Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University

Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University Overview

The Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega (UIGV) is a private university situated in Lima, Peru. Founded in 1964 during the first presidential term of Fernando Belaúnde Terry, this institution holds a unique place in the educational landscape of Peru.

In 2019, the National Superintendence of Higher Education (Sunedu) declined to grant its licensing due to non-compliance with several essential quality conditions. Subsequently, it entered a process of liquidation to address its debts until September 23, 2022, when the Creditors' Board, with an 84% majority vote of attendees, decided to redirect the university toward a restructuring path.

The history of the Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega dates back to December 21, 1964, established by Supreme Decree No. 74 and 26-A, and subsequently ratified in the 24th article of Law No. 23733. Its name honors Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a writer and historian of Hispanic-Inca descent often regarded as the "first biological and spiritual mestizo of America."

Initially serving as a pedagogical university with six faculties, the institution expanded its educational offerings over the years. It ultimately encompassed ten faculties offering seventeen undergraduate programs. In 1992, it launched a distance learning undergraduate program, and in 2010, it established a graduate school, which at its peak, offered fifteen master's and seven doctoral programs. In 2019, the university boasted thirteen faculties, a graduate school, 48 undergraduate programs, 38 master's programs, 11 doctoral programs, and 24 second specialization programs.

In July 2019, as part of the adjustment plan to secure institutional licensing from Sunedu, the university had to halt admissions for eight programs: Business, Foreign Trade, Education, Tourism and Hospitality, Systems Engineering, Communication Sciences, Economic Sciences, and Accounting.

However, on October 10, 2019, Sunedu denied the university's licensing application due to its failure to meet several basic quality standards. Consequently, the university was instructed to cease its activities within two years, starting from the subsequent academic semester.

In 2021, due to its debts, the university came under the control of its creditors, including Sunedu, Prima AFP, Hewlett-Packard, América Televisión, and unpaid employees. In a meeting held on June 28, the creditors decided to liquidate the university and sell its assets within a maximum period of one year.

Sunedu determined that the Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega would definitively cease operations on March 3, 2023, to proceed with its ultimate liquidation. However, on September 23, 2022, the Creditors' Board approved a shift in the university's purpose towards restructuring, with an 84% majority vote of attendees. This change will enable the university to move away from the liquidation framework, primarily focusing on obtaining licensing.

The Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega operates across six campuses in Lima, with two located in the Santa Beatriz district and two others in Pueblo Libre. The San Isidro campus on Avenida Arequipa houses the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, while the Jesús María campus is home to the Graduate School. Additionally, there is a branch in the city of Chincha, in the Ica region.

The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs across different faculties, including those in Business, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Foreign Trade, International Relations, Law, Nursing, Dentistry, Administrative and Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Psychology, Social Work, and Medical Technology.

For postgraduate education, the university runs a graduate school that offers master's and doctoral programs in various fields, including Business and Management Sciences, Health Sciences, Law and Social Sciences, and Education.

In terms of academic rankings, the university's position fluctuated over the years in the Webometrics ranking, which considers factors like web content volume, visibility, and impact. In the most recent data available, the university held a national ranking of 32 in 2012 and reached 49 in 2019.

In light of its ongoing liquidation process, the Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega has established agreements with other universities to accommodate students who wish to continue their studies. These universities include Universidad María Auxiliadora, Universidad Autónoma del Perú, and Universidad Autónoma de Ica.

Throughout its history, the university has had prominent faculty members and alumni, including notable figures in various fields. Additionally, the university has conferred honorary doctorates on individuals who have made significant contributions to social, natural, and formal sciences.

The university faced controversies, including issues with its former rector, Luis Cervantes Liñán, who remained in his position for over 15 years and was implicated in various legal matters. It also incurred significant penalties from Sunedu for financial irregularities.

In summary, the Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega has experienced a complex journey marked by licensing challenges, financial difficulties, and legal issues. However, its recent decision to transition from liquidation to restructuring reflects a new chapter in its history as it strives to secure its future and continue its educational mission.