Peru is a former Spanish colony that has developed into a cultural melting pot. Its traditions and architecture remain deeply visible, and students can experience many cultural influences while studying there.
With the legacy of the Incas and many other cultures that have made Peru their home over the centuries, the country is an appealing study destination for history buffs and international students looking for a distinctive academic experience. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Peru for international students.
Top Universities in Peru for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | HIGHLIGHTED ACADEMIC AREAS |
|---|
| Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia | Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, and Nursing |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Peru | Engineering, Architecture, and Political Science and Government |
| Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos | Health Sciences, Humanities and Legal/Social Sciences, and Economics and Management Sciences |
| Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina | Meteorological Engineering and Climate Risk Management, Forestry Engineering, and Agronomy |
| Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas | Architecture, Engineering, and Communications |
1. Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
- Admissions
- Highlighted Academic Areas: Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, and Nursing
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, also known as Cayetano Heredia University, is one of Peru’s leading universities for health and life sciences. It carries the name of Cayetano Heredia, one of the greatest Peruvian physicians of the 19th century, a fitting name for one of the country’s well-known medical schools. In addition to medicine, the university offers studies through areas such as psychology, stomatology, nursing, public health, veterinary medicine and zootechnics, education, and science and engineering.
UPCH has built a strong reputation in Peru, Latin America, and beyond. In 2007, it became the first university in Peru to receive international institutional accreditation from IAC-CINDA, and it later renewed that accreditation. The university also maintains international academic and research links, including relationships with institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of California Berkeley.
2. Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, or Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, is the oldest private university in the country. It began in 1917 with two faculties, Letters and Jurisprudence, and has expanded through the decades to offer disciplines such as engineering, economics, political science, education, communications, architecture, social sciences, and the arts. This top university in Peru for international students also manages a broad research ecosystem; its current research directory lists 20 research centers and institutes. It is also known for facilities such as its Structures Laboratory and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies.
PUCP welcomes students into Lima, a city shaped by Amerindian, Japanese, Chinese, Afro-Peruvian, European, and other cultural influences. For international students, this setting adds a strong cultural dimension to academic life.
3. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
- Admissions
- Highlighted Academic Areas: Health Sciences, Humanities and Legal/Social Sciences, and Economics and Management Sciences
The National University of San Marcos, or Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Spanish, began its operation in 1551 by a royal decree signed by Emperor Charles V. The time-honored institution is often called the Dean University of the Americas because it is widely recognized as the oldest officially established university in the Americas. Today, UNMSM offers 81 undergraduate programs in five areas of knowledge: health sciences, engineering, basic sciences, economic and management sciences, and humanities, legal, and social sciences.
As one of the top universities in Peru, UNMSM has greatly contributed to the cultural and scientific development of the country. It continues to appear in major international rankings; for example, QS World University Rankings 2026 lists UNMSM in the 951-1000 band globally and 44th in Latin America and the Caribbean.
4. Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina
- Admissions
- Highlighted Academic Areas: Meteorological Engineering and Climate Risk Management, Forestry Engineering, and Agronomy
The Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina, also called the National Agrarian University-La Molina, is a public Peruvian university specializing in agricultural, biological, environmental, and forestry sciences. UNALM is also the only university in Peru that trains professionals in Meteorological Engineering and Climate Risk Management. Organized into faculties that cover areas such as agronomy, sciences, forestry, economics and planning, food industries, agricultural engineering, fisheries, and animal science, this university in Peru offers undergraduate and graduate programs, along with short courses and technical programs in areas such as gardening, hydroponics, raising small animals, dairy, meats, and related fields.
While students receive high-quality degree programs, they can also enjoy the university’s riding school, language center, and agro-products that the school offers to the community. All of these activities take place on UNALM’s suburban-style campus in the metropolitan city of Lima.
5. Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas
- Admissions
- Highlighted Academic Areas: Architecture, Engineering, and Communications
Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, also referred to as the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, is one of the younger universities in Peru and was established in 1994. It now offers undergraduate and graduate education across fields such as architecture, engineering, communications, business, law, humanities, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, contemporary arts, education, and psychology.
Within a short period of time, UPC has developed its own distinctive brand in the academic scene and has become a popular option among students who value professional training and international exposure. The university reports more than 290 international agreements, and more than 12,000 UPC students have participated in an international experience.
FAQs: Studying in Peru
Is Peru Good for International Students to Study In?
Several Peruvian universities appear in major international rankings and many remain affordable for international students compared with higher-cost study destinations. In QS World University Rankings 2026, nine Peruvian universities were listed, while QS Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 ranks PUCP 15th and UNMSM 44th in the region. Popular broad fields include business, administration and law, STEM, and health-related fields.
Can International Students Work in Peru While Studying?
Foreign students in Peru generally need authorization before taking paid work. Migraciones states that students with the appropriate migratory status may request an extraordinary work permit for temporary work of up to 60 days, which can cover professional internships or work during vacation periods. Applications are made through the Peruvian Migration Office’s virtual application.
Can International Students Stay in Peru After Graduation?
International students can stay in Peru after graduation if they obtain the appropriate migratory status for employment. For resident worker status, Migraciones requires documentation such as an approved employment contract, administrative relationship, or service contract, generally for a term of at least one year. Worker-resident status is granted for 365 days and can be extended for the same period.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Peru for international students was helpful! If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
