Overview
Universidad Politécnica de El Salvador (UPES) is a private technical university that has been preparing professionals since its foundation in 2005. Based in San Salvador, UPES focuses on engineering, technology, and applied sciences, with academic programs designed around real-world skills and industry-aligned training. The university emphasizes a hands-on learning approach through laboratories, workshops, and practical projects that help students build job-ready competencies.
UPES is especially known for its STEM-centered curriculum and for supporting early exposure to practical problem-solving. The university maintains small class sizes to encourage close academic guidance, and it invests in modern facilities intended to reflect the tools and workflows used in professional technical environments. In addition to teaching, UPES highlights research initiatives and entrepreneurship to help students design solutions for current technological challenges in El Salvador.
2. General Information
| Name | Universidad Politécnica de El Salvador (UPES) |
| Established | 2005 |
| Type | Private Technical University |
| Location | San Salvador, El Salvador |
| Website | www.upes.edu.sv |
| Student Population | Approx. 3,500+ |
| Academic Staff | 200+ |
| Campus Size | Urban campus with multiple buildings |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Tuition Fee (per semester, approx.) |
| Civil Engineering | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Computer Science | $1,100 – $1,400 |
| Industrial Engineering | $1,300 – $1,600 |
| Electronics Engineering | $1,400 – $1,700 |
| Business Technology | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| Master’s Programs | $1,500 – $2,000 |
If you are comparing private technical options in the country, you may also want to review programs and tuition at similar institutions such as Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador and Universidad Don Bosco.
4. Academic Programs
- Faculty of Engineering:
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Faculty of Technology:
- Information Technology
- Network Systems
- Software Development
- Business and Applied Sciences:
- Business Administration with Technology
- Industrial Processes
- Graduate Programs:
- Master in Project Management
- Master in Information Technology
For students looking at broader higher-education choices beyond a strictly technical profile, it can be useful to compare UPES with other universities in the region, including Universidad de El Salvador and Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas.
5. Facilities
- Modern engineering laboratories with specialized equipment
- Advanced computer labs with industry-standard software
- Innovation and robotics center
- Technical library with digital resources
- Auditorium for conferences and events
- Student collaboration spaces
- Cafeteria and student lounge areas
6. Accommodation
UPES does not offer on-campus housing, but it provides guidance for students searching for accommodation in San Salvador. Because the campus is centrally located, students typically have access to multiple housing options in nearby neighborhoods. Many students either share apartments close to campus or commute from different areas of the metropolitan zone, depending on transportation costs and class schedules.
- Shared apartments near campus: $200 – $350/month
- Private rooms in student residences: $250 – $400/month
- Homestay options: $300 – $450/month (including meals)
- Public transportation available from all major areas
If you are planning a broader school search across private universities, you may find it helpful to compare how campuses are located and how commuting typically works at Universidad Francisco Gavidia and Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador.
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@upes.edu.sv
- Phone: +503 2225-8500
- Address: Calle Circunvalación y 89 Av. Norte, San Salvador
- Admissions: admisiones@upes.edu.s
More Universities in El Salvador
- Universidad de El Salvador
- Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas
- Universidad Don Bosco
- Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador
- Universidad Francisco Gavidia
- Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador
- Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado
- Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer
– If you are interested in writing, write for us education articles now.




