Universidad Privada Domingo Savio Sede Cochabamba

What Universidad Privada Domingo Savio Sede Cochabamba does

Universidad Privada Domingo Savio (UPDS) is a private higher education institution founded around 2000 in Bolivia, with its national headquarters in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and nine regional campuses across the country including the Sede Cochabamba (located at Irigoyen # 1555, Zona Sarco). The university operates six faculties — Ciencias Jurídicas, Ciencias Empresariales, Ciencias Sociales, Ingeniería, Ciencias de la Salud, and semipresencial programs — offering undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education degrees spanning law, business, engineering, health sciences, communications, psychology, and tourism. UPDS self-describes as the largest private university in Bolivia and is celebrating 25 years of operations in 2025.

UPDS delivers education through both presencial (in-person) and semipresencial (blended) study modalities and supports its operations with a digital infrastructure including the Portal UPDS (online student portal), a native iOS/Android mobile application, a digital library system (Biblioteca UPDS), and a simulation-based medical training center in Santa Cruz. The institution applies a proprietary "Modelo Educativo por Competencias" (competency-based educational model) as its pedagogical framework and holds international accreditations from MERCOSUR (Industrial Engineering reaccreditation in 2026) and ARCU-SUR (Medicine program, 2025/2026), alongside a network of bilateral academic agreements with universities across Latin America, Spain, and the United States.

The business model is tuition-driven and sales-led: revenue is generated primarily from recurring undergraduate and graduate tuition fees, supplemented by one-time postgraduate and continuing education program fees. UPDS acquires students through campus open-house events (Puertas Abiertas), participation in educational fairs (Expoeduca), digital marketing across social platforms, and a website-based admissions funnel. Distribution is exclusively direct through its nine physical campuses within Bolivia. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; prospective students are directed to admissions contact channels. Management is led by a National Rector (Carlos Cuéllar) and a regional rectorate structure, with no identified parent company or external holding.

Name

Universidad Privada Domingo Savio Sede Cochabamba

Legal name

Universidad Privada Domingo Savio

Website

https://upds.edu.bo

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Universidad Privada Domingo Savio (UPDS) is a private Bolivian university headquartered in Santa Cruz with a regional campus in Cochabamba, offering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees across six faculties to students across nine Bolivian cities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Cochabamba, Cochabamba

HQ country

Bolivia

HQ region

Latin America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Academic Fees: UPDS generates revenue primarily through tuition payments from students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs across its multiple campuses and faculties.
2. Postgraduate and Continuing Education: Revenue from specialized postgraduate programs, diplomas, certifications, and professional development courses

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

UPDS is a private university delivering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six faculties (Law, Business, Social Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, and semipresential programs) via in-person and blended modalities at nine campuses in Bolivia. The institution also offers postgraduate diplomas, continuing education, language training through the Academia de Idiomas UPDS (ADI), and digital learning services (Portal UPDS, UPDS Mobile App, Biblioteca UPDS).

Product overview

Universidad Privada Domingo Savio (UPDS) is a private university in Bolivia with multiple campuses. Its primary offerings are academic degree programs across six faculties (Ciencias Jurídicas, Ciencias Empresariales, Ciencias Sociales, Ingeniería, Ciencias de la Salud, and semi-presential programs). The institution also provides digital services including the Portal UPDS (online student portal), UPDS Mobile App (iOS/Android), Biblioteca UPDS (digital library), and the Academia de Idiomas UPDS (ADI) for language training. Student-developed innovations like the Resicash Recicla recycling app represent technology-enabled offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Academia de Idiomas UPDS (ADI): A new academic unit that offers language programs to form professionals with global vision.
• UPDS App

