University for Peace
The University for Peace (UPEACE) is a UN-mandated international organization offering postgraduate degrees, certificates, and executive education in peace studies, human rights, environment, and sustainable development, serving graduate students, mid-career professionals, UN officials, and partner universities from its Costa Rica campus to a 120+ nation alumni network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersEl Rodeo, Costa Rica
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What University for Peace does
The University for Peace (UPEACE / UPAZ) is a United Nations-mandated international organization established by UN General Assembly Resolution 35/55 on December 5, 1980, and governed by a Charter signed by 41 Signatory States. Headquartered on a 303-hectare campus in Ciudad Colón (El Rodeo de Mora), Costa Rica, it is the only institution within the UN system mandated exclusively for peace education. UPEACE offers Master's, Doctoral, Certificate, and Distance Education programmes spanning peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, conflict resolution, gender and peacebuilding, peace education, media and peace studies, and regional studies, with eight programmes SINAES-accredited through 2029 and degrees verified by IAU/UNESCO.
The institution operates three core sub-brands: the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education (executive diplomas, live virtual workshops, online courses, on-site workshops, study abroad programs, Gross Global Happiness Summit, and customized corporate training); the UPEACE Human Rights Centre (diplomas in Human Rights and Forced Displacement and Sustainable Development and Human Rights, plus e-learning courses); and Earth Charter International (ethical leadership and ecological integrity). It also runs the Office of Legal Assistance for Journalists, publications including the annual Freedom of Expression in Costa Rica report, and the annual Model United Nations Conference. Regional offices in Africa, Europe, and Asia plus permanent representations to the UN in New York and to the UN Human Rights Council/UNESCO in Geneva provide institutional reach.
UPEACE generates revenue through a hybrid model: tuition from degree and certificate programmes (e.g., certificates priced at $200-$1,100, workshops at $245-$950), professional and executive education fees, study abroad programmes delivered for 23+ partner universities (including Harvard Business School, University of San Diego, Georgia State University, and Lynn University), UN system grants, and member state contributions. Its alumni network exceeds 6,000-8,000 graduates across 120+ nations, including heads of state and senior UN officials, serving as a primary growth engine through referrals and diplomatic reach. The institution's technology footprint is limited to educational content and academic methodologies rather than proprietary platforms.
University for Peace firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- University for Peace
- Legal name
- University for Peace
- Website
- https://upeace.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The University for Peace (UPEACE) is a UN-mandated international organization offering postgraduate degrees, certificates, and executive education in peace studies, human rights, environment, and sustainable development, serving graduate students, mid-career professionals, UN officials, and partner universities from its Costa Rica campus to a 120+ nation alumni network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
University for Peace industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education in Peace Studies
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management Schools (within Business Schools) (EDAHAHAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Faculty-Led & Custom Group Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAA), Program Quality Assurance, Accreditation & Compliance (Secondary Overseas Programs) (EDAIAHAM), International Student Orientation & Transition Programs (EDALANAC)
Keywords
Where University for Peace is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- El Rodeo
- HQ country
- Costa Rica
- HQ region
- Latin America
Offices7 records
Markets served
University for Peace business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Academic Degree Programs: Tuition and fees from Master's and Doctoral degree programs in peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, and related fields. Programs include both on-campus and distance education formats.
- Professional and Executive Education: Revenue from the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education, Human Rights Centre, and Earth Charter International programs. Includes certificate programs, online courses, workshops, and customized training for organizations and individuals.
- Grants and UN System Support: Funding from United Nations system, member state contributions, and project grants. The institution receives support through its observer status at the UN General Assembly and partnerships with UN agencies.
- Study Abroad Programs: Customized short-term study abroad programs for partner universities, including logistics coordination, on-campus workshops, and field visits in Costa Rica.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Child Rights and Development Certificate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Workplace Insight Onsite Workshop |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Skills for Effective Negotiations Onsite |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Design Thinking Workshop |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Positive Leadership Workshop |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
University for Peace product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The University for Peace (UPEACE) is a UN-mandated international organization that delivers postgraduate degree programs (Master's and Doctoral) plus professional development certificates, diplomas, and executive education in peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, and conflict resolution. Programs are offered both on-campus at its Costa Rica headquarters and via distance/online learning. Operations include three specialized sub-brands: the Centre for Executive Education, the Human Rights Centre, and Earth Charter International.
