Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Guatemala City, Guatemala • Founded 1676
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1676, the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (University of San Carlos of Guatemala) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Guatemala City (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Guatemala.
Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación, Guatemala (Ministry of Education of Guatemala), Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) is a very large-sized coeducational Guatemalan higher education institution. Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 348-year-old Guatemalan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
USAC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala'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
Key statistics on Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.
Academic Structures
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.
Unit 35 items
- Centre for Marine Studies and Aquaculture
- Eastern University Center
- Faculty of Agronomy
- Faculty of Architecture
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Guatemala Southern Institute of Technology
- Maya Technology Institute
- North University Center
- Northwestern University Center
- San Marcos University Center
- School of Arts
- School of Communication Sciences
- School of History
- School of Language
- School of Political Science
- School of Psychological Sciences
- School of Science and Technology of Sport and Physical Activity
- School of Social Work
- School of Teacher Education for Secondary Education
- South University Center
- Southeast University Center
- Southwestern University Center
- University Center of Chimaltenango
- University Center of Izabal
- University Center of Jutiapa
- University Center of Petén
- University Center of Santa Rosa
- Western University Center
Degrees
Also Specialisation (Especialidad) and Postgraduate Diploma (Especialización) in Medicine and Dentistry; Doctorate in Public Administration jointly offered with Instituto Nacional de Administración Pública (INAP)
Doctoral 32 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Administration
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Biomedicine
- Commercial Law
- Computer Science
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Fiscal Law
- Health Sciences
- Hydraulic Engineering
- International Law
- Labour Law
- Law
- Mass Communication
- Meteorology
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sanitary Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sports
- Technology
Other 182 programs
- Accountancy
- Acting
- Administration
- Advertising and Publicity
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Aquaculture
- Archaeology
- Architectural Restoration
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Architecture
- Architecture and Planning
- Archiving
- Art History
- Art Management
- Arts and Humanities
- Bilingual and Bicultural Education
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Cardiology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Child Care and Development
- Civics
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Communication Studies
- Community Health
- Computer Education
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Science
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Curriculum
- Dance
- Data Processing
- Dentistry
- Dermatology
- Design
- Development Studies
- Documentation Techniques
- E-Business/Commerce
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
- Educational Technology
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Fiscal Law
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Forestry
- Gender Studies
- Geological Engineering
- Graphic Design
- Haematology
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- Higher Education
- History
- Human Resources
- Human Rights
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Labour Law
- Landscape Architecture
- Law
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Maintenance Technology
- Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Midwifery
- Music
- Native Language Education
- Natural Resources
- Natural Sciences
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Notary Studies
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Therapy
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthodontics
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Painting and Drawing
- Parks and Recreation
- Pathology
- Peace and Disarmament
- Pedagogy
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Private Law
- Protective Services
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Publishing and Book Trade
- Radiology
- Regional Planning
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Respiratory Therapy
- Rheumatology
- Road Engineering
- Rural Planning
- Safety Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Science Education
- Service Trades
- Social Policy
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Soil Management
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Sports
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Taxation
- Teacher Trainers Education
- Teacher Training
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Town Planning
- Translation and Interpretation
- Veterinary Science
- Visual Arts
- Water Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerio de Educación, Guatemala.
Distance Education in Virtual Environments (Department/Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agronomy (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agronomy
- Environmental Management
- Forestry
- Natural Resources
Architecture (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Graphic Design
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry and Pharmacy (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Curriculum
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
- English
- Fine Arts
- Human Rights
- Library Science
- Literature
- Pedagogy
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Social Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Veterinary Science and Zoology (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Veterinarian
- Animal Health Specialist
- Wildlife Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Maya Technological Institute for Higher Studies (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Engineering
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Forestry
South Guatemala Sur University Institute of Technology (Institute) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Data Processing
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Maintenance
- Heating and Refrigeration
- Industrial Maintenance
- Maintenance Technology
- Mechanical Equipment and Maintenance
Art (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Communication Studies (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
History (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
Physical Sciences and Mathematics (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Political Science (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
- Psychology
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology of Physical Activity and Sport (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Work (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Work
Teacher Training (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Teacher Training
Programs Offered
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
62 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Guatemala
Bachelor's Degree 29 programmes
Showing 10 of 29.
Master's Degree 28 programmes
Showing 10 of 28.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Associate's Degree 3 programmes
How to apply to Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Practical steps to apply to Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala offers 62 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala's online portal at www.usac.edu.gt. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +502 2418 8000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, drawn directly from institutional records.
In what year was Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala established?
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala was founded in 1676 (approximately 350 years ago).
What city is Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala in?
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala operates from Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Is Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala's student body?
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala serves approximately over-50,000 students.
What degrees does Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala offer?
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala delivers doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How is Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala organised academically?
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala has 35 academic units.
Is Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala accredited?
Yes, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala is recognised by Consejo de la Enseñanza Privada Superior (CEPS).
How do I find Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala online?
You can find Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala online at www.usac.edu.gt.
Faculties at nearby universities
Students considering Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Capstone publication or portfolio output from General Engineering programmes affects what you graduate with. Some Guatemala institutions retain student work; others publish it as part of programme outputs.
Universities Compared with Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Looking at Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
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