University of Piura

University of Piura Overview

The University of Piura (UDEP) is a distinguished private educational institution located in Piura and Lima, Peru. It holds a prestigious position among the top 10 universities in Peru, as recognized by the América Economía ranking. Established on April 7, 1969, in Piura, this esteemed institution owes its foundation to the visionary San Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, the founder of Opus Dei. It stands as a corporate work of Opus Dei, reflecting the collaborative efforts of Opus Dei members and individuals from diverse backgrounds, both Catholic and non-Catholic.

The core mission of the University of Piura revolves around nurturing individuals into professionals of excellence, responsive to societal needs, and possessing strong character and discernment. This mission is anchored in four key pillars: education, comprehensive formation, research, and social responsibility.

The history of the University of Piura commenced in November 1964 during a meeting with professors from the University of Navarra, where the founder and first Grand Chancellor, San Josemaría Escrivá, expressed his vision: "I would like to give you a sense of the University of Navarra; it is a starting point, not a final destination." This gathering included Dr. Eugenio Giménez, who, just four months later, would find himself in Lima working with the individuals who would later establish the Association for the Development of University Education (ADEU), the entity that championed the creation of the University of Piura.

ADEU's founding members included José Agustín de la Puente Candamo, Jacobo Rey Elmore, Eugenio Giménez y Martínez de Carbajal, along with Ramón Mugica Martínez and Rafael Estartús Tobella, and Víctor Andrés Belaúnde as honorary president.

In December of the same year, the then-Bishop of Piura, Erasmo Hinojosa, submitted a request to San Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, for the organization and operation of the University of Piura. After a period of diligent work and negotiations, the University officially opened its doors on April 7, 1969, marking the commencement of its academic journey.

The University of Piura is dedicated to shaping individuals who are attuned to the needs of others, equipped with discernment, capable of achieving a fulfilled life, and committed to enhancing society. Over the years, it has earned a well-deserved reputation for its academic rigor, high standards, seriousness, and institutional quality.

The mission of the University includes fostering the comprehensive development of its students, promoting and disseminating scientific research across various fields of human knowledge, providing quality education that harmonizes specialization with a holistic view, and cultivating social awareness to address concrete human and societal issues.

The University of Piura aspires to be a beacon of excellence in higher education within the country, nurturing individuals distinguished by their human qualities and top-notch professional competence, which translate into ethical conduct in their work and upright living. The institution is committed to conducting relevant research that contributes to the social well-being of its community and human progress.

To achieve this goal, the University seeks to align the personal growth of its members with the demands of society through academically rigorous work and dedication to its students. Furthermore, it endeavors to guide the individual and social behavior of its faculty and staff, emphasizing the value of human life, family, the pursuit of truth in all areas of knowledge, and the promotion of the common good.

The University of Piura operates two campuses, Piura and Lima, where it offers a diverse range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various faculties. The Lima campus, established in 1999, serves as a vital extension of the university's academic pursuits and cultural endeavors.