Product overview
The University for Peace (UPEACE/UPAZ) is a United Nations-mandated institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic and professional education products. The core offering consists of Master's and Doctoral degree programmes in peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, gender studies, and conflict resolution, delivered primarily through on-campus instruction at its Costa Rica headquarters. Supplementary offerings include Certificate Programmes and Distance Education options. The institution operates three specialised sub-brands: the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education (offering Global Leadership Diploma, Diploma in Social Innovation, Live Virtual Workshops, Online Courses, On-site Workshops, Study Abroad Programs, Gross Global Happiness Summit, and Customized Workshops for Organisations); the UPEACE Human Rights Centre (offering Diplomas in Human Rights and Forced Displacement and Sustainable Development and Human Rights plus E-Learning Courses); and Earth Charter International (focusing on ethical leadership and ecological integrity). Additional services include the Office of Legal Assistance for Journalists (ALP), institutional Publications, and the Model United Nations Conference. The institution serves over 6,000 alumni from more than 120 nations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Master's Degree Programmes Graduate-level academic programmes including M.A. in Environment Development and Peace, International Law and Human Rights, International Peace Studies, Gender and Peacebuilding, Peace Education, and Conflict Resolution Peace and Development, delivered on-campus and via distance education.
- Doctoral Degree Programme Postgraduate research and doctoral programmes for advanced scholarly study in peace and related fields.
- Certificate Programmes
Quantifiable outcome
- 8 SINAES-accredited Master's programs as of 2025
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use University for Peace
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
University for Peace technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
University for Peace partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)corePartnership with UNODC and INTERPOL to host the 2025 International Academy on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. The academy strengthened institutional and professional capacities of specialized authorities across Latin America in combating these crimes.
- INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)coreCo-organized the 2025 International Academy on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants alongside UNODC. INTERPOL contributed intelligence and criminal investigation expertise to the training program.
- UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)coreUPAZ and UNHCR partnered to organize the regional dialogue 'Diálogos de Evaluación – Soluciones Locales hacia la Convivencia Pacífica' at UPEACE campus in Costa Rica. This event gathered key humanitarian and peacebuilding actors to strengthen cooperation and promote local solutions for forced displacement challenges.
- Peace Boat (Barco de la Paz)majorJoint activities with Peace Boat for Journey #117, including forums on peace, nuclear disarmament, and human rights at UNED Puntarenas. The partnership focuses on global peace advocacy and raising awareness about survivors of atomic bombs.
- UNED (Universidad Nacional Estatal a Distancia)majorJoint organizer of Peace Boat Journey #117 activities in Costa Rica. Hosted the event 'A global journey with the Peace Boat: Voices of peace, testimonies and perspectives of survivors' at UNED Puntarenas headquarters.
- World without Wars and without Violence AssociationminorCo-organized Peace Boat Journey #117 activities in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, focusing on peace advocacy and nuclear disarmament awareness.
- StrategosmajorContributed to the publication 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches', providing expertise and institutional support for this comprehensive analysis of criminal economies.
- FELADE (Foundation for the Study of Money Laundering and Crimes)coreCollaborated with UPEACE on the World Compliance Forum Panama 2024 and co-published 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches'. FELADE provides expertise in anti-money laundering and financial crime studies.
- Konrad Adenauer FoundationmajorSupported the publication 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches' and participated in World Compliance Forum Panama 2024, contributing to discussions on compliance and crime prevention.
- Universidad de SantanderminorAcademic partner contributing to the publication 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches' and participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Editorial DikeminorPublisher of the 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches' book, providing editorial and distribution expertise for UPEACE's academic publications.
- Harvard Business SchoolmajorConducted 'Social Entrepreneurship in Latin America' course through Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Club at UPEACE campus, offering experiential learning for MBA students.
- University of San DiegomajorPartner university sending students for study abroad programs at UPEACE, including 'Education for Peace and Sustainability' course combining classroom learning with Costa Rican field experiences.
- Georgia State UniversitymajorConducts 'Global Perspectives on Children and the Law' course through Georgia State University College of Law at UPEACE, offering law students international perspectives on child rights.
- Lynn UniversitymajorAnnual J-term study abroad partner conducting 'Tools for Social Responsibility' program at UPEACE, providing students with peace and sustainability education in Costa Rica.
