Peruvian University of Applied Sciences

What Peruvian University of Applied Sciences does

Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC) is a private Peruvian university founded in 1994 and headquartered in Santiago de Surco, Lima. It operates four physical campuses in Lima (Monterrico, San Isidro, Villa, and San Miguel) and is a member of the Laureate Education network, which has owned the institution since 2004. UPC delivers higher education through three primary modalities: Pregrado (58 undergraduate programs), EPE (18+ programs for working adults in semipresencial and a distancia formats), and Postgrado (120+ programs including MBAs, specialized master's, and continuing education). It also offers a Working Student (night schedule) program across 10 careers and a comprehensive sports program (Deportes UPC) with 600+ athletes across 22 selections.

UPC's core technology is a competency-based educational model built around proprietary assessment systems, including Assessment by Jury (committee-based competency evaluation), One-to-One Assessment (rubric-based individual evaluation), and the Academia de Assessment 2.0 faculty development platform, all integrated into the SICA quality management system. The model was enhanced in 2024 through a strategic alliance with Minerva University, introducing active learning, flipped classroom, and project-based pedagogy. Research output is meaningful: 20 patents, 37 registered research lines, 476 indexed publications (Scopus/WOS), and 680 student theses in indexed media. UPC holds the only US-based WSCUC institutional accreditation in Peru (10-year reaccreditation in 2022), the only integral ISO 9001:2015 certification in Peru, plus ISO 14001 (environmental), ISO 37001 (anti-bribery), and QS Stars 5-star rating (first and only in Peru).

The business model is tuition-driven (subscription/recurring) across the academic cycle, with pricing not publicly disclosed. Revenue streams include undergraduate tuition, EPE tuition, postgraduate tuition, working student tuition, international program fees (UPC-Arizona double degree, NCUK pathways, University of Leeds articulation), and ancillary services (certifications, WE Talk English, transportation, continuing education). The university is scholarship-supported (Beca 18, Beca Vocación de Maestro, Beca Laureate Transforma, and others, with 14,000+ beneficiaries). Distribution is omnichannel: direct on-campus enrollment, digital/admission exam (Cerbero), centralized call center, WhatsApp advisory, and international pathway partnerships. UPC serves primarily individual consumers (high school graduates, working adults, postgraduate professionals) across Peru and international pathway students globally.

Name

Peruvian University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas S.R.L.

Website

https://upc.edu.pe

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC) is a private Lima-based university operating 4 campuses, delivering 58 undergraduate, 18+ working-adult, and 120+ postgraduate programs, plus international double-degree pathways (Arizona, NCUK, Leeds), to Peruvian and global students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Graduate business programs
• Distance learning education
• International pathway programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Santiago de Surco, Lima

HQ country

Peru

HQ region

Latin America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Undergraduate Tuition (Pregrado): Tuition fees charged per academic cycle to undergraduate students across all programs. Students pay a pension (tuition) each semester. Prices are not publicly disclosed but vary by program and modality (presencial, semipresencial, a distancia).
2. EPE Tuition (Carreras para Gente que Trabaja): Tuition fees for working adult programs (EPE) offered in semipresencial and a distancia modalities. More than 18 career programs available. Convalidation of up to 60% of prior studies from other institutions.
3. Postgraduate Tuition (Postgrado): Over 120 postgraduate programs including MBAs, specialized master's, specialized programs, and specialization courses generating recurring tuition revenue per program cycle.
4. Working Student (Horario Nocturno) Tuition: Tuition for night schedule programs where students work during the day and study at night, available in semipresencial or a distancia modalities across 10 career programs.
5. International Programs Revenue: Revenue from UPC-Arizona double degree program (additional fees on top of regular UPC tuition), NCUK pathway programs, and University of Leeds articulation. The Arizona program adds a regular UPC pension plus accessible installments for the US degree.
6. Other Educational Services: Revenue from certification programs, WE Talk English courses, short courses, Próximo Destino UPC bridging program, bus transportation services, and continuing education programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

UPC is a private university delivering higher education services across undergraduate (58 careers), working-adult EPE programs (18+ careers in semipresencial/a distancia), postgraduate (120+ programs including MBAs and specialized master's), and international pathway programs (NCUK, Arizona double degree, University of Leeds). Programs are offered in presencial, semipresencial, and a distancia modalities across four Lima campuses and online, supported by competency-based assessment systems, the Minerva methodology, and a central admissions system.

Product overview

Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC) operates as a comprehensive private university with a multi-modular educational platform. The core offerings include Pregrado (Undergraduate Programs) with 58 career-oriented degrees, EPE for working adults (18+ programs), and Postgrado (Graduate Programs) with 120+ programs including MBAs and specialized master's degrees. The university also offers Working Student (Horario Nocturno) for 10 career programs in night/distance modalities. International programs include the UPC-NCUK pathway for access to UK/Australia/Canada universities, the UPC-Arizona double degree program with The University of Arizona, the NCUK Master Preparation Program (MPS), and the exclusive NCUK & University of Leeds pathway. Supporting services include student portals (Mi UPC), virtual classrooms (Aula Virtual), library services, virtual laboratories, and job placement (Bolsa de Trabajo). Innovation programs include STARTUPC and the Creatividad Empresarial Award. The university also provides sports programs (Deportes UPC) with athletic scholarships and sustainability initiatives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pregrado (Undergraduate Programs) Undergraduate degree programs offering 58 career-oriented programs focused on future trends, available in Presencial, Semipresencial, and A Distancia modalities for high school graduates.
• EPE - Carreras para Gente que Trabaja

