University of San Andrés

There is no University of San Andrés in La Paz, Bolivia. The University of San Andrés (UMSA) is a public university located in La Paz, Bolivia.

The University of San Andrés (UMSA) was founded in La Paz, Bolivia, by Andrés de Santa Cruz on October 25, 1830. It was originally named the Universidad Menor de La Paz (Minor University of La Paz), but was renamed the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (Higher University of San Andrés) in 1890.

UMSA has played an important role in Bolivian history. The university has been a center of intellectual thought and activism, and its students have been at the forefront of many social and political movements. UMSA graduates have gone on to serve in high-level positions in government, business, and academia.

In the early 1900s, UMSA underwent a period of rapid growth. The university's student body and faculty increased significantly, and new schools and departments were established. UMSA also began to develop its research capacity, and faculty members began to publish their work in leading international journals.

In the 1960s and 1970s, UMSA became a center of student activism against the military dictatorships that ruled Bolivia during this time. The university was closed several times by the military, and many students and faculty members were arrested and imprisoned. However, UMSA continued to be a symbol of resistance to the military dictatorships, and its students played a key role in the restoration of democracy to Bolivia in 1982.

Since the restoration of democracy, UMSA has continued to grow and develop. The university has expanded its campus facilities and increased its course offerings. UMSA has also strengthened its research capacity and its international ties.

Today, UMSA is one of the leading universities in Bolivia and the region. It is known for its rigorous academics, strong faculty, and commitment to social responsibility. UMSA graduates are highly sought-after by employers around the world.

University of San Andrés is ranked as the #1 top university in Bolivia during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.