- Earth Charter InternationalcoreCo-located at UPEACE, Earth Charter International offers courses and resources on ethical leadership, ecological integrity, and intercultural dialogue. Partner in professional education initiatives.
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)coreStrategic alliance with UNDP mentioned in the 2021-2024 impact report presentation. Collaboration contributes to sustainable development and peacebuilding initiatives globally.
- UPEACE Human Rights CentrecoreIntegrated center within UPEACE dedicated to human rights education and advocacy, providing training in policy analysis, humanitarian action, and social justice worldwide.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
University for Peace competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Peace Direct: INGO working on local peacebuilding capacity and partnerships. Comparable mission and stakeholder network to UPEACE, particularly around practitioner training and partnership with UN/regional bodies, though operates outside the academic-degree space.
Direct peers
- University of Notre Dame – Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies: Premier US-based institute offering Master's and PhD programmes in peace studies. Directly comparable curriculum, degree offerings, and target student segment to UPEACE's peace and conflict resolution programmes.
- United Nations University (UNU): UN-mandated academic institution offering postgraduate and research programmes through a global network of institutes. Directly comparable to UPEACE as a treaty-based, UN-affiliated university serving global scholars and policymakers.
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR): UN training arm delivering capacity-building programmes for diplomats, government officials, and development practitioners. Directly comparable to UPEACE in mandate, target audience (UN/government professionals), and joint programme delivery (UPEACE-UNITAR programmes).
- SIT Graduate Institute / School for International Training: Graduate school offering Master's programmes in conflict transformation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development with experiential learning models. Directly comparable to UPEACE for mission-driven, practice-oriented postgraduate peace education.
- Uppsala University – Department of Peace and Conflict Research: Renowned European department offering Master's and PhD programmes in peace and conflict research. Comparable research-led peace education offering and international student audience.
- George Mason University – Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution: Leading US graduate school offering Master's and doctoral programmes in conflict analysis and resolution. Direct peer for curriculum, research focus, and student audience (e.g., conflict resolution, peacebuilding credentials).
- University of Bradford – Department of Peace Studies: Long-established UK university offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in peace studies and international development. Directly comparable legacy and curriculum to UPEACE's peace education mandate.
Broad incumbents
- Brandeis University – Heller School / MA in Coexistence and Conflict: US research university offering a Master's in Coexistence and Conflict alongside broader social policy programmes. Overlaps with UPEACE on peace and coexistence curriculum but operates within a much larger university portfolio.
Regional players
- Universidad Nacional Estatal a Distancia (UNED): Costa Rica's primary public distance-learning university and direct collaborator with UPEACE on joint peace advocacy events (Peace Boat Journey #117). Comparable Costa Rica-based education provider with overlapping international student base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
University for Peace social profiles
Digital presenceUniversity for Peace compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
University for Peace financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
University for Peace leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
University for Peace subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
University for Peace funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
University for Peace M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about University for Peace
What does University for Peace do?
The University for Peace (UPEACE) is a UN-mandated international organization that delivers postgraduate degree programs (Master's and Doctoral) plus professional development certificates, diplomas, and executive education in peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, and conflict resolution. Programs are offered both on-campus at its Costa Rica headquarters and via distance/online learning. Operations include three specialized sub-brands: the Centre for Executive Education, the Human Rights Centre, and Earth Charter International.
Is University for Peace a public or private company?
University for Peace is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was University for Peace founded?
University for Peace was founded in 1980. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is University for Peace based?
University for Peace is headquartered in El Rodeo, Costa Rica, in the Latin America region.
How does University for Peace make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Academic Degree Programs are the primary driver. The others are professional and Executive Education, grants and UN System Support and study Abroad Programs.
Who are University for Peace's main competitors?
Peace Direct is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are University of Notre Dame – Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, United Nations University (UNU), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), SIT Graduate Institute / School for International Training, Uppsala University – Department of Peace and Conflict Research, George Mason University – Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and University of Bradford – Department of Peace Studies. Brandeis University – Heller School / MA in Coexistence and Conflict is listed as a broad incumbent. Universidad Nacional Estatal a Distancia (UNED) is listed as a regional player.
Does University for Peace have an API?
No public API is recorded for University for Peace.
What industry is University for Peace in?
University for Peace's product category is Higher Education in Peace Studies. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAHAL, Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management Schools (within Business Schools), with a secondary code of EDAIAAAA, Faculty-Led & Custom Group Study Abroad Programs. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.