Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua

About

Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) in Panama is best known for its strong programs in architecture, business administration, law, and engineering, serving as a respected private institution for higher learning in Central America. The university offers a welcoming environment for international students through its dedicated Dirección de Internacionalización y Cooperación, which facilitates student exchange programs, global partnerships, and cultural integration. While the majority of degree programs are conducted in Spanish, the campus provides robust academic advising, language support, and orientation activities to help foreign students transition smoothly into university life. A particularly distinctive characteristic of USMA is its commitment to humanistic values and social responsibility, integrating community engagement directly into the curriculum through mandatory service-learning projects. Additionally, its modern campus in Panama City places students at the heart of a major global trade and logistical hub, offering unique networking opportunities in international commerce and diplomacy.

Background

The Catholic University of Santa María La Antigua (Spanish: Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua; USMA) is a private university in Panama City, Panama. It was established in 1965 as the first private university in Panama. As of 2021, it had 5,879 students, with more than 80 academic programs in both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Location

Quick facts

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