The 20 Best Universities in Peru to Study Law in 2026

Preliminary Note: Ranking Methodology

The preparation of this ranking has been based on a combined analysis of different aspects that help us better understand each university and the education it provides. We have examined their curricula, the structure of their programmes and the way each institution organises teaching, paying particular attention to the quality and up-to-date nature of the content, as well as its connection to students’ needs and the challenges facing society.

We have also taken into account the teaching methods, resources and facilities available at each university. These elements help shape the environment in which academic life takes place and can directly influence students’ experiences. In addition, we have reviewed information published on the institutions’ own websites, their news and their presence in the media, as complementary ways to understand their initiatives, development and the image they project.

The analysis has been complemented by exploratory consultations conducted on a random basis among young people and students. The aim was to understand how they perceive the education they receive and what they think of the university they attend. These impressions offer a perspective rooted in students’ everyday experiences and complement the examination of institutional information. We have also considered, as supplementary material, assessments and references produced by other institutions and specialised organisations, without allowing them to replace our own analysis.

The competitiveness of universities and their ability to respond to current academic and professional demands also form part of the assessment. However, we believe that the quality of an institution cannot be measured solely by its market position, resources or international profile. We have therefore chosen to pay particular attention to the human dimension: honesty, a humanistic approach to education, ethics, learning and the transmission of values.

In our view, a university fully fulfils its purpose when, in addition to preparing students for professional practice, it contributes to their personal and civic development. Academic excellence is inseparable from responsibility, respect, critical thinking and the ability to act with integrity. With this approach, the ranking seeks to offer a broad view of universities, considering both the strength of their educational offering and the principles that guide the education they provide.

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú leads the ranking compiled by Impact Lawyers, followed by Universidad de Lima and Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.

Editorial selection criteria

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú tops the first edition of the Impact Lawyers ranking of the best Peruvian universities for studying Law. Universidad de Lima and Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos take second and third place, while Universidad del Pacífico, UPC and Universidad de Piura complete the top six.

This editorial selection is based on a broad perspective on the academic offering in Law and legal studies in Peru for 2026, considering the diversity of programmes and the educational characteristics of their faculties.

This editorial approach observes key aspects such as academic and employer reputation, research activity and impact, teaching quality, links with the professional environment, innovation and social outreach in the legal field.

To reflect the reality of a country with dozens of law schools, this editorial selection considers academic track record, curricula, research, clinics and legal aid offices, professional preparation, employability, territorial presence and relations with courts, public administrations, law firms, businesses and social organisations.

A methodology combining history and recent results

Indexed publication output alone does not represent the full extent of Peruvian legal influence. Faculties such as Universidad de Lima, Universidad del Pacífico, Universidad de Piura, ESAN or San Martín de Porres possess professional networks and a reputation that is not fully reflected in the volume of indexed publications.

The qualitative assessment was organised around five dimensions:

• National and international academic reputation.
• Quality and influence of legal research.
• Breadth, coherence and rigour of the programme.
• Employability, practical education, clinics and professional connections.
• Internationalisation, public impact and regional contribution.

No regional quotas were imposed. The concentration of ten universities in Lima reflects the centralisation of the legal market, but the list also includes faculties in Arequipa, Trujillo, Piura, Huancayo and Cusco with substantial regional influence.

PUCP: Teaching Quality, Research and Institutional Impact

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú ranks first in this editorial selection. Its academic offering combines institutional reputation, research, teaching quality, internationalisation and public impact.

Its Faculty of Law is a Latin American reference in constitutional, civil, administrative, criminal, international, labour and business law, arbitration, Human Rights and legal theory.

The university has extensive publishing activity and numerous research centres. Its Lima location provides proximity to the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, ministries, regulators, firms, companies and international organisations.

PUCP leads this editorial selection of law faculties in Peru. Its proposal is also supported by selectivity, the alumni network and the ability to combine doctrine, practice and public debate.

Universidad de Lima, business and professional education

Universidad de Lima ranks second. Its Faculty of Law has a strong reputation in private practice and close connections with the business community.

It is particularly strong in civil, commercial, corporate, tax and labour law, competition, intellectual property, arbitration and regulation. Its infrastructure and links with companies and major law firms strengthen employability.

In this selection, the institution occupies the second position. Its offering stands out for the coherence of the programme and its professional network. Although its international scientific output is lower than that of PUCP, it maintains a solid presence in the Lima legal market.

