Study in Peru

With 17 Peruvian universities among the 300 listed in the 2013 QS University Rankings : Latin America , Peru offers a good selection for prospective international students. Ranking highest institution of Peru 's Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru , a private university located in the Peruvian capital Lima , which went from 31 in Latin America in 2012, to 23 in 2013. Next to appear in the ranking is the National University of San Marcos ( San Marcos) , who in 2013 was reduced to a few places to 52nd . Founded in the mid-16th century , San Marcos is claimed as one of the oldest universities in the Americas - and indeed the world. Like the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru , has its main campus in Lima. Also making the top 150 in the 2013 QS University Rankings : Latin America I are the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, La Molina National Agrarian University and the University of San Martin de Porres USMP . Overall, Peru has about 80 universities, private institutions outnumber public number. Tuition costs vary, but in general , international students can expect to pay less fees to middling , with many universities charge per credit instead of a semester or year. A universal accreditation system has been introduced in recent years , which should have the effect of increasing the quality in all areas . Undergraduate studies tend to involve two years of study in general, before another couple of years of expertise. Studies Master's and PhD also take about two years each. Spanish remains the primary language of instruction , but there are a small handful of courses designed for international students. In any case, being able to speak at least some Spanish is a plus!