Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
Valparaíso, Chile • Founded 1931 • World Rank #1856
Overview
Founded in 1931, the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (Federico Santa María Technical University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Valparaíso (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Valparaiso.
This institution also has branch campuses in Santiago, Concepcion, Viña del Mar and Guayaquil (Ecuador). Officially recognized by the Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile (National Accreditation Commission), Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTFSM) is a large-sized coeducational Chilean higher education institution.
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTFSM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 92-year-old Chilean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this Chilean higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UTFSM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.
Academic Details
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Academic Structures
How Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.
Unit 25 items
- Academy of Aeronautical Sciences
- Department of Architecture
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Chemistry and Environment
- Department of Civil Works
- Department of Commercial Engineering
- Department of Construction and Risk Prevention
- Department of Design Engineering
- Department of Design and Manufacturing
- Department of Electrical Engineering
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Informatics
- Department of Electricity
- Department of Electronics
- Department of Electronics and Informatics
- Department of Humanistic Studies
- Department of IT
- Department of Industries
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Department of Mechanics
- Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation
- Department of Physics
- Department of Science
Programs Offered
The programme finder below covers every degree Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.
Bachelor's Degree
49 programmes
At undergraduate level, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María offers 49 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Gestion de la Calidad General Engineering 7 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Sistemas Computacionales General Engineering 7 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Mecanica de Procesos y Mantenimiento Industrial Industrial & Systems Engineering 10 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Control e Instrumentacion Industrial General Engineering 7 semesters
Ingenieria en Construccion General Engineering 7 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Mantenimiento Industrial Industrial & Systems Engineering 7 semesters
Ingenieria en Fabricacion y Diseño Industrial General Engineering 9 semesters
Ingenieria en Prevencion de Riesgos Laborales y Ambientales Fire, Justice & Security 9 semesters
Ingenieria en Informatica Computer Sciences 8 semesters
Ingenieria en Mantenimiento Industrial Industrial & Systems Engineering 8 semesters
Ingenieria en Biotecnologia General Engineering 8 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Proyectos Estructurales General Engineering 6 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion Quimico Mencion Control General Engineering 6 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion Mecanica de Procesos y Mantenimiento Industrial Industrial & Systems Engineering 9 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Gestion y Control Ambiental General Engineering 6 semesters
Ingenieria en Aviacion Comercial General Engineering 10 semesters
Piloto Comercial 6 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Proyectos de Ingenieria General Engineering 6 semesters
Ingenieria Civil de Minas Mining & Oil Engineering 11 semesters
Ingenieria en Proyectos de Ingenieria General Engineering 6 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Software General Engineering 6 semesters
Ingenieria Civil General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Electrica General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Electronica General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Informatica Computer Sciences 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Industrial General Engineering 11 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Matematica General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Mecanica General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Metalurgia Mining & Oil Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Quimica General Engineering 12 semesters
Arquitectura Architecture 10 semesters
Ingenieria Comercial General Engineering 5 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion Electronica General Engineering 8 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion Informatica Computer Sciences 8 semesters
Construccion Civil Civil Engineering & Construction 10 semesters
Ingenieria en Diseño de Productos General Engineering 10 semesters
Ingenieria Electrica General Engineering 10 semesters
Ingenieria en Mecanica Industrial General Engineering 10 semesters
Licenciatura en Ciencias Mencion Fisica Physics & Astronomy 9 semesters
Licenciatura en Fisica Physics & Astronomy 8 semesters
Licenciatura en Ciencias Mencion Matematicas Mathematics 8 semesters
Licenciatura en Ciencias Mencion Quimica Chemistry 9 semesters
Licenciatura Astrofisica Physics & Astronomy 8 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Fisica General Engineering 11 semesters
Ingenieria Civil en Biotecnologia General Engineering 10 semesters
Quimico 9 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Telematica General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria Civil Ambiental General Engineering 12 semesters
Ingenieria de Ejecucion en Gestion Industrial General Engineering 7 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
21 programmes
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María lists 21 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Mecanica General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Gestion Empresarial Business & Management 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Quimica General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias Mencion Matematica Mathematics 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Civil General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Electrica General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Electronica General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Informatica Computer Sciences 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Industrial General Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Metalurgica Materials Science 4 semesters
Magister en Rehabilitacion Arquitectonica Sostenible Physiotherapy 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias Mencion Fisica Physics & Astronomy 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias Mencion Quimica Chemistry 4 semesters