Products and services

• Undergraduate Degree Programs Undergraduate degree programs including Derecho, Administración de Empresas, Contaduría Pública, Ingeniería Comercial, Marketing y Publicidad, Ciencias de la Comunicación Social, Psicología, Psicopedagogía, Relaciones Internacionales, Gestión del Turismo, Ingeniería Civil, Ingeniería de Sistemas, Ingeniería en Gestión Ambiental, Ingeniería en Gestión Petrolera, Ingeniería en Redes y Telecomunicaciones, Ingeniería Industrial, Medicina, Fisioterapia y Kinesiología, Nutrición y Dietética, and Bioquímica y Farmacia, designed for high school graduates seeking professional qualifications.
• Semipresencial Degree Programs Blended learning undergraduate programs that combine in-person and remote study, covering Derecho, Administración de Empresas, Ingeniería Comercial, Psicología, and Ciencias de la Comunicación Social for students who need flexible scheduling.
• Postgraduate and Continuing Education Programs Postgraduate diplomas, specializations, certifications, and professional development courses for graduates and working professionals seeking advanced qualifications.
• Academia de Idiomas UPDS (ADI) Language training academic unit offering language programs to form professionals with a global vision.
• Portal UPDS Online student portal providing access to academic information, course materials, and institutional services for enrolled students.
• UPDS Mobile App Official mobile application for iOS and Android providing mobile access to academic resources, course information, and institutional services for students.
• Biblioteca UPDS Digital library system providing access to academic resources, research databases, and study materials for students and faculty.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 4,000 people benefited by social projects in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• CUICONDES (Consultora Ciudadanía, Resolución y Desarrollo Sostenible)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 August 2026Agreement for professional practices, internships, research, and training. The partnership supports sustainable development education and community engagement.
• Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de La PazmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 July 2026Strategic partnership for research, innovation, and sustainable urban development. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between academia and local government for city development projects.
• OIM (Organización Internacional para las Migraciones)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 July 2026Partnership to promote research and protection of populations in vulnerable situations. Joint research projects, training, and international cooperation on migration issues.
• UNIR (Universidad Internacional de La Rioja)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance for internationalization and academic excellence. Defined new cooperation lines in research, faculty development, and institutional advancement.
• REF Bolivia (Red de Emprendedores de Bolivia)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in annual All Members Meeting gathering over 250 executives, founders, and entrepreneurs from different sectors. Represents university commitment to entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Universidad de Investigación e Innovación de MéxicocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFramework agreement establishing opportunities for training, research, academic mobility, and joint project development between both institutions.
• Parque Científico CREA Santa CruzmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPDS Academic Vice President serves on the Permanent Evaluation and Monitoring Committee (COPES) of the Science and Technology Park, contributing to innovation ecosystem development.
• Grupo ChávezcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement for student internships and pre-professional practices, while group employees access academic benefits for professional development.
• SODESBOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance to strengthen writing, research, and literary creation through joint academic, editorial, and cultural activities.
• Universidad de San Carlos de GuatemalacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsolidated partnership to strengthen scientific research and academic internationalization between the two institutions.
• Universidad Nacional de Asunción (Paraguay)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in MARCA program (Movilidad Académica Regional del MERCOSUR) enabling student exchanges within the region.
• Universidad de Cuenca (Ecuador)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic exchange partnership hosting journalism students for four-month professional learning experiences.
• Universidad de Georgia (USA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange of experiences to explore academic and research alliances with U.S. university.
• UCASAL (Universidad Católica de Salta, Argentina)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMirror Classroom programs strengthening negotiation skills and research methodologies through international academic collaboration.
• Universidad Privada de Tacna (Peru)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaculty exchange and international collaboration between engineering departments.
• Pacto Global Red BoliviamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPDS incorporation to UN Global Compact network demonstrating commitment to sustainability and social transformation.
• Parlamento AndinomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrengthening international projection and Andean regional integration through diplomatic and academic collaboration.
• Parlamento del MERCOSURmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent participation in MERCOSUR Parliament's Voluntary Visitors Program for regional youth leadership.
• Embajada de Alemania y ConsuladomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman ambassador and consul visited campus exploring scientific cooperation opportunities with German entities.
• Embajada de JapónmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiplomatic delegation visited to learn about research, innovation, and technology advances, opening spaces for future collaboration with Japanese entities.
• Ratio LegisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal education partnership between UPDS and Ratio Legis for legal training and professional development.
• IDEPRO IFDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for financial inclusion and technological innovation, including specialized internships for students in operational areas.
• CEPAD (Centro Eclesiástico de Pastoral Arquidiocesana)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance to promote culture, history, and sustainable development of Santa Cruz through academic activities.
• Fundación Hombres NuevoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for academic training and social projection through cooperation actions, projects, and programs.
• Colegio de Abogados del BeniminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional cooperation agreement for legal education and professional development.
• Clínica Integral de la FamiliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership strengthening practical training for Psychology and Psychopedagogy students.
• IDEPROminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinancial inclusion and innovation partnership supporting student internships in operational areas
• CLADEA (Latin American Council of Management Schools)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPDS participates in CLADEA regional meetings bringing together 290+ academic institutions from 35 countries promoting excellence and innovation.
• RIFED (Red Iberoamericana de Facultades y Escuelas de Derecho)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPDS leads XIII RIFED Encounter gathering jurists from 11 countries to discuss legal challenges in Iberoamerica.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB): UPB is one of Bolivia's leading private universities, operating across multiple Bolivian cities with a comparable multi-faculty structure (engineering, business, law, health). It is the most direct domestic competitor to UPDS, serving the same price-sensitive Bolivian student base with similar presencial and semipresencial modalities.
• Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo: UCB is Bolivia's other major private university, with multiple regional campuses and a faculty mix spanning business, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. It competes head-to-head with UPDS for the same domestic private-university segment and offers a comparable professional-degree focus.
• Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN) - Peru: UPN is one of Peru's largest private universities, operating multiple campuses with a multi-disciplinary portfolio (engineering, business, health, law, communications). It is a useful peer benchmark for private multi-campus higher education operators in the Andean region targeting similar blue-collar and emerging-middle-class student demographics.

