Why does Universidad Nacional San Agustín stand so proudly here? It is a beacon of knowledge in Arequipa. Founded on November 11 1828, it is one of Peru’s oldest universities. Universidad Nacional San Agustín began its journey with a vision. Simón Bolívar himself ordered its establishment to foster progress.
Imagine the Arequipa of 1825. Bolívar saw the need for institutions dedicated to science arts and public service. Antonio Gutiérrez de la Fuente the prefect of Arequipa got the order. Members of the Academia Lauretana joined forces. Mariscal Andrés de Santa Cruz also supported the idea. The new university found its home in the cloisters of the Augustinian fathers.
The foundational act declared it the Universidad Nacional del Gran Padre San Agustín. Juan Gualberto Valdivia and Manuel Fernández drafted the first statutes. José Fernández Dávila became the first rector. The university started with schools of Religion Latin and Castilian languages. It also taught Philosophy Mathematics and Law. They also had courses in Political Economy Medicine and Civil Law.
Today Universidad Nacional San Agustín has grown. It now includes 18 faculties and 46 professional schools. You can pursue 92 specializations 75 master’s degrees and 20 doctoral programs here. These cover engineering social sciences and biomedicine.
In 2018 the Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior granted it a ten-year license. This recognized its compliance with basic quality conditions.
Universidad Nacional San Agustín boasts 27 accredited schools. These include Civil Engineering Sanitary Engineering and Geological Engineering. You will also find Geophysics Mining and Electronics. The list goes on with Mechanical Engineering Telecommunications and Fishing Engineering. Agronomy Industrial Engineering and Electrical Engineering are also present. Study Chemical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering or Environmental Engineering. You could study Food Industries Engineering or Materials Engineering. Nutrition Accounting Marketing and Banking are also options.
Dr Hugo Jose Rojas Flores has been the rector since September 1 2021. He is the first medical doctor from Universidad Nacional San Agustín to hold the position.
The university has three main campuses. It is the second-largest public university in Peru after the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Most schools are in the Ciudad Universitaria de Independencia. Architect Héctor Velarde conceived this university city in 1940. It was not realized until 1962. The design follows an academic model inspired by L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Symmetry marks the layout of buildings. This has influenced a neo-colonial Arequipa style.
Universidad Nacional San Agustín also focuses on research. It has several research centers and institutes. These include the Centro de Microscopia Electrónica. There is also the Centro de Investigación Enseñanza y Producción Agrícola. Also explore the Instituto Astronómico y Aeroespacial Pedro Paulet.
The National University of San Agustín stands as a testament. It shows Arequipa’s commitment to education and progress. From its historic foundation to its modern facilities it shapes futures. It contributes to the intellectual and economic landscape.