University of San Simón
Cochabamba, Bolivia • Founded 1832
Overview
Established in 1832, the Universidad Mayor de San Simón (Higher University of San Simón) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the metropolis of Cochabamba (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación, Bolivia (Ministry of Education of Bolivia), Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) is a coeducational Bolivian higher education institution. Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 191-year-old Bolivian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UMSS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where University of San Simón is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Structures
University of San Simón's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 13 items
- Faculty of Agricultural and Animal Sciences
- Faculty of Architecture
- Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
- Faculty of Law and Political Sciences
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- School of Agronomy
- School of Nursing
- University Center Polytechnic Institute
Programs Offered
Below: University of San Simón's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
Bachelor's Degree
55 programmes
At undergraduate level, University of San Simón offers 55 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Nutrition and Dietetics Licenciatura en Nutrición y Dietética Nutrition & Dietetics 5 years
Music Programa de Licenciatura en Música Music 5 years
Physical Activity and Sports Sciences Programa de Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte Physics & Astronomy 5 years
Social Work Licenciatura en Trabajo Social Social Work 5 years
Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching Licenciatura en Lingüística Aplicada a la Enseñanza de Lenguas Linguistics & Language Studies 5 years
Social Communication Licenciatura en Comunicación Social Communication Studies 5 years
Educational Sciences Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Educación Education & Teaching 5 years
Psychology Licenciatura en Psicología Psychology 5 years
Physiotherapy and Kinesiology Licenciatura en Fisioterapia y Kinesiología Physiotherapy 5 years
Obstetric Nursing Programa de Licenciatura en Enfermería Obstétriz Medicine 5 years
Nursing Licenciatura en Enfermería Nursing 5 years
Dentistry Licenciatura en Odontología Dentistry 5 years
Medicine Licenciatura en Medicina Medicine 6 years
Tourism Licenciatura en Turismo Tourism & Leisure 5 years
Territory and Environmental Planning Licenciatura en Planificación del Territorio y Medio Ambiente Environmental Sciences 5 years
Interior Design and Furniture Design Licenciatura en Diseño de Interiores y del Mobiliario Applied Design 5 years
Graphic Design and Visual Communication Licenciatura en Diseño Gráfico y Comunicación Visual Communication Studies 5 years
Architecture Licenciatura en Arquitectura Architecture 5 years
Environmental Engineering Programa de Licenciatura en Ingeniería Ambiental General Engineering 5 years
Civil Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Civil General Engineering 5 years
Mechanical Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Mecánica General Engineering 5 years
Electrical Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Eléctrica General Engineering 5 years
Electronics Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Electrónica General Engineering 5 years
Electromechanical Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Electromecanica General Engineering 5 years
Chemical Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Química General Engineering 5 years
Industrial Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Industrial General Engineering 5 years
Informatics Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Informática General Engineering 5 years
Mathematical Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Matemática General Engineering 5 years
Food Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería de Alimentos General Engineering 5 years
Biotechnology Engineering Programa de Ingeniería en Biotecnología Biotechnology 5 years
Energy Engineering Programa de Licenciatura en Ingeniería en Energía General Engineering 5 years
Computer Science Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería de Sistemas General Engineering 5 years
Economics Licenciatura en Economía Economics 5 years
Public Accounting Licenciatura en Contaduría Pública Accounting 5 years
Business Administration Licenciatura en Administración de Empresas Business Administration 5 years
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biochemistry Licenciatura en Bioquímica y Farmacia Pharmacy 5 years
Crop Science Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Fitotecnista General Engineering 5 years
Agroindustrial Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agroindustrial General Engineering 5 years
Forest Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Forestal General Engineering 5 years
Agronomist Engineer and Zootechnics Licenciatura Ingeniero Agrónomo Zootecnista Agriculture 5 years
Agronomic Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agronómica Agriculture 5 years
Agricultural Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agrícola Agriculture 5 years
Tropical Agricultural Engineering and Renewable Resource Management Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agrícola Tropical y Manejo de Recursos Renovables Agriculture 5 years
Commercial Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Comercial General Engineering 5 years
Financial Engineering Licenciatura en Ingeniería Financiera General Engineering 5 years