Broad incumbents

• UNIR - Universidad Internacional de La Rioja: UNIR is a Spain-based online university with a Latin American presence and a strategic alliance with UPDS for internationalization and faculty development. While headquartered abroad, UNIR competes in the same online/distance higher education space and represents an established cross-border player in the Spanish-speaking market UPDS targets.
• Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA): UMSA is Bolivia's largest public university, headquartered in La Paz with broad faculty coverage including law, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. As a near-free public alternative, it sets the price floor for the Bolivian higher education market and represents the dominant incumbent against which UPDS and other private players must differentiate.

Regional players

• Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC): USAC is Guatemala's largest public university and a consolidated research/internationalization partner of UPDS. It provides a Central American benchmark for a multi-campus public-private competitor ecosystem in which UPDS's MERCOSUR/ARCU-SUR accreditations gain cross-border recognition.
• Universidad de Investigación e Innovación de México (UIIM): UIIM is a Mexican private university with a framework agreement with UPDS for training, research, and academic mobility. As a private Mexican university focused on innovation-led programming, it represents a comparable peer within the broader Latin American private higher education landscape.
• Universidad Privada de Tacna: UPT is a private Peruvian university with multi-faculty offerings (engineering, business, law, health) and active engineering faculty exchanges with UPDS. It serves as a useful regional benchmark for Andean private universities of similar size and scope operating in a comparable regulatory environment.
• Universidad Nacional de Asunción: UNA is Paraguay's main public university and a MARCA (MERCOSUR academic mobility) partner of UPDS. While public, it offers a relevant regional reference point for faculty and student exchanges across MERCOSUR and competes for graduate-level talent in overlapping fields.
• Universidad Católica de Salta (UCASAL): UCASAL is an Argentine private Catholic university running Mirror Classroom programs with UPDS. It is a similarly-sized private university with comparable faith-affiliated positioning and a multi-disciplinary portfolio, providing a regional price/structure benchmark outside Bolivia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/udomingosavio
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UPDSsc
• Facebookfacebook.com/UPDS.bo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/upds-sede-cochabamba
• Instagraminstagram.com/upds_santacruz

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Universidad Privada Domingo Savio Sede Cochabamba