Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Lima, Peru • Founded 1551 • QS 2027 #951-1000
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1551, the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (National Major San Marcos University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Lima (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación, Peru (Ministry of Education of Peru), Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) is a very large-sized coeducational Peruvian higher education institution. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 472-year-old Peruvian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Peruvian higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
UNMSM 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
Address book entry for Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerio de Educación, Peru.
Accountancy (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
Administration (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- International Business
- Tourism
Arts and Humanities (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biological Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Industrial Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Process Engineer
- Plant Manager
- Materials Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Physical Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Electrical Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Automation Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Geology, Mining, Metallurgy and Geography (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geography
- Geology
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Industrial Engineering (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Industrial Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Political Science (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Operations Research
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy and Biochemistry (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Food Science
- Pharmacy
- Toxicology
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Geography
- History
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Systems and Computer Engineering (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Systems Analysis
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Veterinary Science (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Veterinarian
- Animal Health Specialist
- Wildlife Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Raúl Porras (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Tropical Medicine (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Rural Andine History (Research Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Fine Arts
- History
Programs Offered
All active programmes at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
320 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Peru
Bachelor's Degree 65 programmes
Showing 10 of 65.
Master's Degree 90 programmes
Showing 10 of 90.
Doctorate 31 programmes
Showing 10 of 31.
Postgraduate Certificate 134 programmes
Showing 10 of 134.
How to apply to Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
The standard application path for Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
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1
Identify the right programme
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos's catalogue includes 320 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos's admissions process.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos's official website at www.unmsm.edu.pe. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +51 (1) 619 7000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos as a study destination.
When did Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos open?
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos traces its founding to 1551 (approximately 475 years ago).
In which city is Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos?
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos is based in Lima, Peru.
Is Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos a public or private institution?
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos?
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos has approximately 45,000-49,999 students.
What is Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos's ranking?
It ranks QS 2027 #951-1000.
What programmes are available at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos?
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos offers doctoral programmes.
Is Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos officially recognised?
Yes, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos is recognised by National System of Evaluation, Accreditation and Certification of Higher Education (SINEACE); Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria (SUNEDU).
How do I find Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos online?
The institution's website is www.unmsm.edu.pe.
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 & Health
Interested in Medicine & Health but want alternatives to Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos? These institutions in Peru 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 Compared with Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Cross-institutional admissions sharing exists in some networks — peers of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos sometimes accept shared application materials or recognise admissions decisions. Worth checking when batching applications.
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