Quick Summary
Based in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Universidad del Zulia is a public with roots dating back to 1891. Ranked #1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 55000 students including 50% from outside Venezuela. Known for strengths in Engineering - Petroleum, Medicine, Architecture, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the largest and most important university in western Venezuela with a historical legacy in scientific research and professional training.
Subject Strengths
Engineering - PetroleumMedicineArchitectureLawSocial Sciences
Founded1891
TypePublic
Total Students55000
Intl Students50%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusUrban
Campus Size1000 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitario de Maracaibo (SAHUM)
AccreditationConsejo Nacional de Universidades (CNU)
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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
Medicine, Law, Petroleum Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Education, Humanities, Economics, Social Sciences, Agronomy
Programs
24
PhD Programs
Distance learning provided via Sistema de Educación a Distancia (SEDLUZ)
Online Programs
Consejo de Desarrollo Científico, Humanístico y Tecnológico (CONDES)
Research Centers
Moderate
Research Output
Consejo Nacional de Universidades (CNU)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · Varies by faculty
SPRINGApplication Deadline · Varies by faculty
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Requires registration through the OPSU national system and a high ranking in the National Admission Test.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Bolívar / US Dollar
Living Cost
$3,000/yr
per year · VES / USD
PG Tuition
$1,200/yr
per year · VES / USD
Application Fee
$15
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$3,015/yr
tuition + living + essentials · VES / USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$150
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Medicine, Law, Petroleum Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Education, Humanities, Economics, Social Sciences, Agronomy programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Petroleum Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
Not Available
Average Salary After Graduation
Not Available
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong in regional oil and healthcare sectors
Industry Connections
PDVSARegional Ministry of Health
Notable Alumni
Carmelo Lauría Lesseur, Humberto Fernández Morán (associated researchers)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Lino Connell Sports Complex, multiple indoor and outdoor courts
Student Clubs
Orfeón Universitario, Teatro Universitario, various academic and political federations
Library Resources
Red de Bibliotecas de la Universidad del Zulia (REBILUZ)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Not Available