Law Licenciatura en Ciencias Jurídicas Law 5 years
Political Science Licenciatura en Ciencia Política Politics & International Relations 5 years
Sociology Licenciatura en Sociología Social & Cultural Studies 5 years
Anthropology Programa de Licenciatura en Antropología Social & Cultural Studies 5 years
History Programa de Licenciatura en Historia History 5 years
Veterinary Science Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Veterinary Medicine 5 years
Biology Licenciatura en Biología Biological Sciences 5 years
Physics Licenciatura en Física Physics & Astronomy 5 years
Chemistry Licenciatura en Química Chemistry 5 years
Mathematics Licenciatura en Matemáticas Mathematics 5 years
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
8 programmes
University of San Simón provides 8 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Master's in BIM Management Maestría en BIM Management Business & Management
Master's in Advanced Oncology Nursing Maestría en Enfermería Oncológica Avanzada Nursing
Master's in Quality Evaluation and Certification in Higher Education Maestría en Evaluación de la Calidad y Certificación en Educación Superior Education & Teaching
Master's in Strategic Logistics and Supply Chain Management Maestría en Logística Estratégica y Gestión en la Cadena de Suministro Supply Chain & Logistics
Master's in Clinical Microbiology Maestría en Microbiología Clínica Microbiology
Master's in Public Health with Mention in Health Services Management Maestría en Salud Pública con Mención en Gerencia de Servicios de Salud Healthcare Administration
Master's in Social Management of Basic Services from Social Work Maestría en Gestión Social de los Servicios Básicos desde el Trabajo Social Business & Management
Master's in Constitutional Law and Human Rights Maestría en Derecho Constitucional y Derechos Humanos Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
14 programmes
University of San Simón also offers 14 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.
Technical Superior in Food Industry Técnico Universitario Superior en Industria de Alimentos Food Science 3 years
Technical Superior in Early Childhood Education Programa de Técnico Superior en Educación Infantil Parvulario Early Childhood Education 3 years
Technical Superior in Automotive Mechanics Técnico Universitario Superior en Mecánica Automotriz Mechanical Engineering 3 years
Diploma in Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Research Diplomado en Inteligencia Artificial en la Investigación Científica AI & Machine Learning
Diploma in Tutoring and Advising in Research and Thesis Preparation Diplomado en Tutoría y Asesoría en Investigación y Elaboración de Tesis
Diploma in Nursing - Specialized Surgical Instrumentation Diplomado en Enfermería en Instrumentación Quirúrgica Especializada Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Diploma in Higher Education Based on Competencies Diplomado en Educación Superior Basada en Competencias Education & Teaching
Diploma in Virtual Education Instruction for Competencies Diplomado en Docencia para Educación Virtual por Competencias Education & Teaching
Diploma in Constitutional Law and Human Rights Diplomado en Derecho Constitucional y Derechos Humanos Law
Technical Superior in Construction Técnico Universitario Superior en Construcciones Civil Engineering & Construction 3 years
Technical Superior in Industrial Chemistry Técnico Universitario Superior en Química Industrial Chemistry 3 years
Technical Superior in Industrial Mechanics Técnico Universitario Superior en Mecánica Industrial Mechanical Engineering 3 years
Technical Superior in Civil Construction Técnico Universitario Superior en Construcción Civil Civil Engineering & Construction 3 years
Technical Superior in Agronomics Técnico Superior en Agronomía Agriculture 3 years
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of San Simón
The standard application path for University of San Simón, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse University of San Simón's 77 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at University of San Simón typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
University of San Simón processes applications through www.umss.edu.bo. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +591 (4) 422 0717. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of San Simón
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting University of San Simón as a study destination.
In what year was University of San Simón established?
University of San Simón was founded in 1832 (approximately 194 years ago).
Where can I find University of San Simón?
The institution is located in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Is University of San Simón a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How is University of San Simón organised academically?
University of San Simón is organised into 13 academic units across its disciplines.
Is University of San Simón accredited?
University of San Simón is accredited by Ministerio de Educación, Bolivia.
Where can I learn more about University of San Simón?
University of San Simón's official website is www.umss.edu.bo.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
The universities below sit close to University of San Simón geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across General Engineering programmes in Bolivia. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.
Universities Often Compared with University of San Simón
Universities at a similar tier to University of San Simón appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.