San Marcos, history and public excellence

Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos ranks third. Its Faculty of Law and Political Science forms part of the oldest university in the Americas and has deeply influenced the judiciary, public administration, politics and academia.

Its education is particularly strong in constitutional, civil, criminal, administrative, labour and international law and legal philosophy. Its public character promotes pluralism and access for students from diverse backgrounds.

The resource constraints typical of a large state university do not diminish its deep-rooted historical and social prestige in legal education.

Universidad del Pacífico, Law, economics and regulation

Universidad del Pacífico ranks fourth. Its defining feature is the integration of Law with economics, finance, business, public policy and management.

The programme is particularly attractive for corporate, financial and tax law, competition, regulation, contracting and the economic analysis of law.

Its smaller size and powerful business network support close attention and excellent professional placement. It is one of the country’s best options for students targeting firms, companies, regulators or consultancy.

UPC, innovation and market connections

Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas ranks fifth. Its Faculty of Law offers a modern, flexible education connected with professional practice.

The university emphasises business and digital law, intellectual property, competition, arbitration, compliance and entrepreneurship. Its company and alumni networks strengthen employment opportunities.

The experience may vary by study format and campus, so it is advisable to compare lecturers, electives, clinics and specific services. Its academic offering stands out for a solid orientation toward employability, compared to the historical tradition characteristic of institutions such as San Marcos or the PUCP.

Universidad de Piura, doctrinal rigour and two markets

Universidad de Piura ranks sixth. Its Faculty of Law is known for doctrinal rigour, close academic support and ethical education.

The programme is strong in civil, constitutional, administrative, business and tax law. Its presence in both Piura and Lima combines regional influence with access to the country’s principal legal market.

Its Catholic identity forms part of its educational project. Its professional network and individual attention are major strengths.

Universidad ESAN, business, management and regulation

Universidad ESAN ranks seventh. Its Faculty of Law and Social Sciences benefits from the institution’s history in business, economics and management.

Its education is particularly oriented towards corporate law, contracts, taxation, regulation, competition, compliance and dispute resolution.

ESAN appeals to students seeking legal education connected with business management and markets. Its undergraduate legal tradition is more recent, but its professional network partly compensates for this.

Universidad de San Martín de Porres

Universidad de San Martín de Porres ranks eighth. Its Faculty of Law has a long history and a broad alumni network across the public and private sectors.

It provides a general education in civil, criminal, constitutional, administrative, commercial, labour, procedural and international law. Its size extends its professional reach, although it also requires checking the specific experience, academic support and qualification outcomes.

The faculty represents an established option within the Lima market and maintains significant postgraduate activity.

Universidad Científica del Sur

Universidad Científica del Sur ranks ninth. Its presence in this selection reflects the recent growth of its research work and the development of its academic offering in the field of law.

Its programme can benefit from the university’s identity in science, health, the environment and sustainability. These connections are relevant to environmental, health, regulatory and business law.

Its legal tradition is more recent than that of traditional faculties. Its academic offering stands out for its projection, scientific output and a contemporary model.

Universidad Católica San Pablo: legal education and presence in Arequipa

Universidad Católica San Pablo ranks tenth. Its Professional School of Law has become one of southern Peru’s leading private alternatives.

The university combines doctrinal education, Catholic identity, research and close academic support. It is strong in private, constitutional, business and natural law and legal philosophy.

Its Arequipa network and connections with regional companies and institutions make it especially attractive to anyone wishing to develop their career in the south of the country.

Universidad Nacional de Trujillo

Universidad Nacional de Trujillo ranks 11th. Its Faculty of Law and Political Sciences is one of northern Peru’s major public benchmarks.

Its long tradition and alumni network provide influence in courts, public authorities, prosecutors’ offices and private practice. Its curriculum covers the main branches of Peruvian law.

Its public mission and historical weight consolidate its relevance in legal training and in the regional professional environment.

UPAO and northern Peru’s legal market

Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego ranks 12th. It is one of Trujillo’s leading private universities and has an extensive professional community.

Its programme combines private, public, criminal, labour, business and procedural law with practical education. Connections with northern companies and institutions support regional employability.

For anyone wishing to practise in La Libertad, its network may prove more useful than a small difference compared to a Lima university.

Universidad Nacional de San Agustín

Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa ranks 13th. Its Faculty of Law is an essential public reference point in southern Peru.

The university has a strong presence in the judiciary, public administration and regional professions. Its public character promotes pluralism, access and research into territorial issues.

