Ibrahim Gardner
El Salvador has 33 universities, including three public and twelve private institutions. The University of El Salvador is the country's only public university, with an average student population of 30,000. In 1993, around 77,369 students were enrolled at universities and other higher-level institutions in El Salvador, with approximately 51% being female. As of 2024, the enrollment rate in higher education is 30.82%.
What You'll Learn
University of El Salvador: 30,000 students enrolled
The University of El Salvador (UES) is the country's oldest university and its flagship public institution. It is the only public university in the country, with an average of 30,000 students enrolled. The University of El Salvador has one main campus in the capital, San Salvador, and three more campuses in Santa Ana, San Miguel, and San Vicente. The University of El Salvador is the highest-ranked university in the country, ranked 191-200 in Latin America.
The University of El Salvador was authorized in 1841, and the participation of women became very significant after the war. In 1993, around 51% of the 77,369 students enrolled at universities and other higher-level institutions in El Salvador were female. The University of El Salvador offers the best opportunity for students from low-income families. The enrollment age is between 19 and 23, and the school year is divided into two semesters, running from January to December.
The University of El Salvador offers a wide range of fields of study. To enrol, students are required to take an admission examination. After completing the requirements for their specialty, students write and defend a dissertation to earn a Licenciatura (Master's degree).
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Central America University: requires an admission exam
El Salvador is home to 33 universities, including three public universities and 12 private institutions. The University of El Salvador, the country's oldest university, is the only public university in the country. It is also the largest, with an average enrolment of 30,000 students.
One of the other public universities is The Central America University (UCA) in San Salvador. UCA is a private Catholic university with non-profit purposes. It was founded in 1965 at the request of a group of Catholic families who wanted an alternative to the University of El Salvador. It has since become one of the best institutions of higher learning in Central America.
UCA offers a wide spectrum of courses in the sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and arts and humanities. Applicants to UCA are assessed on the basis of selection tests held in April and October each year. These entrance examinations are required for admission to undergraduate programs. Accepted students are then required to take a six-week pre-university course, either from May to July or from January to February, before commencing their degree studies in either August or March. The School of Languages at UCA also offers three levels of Spanish courses for non-native speakers.
The academic calendar at UCA is divided into two semesters, as is the case with many other universities in El Salvador. The campus is located in San Salvador, a large city that offers many opportunities for students, from cafes and restaurants to internships at large companies. However, the urban campus can also be a distraction for some students. Students have access to an extensive scientific library, and the university accepts students for international exchange programs.
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Female participation: 51% of students in 1993 were women
El Salvador has a total of 33 universities, including 12 private and three public institutions. In 1993, there were 77,369 students enrolled at universities and other higher-level institutions, with women making up approximately 51% of these students. This significant female participation in higher education reflects a broader trend in Salvadoran society, where attaining a university degree holds considerable weight.
The University of El Salvador, the country's oldest and flagship public university, plays a crucial role in promoting educational opportunities. With an average enrolment of 30,000 students, it offers a chance for those from low-income families to pursue higher education. The university has its main campus in San Salvador and additional branches in Santa Ana, San Miguel, and San Vicente, catering to a diverse student population.
The country's urban population has grown significantly over the years, with San Salvador witnessing a remarkable increase in population from 116,000 to 700,000. This urban growth has likely contributed to the rising importance of university education in Salvadoran society. The enrolment age at the University of El Salvador ranges from 19 to 23, capturing a significant portion of young adults seeking higher education.
The participation of women in higher education in El Salvador is particularly noteworthy, given the societal changes that occurred after the war. The University of El Salvador, with its long history and wide reach, has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in empowering women through education. The university's commitment to accessibility and its prominent position in the country's higher education landscape have contributed to narrowing gender gaps in academic pursuits.
