Quick Summary
Universidad de Panamá, in Panama City, Panama, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1935. Ranked #1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 75000 students including 1.5% from outside Panama. Known for strengths in Medicine, Law, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 85%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the largest and most historic public institution in Panama with the lowest tuition rates and widest program range.
Subject Strengths
MedicineLawEducationHumanitiesBiological Sciences
Founded1935
TypePublic
Total Students75000
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusUrban
Campus SizeLarge (Multiple Campuses and Regional Centers)
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Santo Tomás, Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid
AccreditationConsejo Nacional de Evaluación y Acreditación Universitaria de Panamá (CONEAUPA)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1201-1400
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1501+
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Licentiate, Master's, Doctoral, Specializations
Programs
22
PhD Programs
Available through Campus Virtual UP
Online Programs
Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Centro de Investigaciones de la Facultad de Medicina
Research Centers
Moderate
Research Output
Consejo Nacional de Evaluación y Acreditación Universitaria de Panamá (CONEAUPA)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate85%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPA2
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · October (for March Semester)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · June (for August Semester)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission requires the Prueba de Aptitud Académica (PAA). Preparation for the Spanish language and mathematics sections is critical.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Panamanian Balboa / US Dollar
UG Tuition
B/.60/yr
per year · PAB
Living Cost
B/.7,200/yr
per year · PAB
PG Tuition
B/.2,500/yr
per year · PAB
Application Fee
$30
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
B/.7,300/yr
tuition + living + essentials · PAB
Scholarships AvailableYes (IFARHU and Institutional Scholarships)
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidAvailable for low-income students via Bienestar Estudiantil
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Licentiate, Master's, Doctoral, Specializations programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law and Political Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Architecture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$14,000
Average Salary After Graduation
72%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh for clinical and technical fields
Industry Connections
Strong with Government of PanamaCanal Authorityand Banking Sector
Notable Alumni
Laurentino Cortizo, Mireya Moscoso, Ricardo J. Alfaro
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Limited (Primarily for regional centers)
Sports Facilities
Stadium, Gymnasiums, Olympic Swimming Pool
Student Clubs
Culture, Folk Dance, Debate, Scientific Societies
Library Resources
Biblioteca Interamericana Simon Bolivar
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, PAME (UDUAL), Erasmus Mundus
Summer Programs
Available