal studies
60 months Spanish Full-time

Law

Derecho

Law

Law
bachelorderecholawperu
60 months Spanish Full-time

Human Medicine

STEM

Medicina Humana

Medicine

Medicine
bachelorbachelorshumanamedicinamedicine
84 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Biochemistry

STEM

Farmacia y Bioquímica

Pharmacy and Biochemistry

Pharmacy and Biochemistry
babachelorbachelorsbbabeng
60 months Spanish Full-time

Psicología

Psychology

Psychology
study psychology in LimaBA PsychologyBS Psychologystudy psychology in Perupsychology in Lima
60 months Spanish Full-time

Economics

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
bacheloreconomicsperusciencessocial
60 months Spanish Full-time

Psychology

Social Sciences

Psychology
psychology bachelor Perupsicologia licenciatura PeruUniversidad Nacional San Marcos psicologiapsychology degree Peruundergraduate psychology Peru
60 months Spanish Full-time

Systems Engineering

STEM

Ingeniería de Sistemas

Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering
bachelors in systems engineeringstudy systems engineering in perubsc systems engineeringsystems engineering bachelors programstudy systems engineering in lima
60 months Spanish Full-time

Veterinary Medicine

STEM

Veterinaria

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine
english bachelor veterinary medicine perubachelor's in veterinary medicineinternational bachelor veterinary medicinestudy veterinary medicine in limabecome a doctor
60 months Spanish Full-time

Master Programs (7)

Master in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computercomputer sciencegraduatemamaster
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Education with mention in Educational Management

Education

Education
educationeducationalgraduatemamanagement
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master's in Master in Environmental Management

STEM

Master in Environmental Management

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences
environmentalenvironmental sciencesgraduatemamanagement
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Public Health

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
masters in health sciencesMSc health sciencesstudy health sciences in peruhealth sciences program in peruhealth sciences in lima
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Clinical Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
masterpsychologyperulimasan
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Public Health

STEM

Maestría en Salud Pública

Public Health

Public Health
master in public healthpublic health masterstudy public health in perumaster public health in perupublic health program in lima
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Software Engineering

STEM

Maestría en Ingeniería de Software

Software Engineering

Engineering Sciences
engineering sciencesengineering sciences in perugraduate engineering sciencesmaster engineering sciencesmaster in software engineering
24 months Spanish Full-time

PhD Programs (7)

Doctorate in Administrative Sciences

Doctorado en Ciencias Administrativas

Administrative Sciences

Administrative Sciences
PhD in administrative sciencesdoctorate in administrative sciencesdoctoral program administrative sciencesstudy administrative sciences in Peruadministrative sciences in Lima
36 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Biological Sciences

STEM

Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences
biologicalperuphdsciences
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Engineering Sciences

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
PhD in Engineering SciencesEngineeringPhD in EngineeringPhDdoctorate
48 months Spanish Full-time

Doctorate in Health Sciences

STEM

Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
doctor of philosophydoctoraldoctoratehealthperu
36 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Literature

Humanities

Humanities
phd humanitiesphd in humanities in peruphd humanities abroadstudy humanities in limanational university of san marcos humanities
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Chemistry

STEM

Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences
chemistrymarcosnationalnaturalnatural sciences
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
doctordoctoraldoctorateperuphd
48 months Spanish Full-time

National University of San Marcos Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

2+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Very Selective (<20%)
Intakes Spring, Fall
Application Deadline February 26, 2026
Tuition (per year) $200 - $800/yr
Teaching Language Spanish
Accreditation
National Superintendency of Higher Education (SUNEDU)ABETUnion of Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (UDUALC)Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)Consejo Mexicano para la Acreditación de la Educación Médica (COMAEM)

Ready to apply to National University of San Marcos?

Abroadly helps you manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched to programs.

Apply Direct →

Frequently Asked Questions About National University of San Marcos

Common questions from international students considering National University of San Marcos.

What is the acceptance rate at National University of San Marcos?

National University of San Marcos is classified as "Very Selective (<20%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does National University of San Marcos cost for international students?

Tuition at National University of San Marcos ranges from $200 - $800/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is National University of San Marcos ranked globally?

National University of San Marcos holds the following rankings: QS World #951, Times Higher Education #1501, #2 in Peru. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

Are scholarships available at National University of San Marcos?

Yes, National University of San Marcos offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does National University of San Marcos start its semesters?

National University of San Marcos has intakes starting in Spring, Fall. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

What programs does National University of San Marcos offer?

National University of San Marcos offers 36+ academic programs across multiple disciplines including Arts & Design, Business & Management, Computer Science, Education. Programs are available at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.

Where is National University of San Marcos located?

National University of San Marcos is located in Lima, Peru 🇵🇪. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for National University of San Marcos?

For specific details about National University of San Marcos, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How does National University of San Marcos compare to other universities?

National University of San Marcos is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #951). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

Need help applying?

AI-powered tools to manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched.

Apply to National University of San Marcos with your AI agent

Upload your documents and your AI agent drafts your application to National University of San Marcos, fills the forms, and tracks your visa — no agent fees.