While female participation in higher education reached 51% in 1993, it is important to acknowledge the broader context of gender disparities in Salvadoran society. According to statistics, the literacy rate among women in El Salvador is slightly lower at 73% compared to 79% for men. Additionally, the distribution of university students from different socioeconomic backgrounds is uneven, with only 7% of students hailing from the poorest 40% of households. These disparities highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving equal educational opportunities for all.
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Student safety: El Salvador has high crime rates
El Salvador has a history of high crime rates, but the situation has been improving in recent years. The country has a problem with gang violence, and in 2011, there were an estimated 25,000 gang members at large, with a further 43,500 in prison. The most well-known gangs are Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and 18th Street (Barrio 18). However, the homicide rate in El Salvador has decreased drastically since 2015, with a 98% reduction in nine years. This is due to a crackdown on gangs by the Salvadoran government, which has resulted in the country having the highest incarceration rate in the world.
Despite this improvement, crime is still a serious problem in El Salvador, and students should be vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some safety tips for students studying in El Salvador:
- Avoid downtown San Salvador, as well as outer roads in major towns and cities at night, as these areas have high rates of abduction and theft.
- Do not wear expensive jewellery or clothing that makes you appear wealthy, as this can make you a target for criminals.
- Keep your belongings secure at all times and try not to display any valuables in public.
- Stay in groups when possible, and avoid walking alone at night.
- Use official transportation such as taxis or Uber, rather than public buses, which are often unreliable and a common site of petty theft and armed robbery.
- Stay in hotels with robust security measures and use the hotel safe to store valuables when not in use.
- Blend in with the locals by dressing modestly.
- Keep up to date with government safety advisories.
- Avoid isolated areas, and stick to well-travelled areas like El Tunco Beach and Santa Ana Volcano.
- Always carry valid identification and be prepared for checkpoints when travelling.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be discreet when using ATMs.
- Choose supervised parking lots if possible, and never leave valuables in your car.
- Be cautious when booking tours or excursions, and only use reputable companies or book through your hotel.
- Politely decline offers from street vendors or others offering deals that seem too good to be true.
- Avoid tap water, and be vigilant of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.
By following these precautions, students can help ensure their safety while studying in El Salvador. It is important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, but with the right precautions, the risks can be minimised.
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Student visas: not required for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, or Australia
El Salvador is a popular destination for tourists, with more than 700,000 visitors in 2020, ranking as the 113th most visited country globally. The country is known for its beaches, weather, food, cafes, and friendly locals. It is also home to three public and twelve private universities, with a significant number of female students.
If you are a citizen of the US, UK, EU, Canada, or Australia, you do not need a visa to enter El Salvador as a student or otherwise. However, you must have a passport valid for at least six months after your arrival and may be required to pay a $12 fee for a Tourist Card on arrival. If you are expelled from El Salvador or overstay, you may be fined.
If you are a citizen of the following countries, you are also exempted from the visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days:
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sao Tome and Principe
- United Arab Emirates
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
Additionally, if you are a holder of a valid visa or passport from any Schengen Country, you are exempted from the visa requirement. This includes transiting through El Salvador, as long as you are transiting within 48 hours and hold onward tickets.
If you are planning to stay in El Salvador for longer than 90 days, you must meet the Salvadoran government's entry requirements. For students, this means obtaining a student visa from the Salvadoran embassy or consulate in your home country. The requirements for a student visa include:
- A valid passport.
- An application form.
- Two recent photos.
- A health insurance policy valid in El Salvador.
- Proof of accommodation.
- A criminal record check.
- A bank statement proving financial stability.
- A flight reservation or itinerary.
- Civil status documents, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a source citing data from 2013, the University of El Salvador has an average of 30,000 students enrolled. Another source states that the enrollment rate in higher education in El Salvador is 30.82%.
There are 33 universities in El Salvador with 354 study programs. Another source mentions 29 universities in the country.
Some of the top universities in El Salvador include the University of El Salvador, the Technological University of El Salvador, Don Bosco University, and the University Centroamericana "José Simeón Cañas" (UCA).
