Public University of El Alto

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Public University of El Alto (UPEA)

The Public University of El Alto is a public university in El Alto, Bolivia. It has eight study areas and 37 degree programs in medicine, engineering, social-political-economic studies, and technology. It operates under an autonomous statute approved in 2007.

UPEA is ranked 42nd among Bolivian universities by Ranking Web of Universities.

History in brief:
- In 1957, El Alto residents and the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés began plans for a technical faculty.
- People wanted broader academic programs.
- On September 5, 2000, Law 2115 created the Public University of El Alto, with autonomy after five years. A council of the Ministry of Education and other agencies would govern it.
- The main decision body was the Institutional Development Council (CDI), which included some social organizations from El Alto. Later, the University Council was reinstated.

Key facts:
- Rector: Freddy Gualberto Medrano Alanoca
- Academic staff: about 1,398
- Students: about 33,480
- Location: El Alto, Bolivia
- Website: www.upea.bo

2021 incident:
On March 2, 2021, about 40 students protested on the fourth floor. The safety railings collapsed; seven students died and five were injured.