Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Lima)

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú Logo.

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú is an exchange destination for University College Utrecht students in Lima, Peru. The University has faculties in all major fields, including extensive options for Science majors. 

Webpages
Number of places available

3 per semester

Academic calendar

Fall Semester: Mid-August – Mid-December
Spring Semester: Mid-March – Early July

Language of instruction

This destination has a language of instruction other than English. This means that you need to have at least a language proficiency level of CEFR B2 Spanish. You need to complete Spanish Language and Culture II (UCHUMSPA21) or get an exemption from the UCU Language & Culture coordinator, and it is your own responsibility to achieve at least B2 Spanish. This language requirement is partly for your own protection, so you can take courses at the same level as you do at UCU, and partly because we believe it allows you to have an experience abroad that is more immersive, enriching and culturally valuable to you.

All courses are taught in Spanish at At Pontifica Universidad Católica del Perú

Course levels

Differs per School. PUCP has, like UCU, 3-year Bachelors, and most courses are meant to be taken in a specific year, i.e. they do have a specific level.

Credit system

To have a fulltime workload, you’ll have to take at least 15 credits per semester in Peru: 1 PUPC = 2 ECTS. Conversion: 15 credits = 30 ECTS. Courses are between 2 and 5 credits. 

Grade system

In Peru, a grading system from 1-20
point is used, which transfer to UC grades as follows: 

Grade Basic grade point Peruvian Grading system
A+ 4.0 18 to 20
A 4.0 17
A- 3.7 16
B+ 3.3 15
B 3.0 14
B- 2.7 13
C+ 2.3 13
C 2.0 12
C- 1.7 12
D 1.0 11
F 0.0 10 or less
Housing

PUCP does not have its own housing, but they can assist you in finding a place to live. An alternative is to live with a Peruvian family, which will allow you to get to know the local culture and the language even better!

Costs

The costs depend of course on the place to stay that you find. Staying with a host family would cost approximately $350 (€250) per month, including meals. Books and other materials are expected to cost only $100 (€70) per semester. PUCP also provides a breakdown of general expected living costs. 

  • Housing: US$ 150 – US$ 420 
  • Food: US$ 150 
  • Photocopies/study material: US$ 50.00 
  • Personal Expenses: US$ 100.00 
  • Transport: US$ 150.00 
Orientation

Students have to arrive one week in advance to attend the Orientation. There is also the option of participating in the ‘Cumpanero PUCP’. In this program, you’ll be coupled with a Peruvian student, who will introduce you to university life and help you with all your questions. 

Situation

PUCP is located in Lima, the capital of Peru, a city of nearly 10 million inhabitants. The city is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. It has modern high-rise buildings as well as old colonial buildings. Lima has a warm and humid climate with almost no rainfall. Temperatures almost always range between 15 and 25 degrees. The summer is slightly warmer than the winter (which are the reverse of Utrecht’s seasons).  

Student life

PUCP has about 30,000 students. It has a non-residential campus with academic buildings and sports facilities in the center of Lima. 

Student experiences

Choosing courses at PUCP is nice, since you get a test period after which you are still able to switch. It is recommended that you don’t take too many 200 or 300 level courses so as not be overwhelmed. Although the level of the courses is a little lower than at UCU, the workload is higher.The city of Lima and PUCP offer many great opportunities and it is not expensive at all! Finally, make sure your Spanish is good! 

More information

For information about the requirements for studying abroad, the application procedure and more, go to UCU's Study abroad page. 

You can browse through all UCU exchange destinations and UU exchange destinations in the exchange catalog.