Quantifiable outcome

• 9 out of 10 graduates are employed, and 94-95% work in their field of study (Ipsos Peru 2022/2023)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Municipalidad de Lima / SERPARminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration with the Municipality of Lima and SERPAR for a tree-planting (arborization) campaign in communities near UPC campuses, with participation from volunteer students across all programs.
• Puericultorio Pérez AraníbarminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Health prevention initiative partnership providing medical attention, preventive guidance, and specialized support to children and adolescents at the Puericultorio Pérez Araníbar, strengthening their health and wellbeing.
• Minerva UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UPC formed a strategic alliance with Minerva University (#1 in innovation globally according to WURI ranking) to re-revolutionize education in Peru. Minerva's methodology focuses on developing practical and adaptive skills for global challenges. The alliance brings active learning, flipped classroom, and practical projects to UPC students from the first semester, with faculty in continuous training. The collaboration is comparable to partnerships Minerva holds with top universities like Berkeley and Yale.
• The University of ArizonacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Exclusive partnership enabling UPC students to earn double degrees: a Bachiller from UPC and a Bachelor's Degree from The University of Arizona (a Top 100 global university). Students study primarily from Peru with the option of one semester in Tucson, Arizona. The program covers 7 faculties and multiple career programs. Students access Arizona's digital platforms, libraries, and 100% English instruction.
• NCUK (Northern Consortium UK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UPC is an official NCUK Study Centre delivering International Foundation Year (IFY) and International Year One (IYO) programs. Successful completion guarantees access to 60+ world-class universities in the UK (including Russell Group members), Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. Students can study 1-2 years at UPC before progressing to their destination university. WSCUC accredited study centre.
• University of LeedscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Exclusive partnership between NCUK, University of Leeds (ranked Top 100 globally, QS 2026; Russell Group member; triple accredited: AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), and UPC. Students can complete their first year of a UK business degree at UPC in Lima (entirely in English) and progress directly to Year 2 at Leeds. Two pathways available: direct entry (IB diploma) or Foundation + Year One.
• Race to Zero for Universities and CollegesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UPC completed Phase 1 of its commitment to the Race to Zero initiative in April 2024, reaffirming its objective to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• Fundación RomerominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership with the Romero Foundation to deliver the 'Generación Plateada' (Silver Generation) program — training sessions for adults over 50 on entrepreneurship, soft skills, motivation, self-leadership, and Business Model Canvas.
• Es Hoy (EPA! Program)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UPC partnered with Es Hoy organization for the '¡EPA! - Educación para Adultos' program, promoting educational inclusion and free access to basic education for adults to improve quality of life and generate greater employment opportunities.
• Conservación Internacional Perú / Coca-Cola Foundation / LOOPminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UPC participated in a beach cleanup organized by Conservación Internacional Perú, Coca-Cola Foundation, and LOOP as part of its environmental social responsibility initiatives.
• Claro Perú / Comimtel (RAEE Program)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023UPC partnered with Claro Perú (via partner Comimtel) in the RAEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) management program. Since September 2023, recycling containers have been placed across all four campuses, with awareness workshops conducted.
• Hospital Rebagliati / EsSaludminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership with Hospital Rebagliati of EsSalud for voluntary blood donation campaigns held at all four UPC campuses, mobilizing collaborators and students to contribute to national blood supply.
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)coreOthersWSCUC is the US-based accreditation agency that granted UPC the maximum 10-year institutional reaccreditation in 2022, making it the only Peruvian university institutionally accredited by WSCUC. This accreditation confirms UPC meets the highest academic standards recognized in the United States.
• SINEACE (Sistema Nacional de Evaluación, Acreditación y Certificación de la Calidad Educativa)coreOthersPeru's national body responsible for institutional and programmatic accreditation. UPC is #1 in Peru in accreditation rankings for 5 consecutive years.

Scale indicators21 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Universidad del Pacífico: Top-ranked Peruvian business and economics school, highly comparable to UPC's postgraduate and business offerings. Both target the same high-achieving student segment for MBAs, specialized master's, and executive education.
• Universidad César Vallejo (UCV): One of the largest private universities in Peru with extensive national footprint. Competes with UPC across price-sensitive segments and working-adult programs (EPE equivalent).
• Universidad de San Martín de Porres (USMP): One of the largest private universities in Peru by enrollment, offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. Direct competitor to UPC, particularly in professional programs serving Lima's working-adult population.
• Universidad de Lima: Major private Peruvian university offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across business, law, engineering, and humanities. Competes with UPC across nearly all program types for the same Lima-based student demographic.
• Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH): Top Peruvian private university specializing in health sciences, medicine, and life sciences. Directly competes with UPC's Faculty of Health Sciences and engineering programs for top-tier STEM students.
• Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL): Large private Peruvian university with aggressive growth, comprehensive program portfolio, and expanding international partnerships. Direct competitor to UPC across undergraduate, EPE, and postgraduate programs.
• Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP): Peru's leading private research university and the dominant competitor in undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. PUCP and UPC compete directly for the same premium student segment in Lima and for the same faculty talent pool.
• Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN): Fast-growing private Peruvian university with multiple campuses nationwide, increasingly competing with UPC in undergraduate and EPE working-adult segments through aggressive pricing and expansion.

Regional players

• Universidad de los Andes (Colombia): Top private research university in Colombia with strong international rankings profile and emphasis on competency-based learning. Comparable to UPC in market positioning within the Andean higher education segment, though operating in a different country.
• Tecnológico de Monterrey: Mexico's leading private university with strong international positioning, competency-based education, and significant R&D output. Comparable to UPC in scale, quality, and brand ambition, but operating primarily in Mexico rather than Peru.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/upcedu
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UPCedupe
• Facebookfacebook.com/upcedu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/universidad-peruana-de-ciencias-aplicadas

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Peruvian University of Applied Sciences