Catholic University of Santa María
Arequipa, Peru • Founded 1961 • World Rank #3897
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1961, the Universidad Católica de Santa María (Santa María Catholic University) is a private higher education institution located in the metropolis of Arequipa (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación, Peru (Ministry of Education of Peru), Universidad Católica de Santa María (UCSM) is a coeducational Peruvian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidad Católica de Santa María (UCSM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 62-year-old Peruvian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UCSM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Catholic University of Santa María's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
Catholic University of Santa María's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Degrees
Also Professional Titles
Doctoral 7 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Communication Studies
- Dentistry
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
Other 55 programs
- Accountancy
- Advertising and Publicity
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agronomy
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Constitutional Law
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Finance
- Food Technology
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- Higher Education
- Hotel Management
- Human Resources
- Industrial Engineering
- Law
- Marketing
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Modern Languages
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Health
- Paediatrics
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Theology
- Tourism
- Veterinary Science
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerio de Educación, Peru.
Accountancy and Finance (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biological and Chemical Science and Engineering (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agronomy
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Food Technology
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Business Administration (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Political Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Obstetrics and Paediatrics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
Odontology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Pharmacy, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics and Materials Engineering (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences and Humanities (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Advertising and Publicity
- Archaeology
- Communication Studies
- Education
- Hotel Management
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Work
- Theology
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Languages (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Modern Languages
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Catholic University of Santa María are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
169 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Peru
Bachelor's Degree 37 programmes
Showing 10 of 37.
Master's Degree 44 programmes
Showing 10 of 44.
Doctorate 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Postgraduate Certificate 76 programmes
Showing 10 of 76.
How to apply to Catholic University of Santa María
How to apply to Catholic University of Santa María — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Catholic University of Santa María runs 169 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Catholic University of Santa María, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Peru.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Catholic University of Santa María's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ucsm.edu.pe). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +51 (54) 251 210. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catholic University of Santa María
Quick reference for Catholic University of Santa María: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was Catholic University of Santa María established?
Catholic University of Santa María was founded in 1961 (approximately 65 years ago).
Where is Catholic University of Santa María located?
Catholic University of Santa María is located in Arequipa, Peru.
Is Catholic University of Santa María public or private?
Catholic University of Santa María is a private institution.
Where does Catholic University of Santa María stand in university rankings?
Catholic University of Santa María holds rank #3897 globally and #28 in Peru.
What degrees does Catholic University of Santa María offer?
Catholic University of Santa María offers doctoral programmes.
What is Catholic University of Santa María's religious tradition?
Yes, Catholic University of Santa María is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.
Is Catholic University of Santa María accredited?
Catholic University of Santa María is accredited by Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria (SUNEDU).
How do I find Catholic University of Santa María online?
The institution's website is www.ucsm.edu.pe.
Top-Ranked Universities in Peru
Some Peru systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Other Peruvian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Chaplaincy provision and pastoral care at Christian-Catholic institutions varies in depth — some maintain full-time chaplains; others bring in visiting clergy. Worth comparing across the peers listed below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Medicine
Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Medicine programmes in Peru. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.
Universities Compared with Catholic University of Santa María
Beyond Catholic University of Santa María, several other universities operate at a comparable level — by ranking, heritage, or scale. They are worth knowing as you build your shortlist, particularly if you want options at the same competitive tier.
Studying in Peru: guides and resources
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