Quick Summary
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, in Lima, Peru, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1551. Ranked #901-950 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 45600 students including 1.2% from outside Peru. Known for strengths in Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 11%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the oldest university in the Americas with deep prestige, tuition-free education for undergraduates, and the strongest research output in Peru.
Subject Strengths
MedicineLawPharmacyArchaeologyHistorySocial Sciences
Founded1551
TypePublic
Total Students45600
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size100 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza
AccreditationSuperintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria (SUNEDU)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#901-950
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
66
Programs
34
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
35
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria (SUNEDU)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate11%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · March
SPRINGApplication Deadline · August
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is based strictly on a highly competitive entrance exam (Examen de Admisión). Intensive preparation in 'Pre-San Marcos' is recommended.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Peruvian Sol
Living Cost
S/18,500/yr
per year · PEN
PG Tuition
S/9,500/yr
per year · PEN
Application Fee
$120
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
S/18,950/yr
tuition + living + essentials · PEN
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 66 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Economics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Systems Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong clinical and industrial placements within Lima metropolitan area.
Industry Connections
Strong ties with Ministry of HealthMinistry of Educationand various state institutions.
Notable Alumni
Mario Vargas Llosa, Daniel Alcides Carrión, César Vallejo, Jorge Basadre
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Estadio Monumental de San Marcos, gymnasiums, athletic tracks
Student Clubs
Cultural workshops, Tuna Universitaria, Debating Society, Sports Federations
Library Resources
Central Library Pedro Zulen, over 20 specialized faculty libraries
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Not Available