University of San Simón
Cochabamba, Bolivia • Founded 1832
Updated May 2026
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 Details
University of San Simón's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
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.
77 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Bolivia
Bachelor's Degree 55 programmes
Showing 10 of 55.
Master's Degree 8 programmes
Associate's Degree 8 programmes
Diploma 6 programmes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
Study abroad guides and resources
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