Master Of Globalisation And European Integration Politics & International Relations 4 semesters
Magister en Ciencias de la Ingenieria Metalurgica y de Minas Mining & Oil Engineering 4 semesters
Magister en Innovacion Tecnologica y Emprendimiento Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Gestion de Activos y Mantenimiento Business & Management 4 semesters
Magister en Tecnologias de Informacion Development Studies 4 semesters
Magister en Economia Energetica Economics 4 semesters
Magister en Gestion del Agua/master Water Management Business & Management 4 semesters
Magister en Ingenieria Industrial General Engineering 4 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
11 programmes
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's 11 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Doctorado en Ciencias Mencion Quimica Chemistry 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Informatica Computer Sciences 8 semesters
Doctorado en Matematica Mathematics 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Aplicada General Engineering 6 semesters
Doctorado en Ciencias Fisicas Physics & Astronomy 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Electrica General Engineering 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Sostenible General Engineering 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Electronica General Engineering 8 semesters
Doctorado en Ingenieria Mecanica General Engineering 8 semesters
Doctorado en Biotecnologia Biotechnology 8 semesters
Doctorado en Inteligencia Artificial Development Studies 8 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
26 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María runs 26 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Tecnico Universitario en Mineria y Metalurgia Mining & Oil Engineering 6 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Telecomunicaciones y Redes Computers & Telecommunications 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Energias Renovables Electrical Engineering 6 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Administracion de Empresas Performing Arts 4 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Biotecnologia Performing Arts 4 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Alimentos Performing Arts 4 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Ciencia de Datos Performing Arts 4 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Control Medio Ambiente Performing Arts 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Proyectos de Ingenieria Performing Arts 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Construccion Civil Engineering & Construction 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Gestion de Calidad en Alimentos Performing Arts 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Electricidad Electrical Engineering 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Electronica Performing Arts 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Diseño y Produccion Industrial en Moldes y Matrices Performing Arts 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Mecanica Automotriz Aerospace & Automotive Engineering 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Mecanica Industrial Performing Arts 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Proyecto y Diseño Mecanico Performing Arts 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Prevencion de Riesgos Fire, Justice & Security 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Mantenimiento Industrial Industrial & Systems Engineering 6 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Informatica Computer Sciences 7 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Quimica con Mencion en Quimica Industrial Performing Arts 6 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Automatizacion y Control Industrial & Systems Engineering 6 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Robotica y Mecatronica Industrial & Systems Engineering 5 semesters
Tecnico Universitario Dibujante Proyectista Performing Arts 6 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Mantenimiento Aeronautico Performing Arts 6 semesters
Tecnico Universitario en Quimica con Mencion en Quimica Analitica Performing Arts 7 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
A practical five-step guide to applying to Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's 107 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Assemble your application package
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 Submit your application
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María processes applications through usm.cl. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
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 +56 (32) 265 4000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
The questions below summarise Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When was Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María founded?
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María was established in 1931 (approximately 95 years ago).
What city is Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María in?
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María operates from Valparaíso, Chile.
Is Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How big is Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's student body?
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María serves approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
Where does Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María stand in university rankings?
It ranks #1856 globally and #7 in Chile.
What is Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's academic structure?
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María is organised into 25 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María?
Yes, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María is recognised by Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile.
Where can I learn more about Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María?
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's official website is usm.cl.
Top-Ranked Universities in Chile
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top Chile universities. Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Within easy reach of Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, these institutions host comparable faculties and admissions structures — useful for regional shortlisting. Regional universities often coordinate on credit transfer and joint programme delivery.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Interested in General Engineering but want alternatives to Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María? These institutions in Chile also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Often Compared with Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.