The experience may be affected by the resources and procedures of a large state institution, but its historical influence remains notable.

Universidad Católica de Santa María

Universidad Católica de Santa María ranks 14th. Its Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences is an established private alternative in Arequipa.

Its education covers civil, criminal, constitutional, administrative, commercial, labour and procedural law. Its alumni have a significant presence in the southern professional market.

Comparison with Católica San Pablo and UNSA should consider cost, methodology, the specific network and the student’s institutional preferences.

Universidad César Vallejo

Universidad César Vallejo ranks 15th. Its extensive geographical presence broadens access to the Law degree, and it stands out for its research activity and legal scientific production in 2026.

This editorial selection considers factors such as historical reputation, selectivity, educational consistency between campuses, and ties with professional networks.

Applicants should verify the programme, authorisation, lecturers, placements and outcomes at each campus. Its scale is a strength but also requires caution when comparing experiences.

Universidad Continental

Universidad Continental ranks 16th. Its origins in Huancayo and expansion into other cities give it a significant territorial dimension.

Its legal education is connected with employability, technology, business and regional issues, accompanied by growing research activity.

It may be especially suitable for students in central Peru seeking a local network and flexible formats. The specific campus and format should be examined carefully.

Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola

Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola ranks 17th. Its Law programme benefits from an identity linked to business, entrepreneurship and internationalisation.

Corporate, commercial, tourism and foreign-trade law and dispute resolution fit its institutional profile particularly well.

The institution is among the Peruvian universities active in legal research. Its more limited legal tradition is accompanied by business networks and a global outlook.

Universidad Tecnológica del Perú

Universidad Tecnológica del Perú ranks 18th. Its principal strength is the accessibility of a broad network and employment-oriented education.

The programme covers the foundational branches of Law and may suit students needing flexibility in schedules or location.

Its scale makes it essential to assess the campus, format, resources, lecturers, placements and graduation rates before choosing.

Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco

Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco ranks 19th. Its Faculty of Law and Political Sciences provides a historic public option for Cusco and the southern Andes.

Its education connects with public law, territory, Indigenous communities, heritage, tourism, the environment and regional administration.

Its local influence greatly exceeds its international visibility. Its institutional and social network is a major advantage for a career in Cusco.

Universidad Andina del Cusco

Universidad Andina del Cusco completes the ranking in 20th place. Its programme is a relevant private alternative for Cusco and surrounding cities.

The university educates professionals connected with tourism, business, public administration, communities and regional legal needs. Its alumni network supports local entry into the profession.

When evaluating its academic offering, factors such as accreditation, cost, access to internships, campus quality and graduation outcomes represent fundamental aspects for prospective students, beyond the order assigned in the selection.

From the Bachiller degree to the professional title of lawyer

Peru distinguishes between the academic Bachiller degree and the professional title of lawyer. Universities award both under the University Law and their own regulations, but through separate procedures.

Requirements for the professional title may include a thesis, a professional-competency project or another authorised route. SUNEDU explains the distinction between the research project for the Bachiller degree and the thesis or corresponding route for the professional title.

Before enrolling, it is advisable to examine not only the programme’s formal duration, but also the average time required to obtain both the Bachiller degree and the title of lawyer.

Registration of the title and professional association membership

Degrees and professional titles must be entered in the National Register administered by SUNEDU. The SUNEDU Online platform allows users to verify registration.

To practise and represent clients professionally, graduates must join the relevant bar association and remain in good standing. Procedures and fees depend on the territorial association.

The Lima Bar Association regulates its own admission procedure. Future lawyers should verify the current requirements of the association they intend to join.

Lima and the concentration of the legal market

Lima concentrates the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, ministries, regulators, major law firms, banks, mining companies, insurers and international organisations.

PUCP, Universidad de Lima, San Marcos, Universidad del Pacífico, UPC, ESAN and USMP benefit particularly from this proximity.

The capital offers a broader range of placements and specialisations, but also higher costs, difficult commuting and intense competition. A strong local network may be more valuable for practice in another region.

Mining, the environment and communities

Peru’s economy makes mining, environmental, energy, regulatory and community law particularly important fields.

Lima faculties connect with regulators and corporate headquarters, while universities in Arequipa, Cusco, Piura, Trujillo and Huancayo are closer to territories where disputes over resources, consultation, infrastructure and regional development arise.

Students should assess clinics, specialist courses, territorial research and relationships with authorities, companies and community organisations.

There is no perfect university for everyone

PUCP is the most balanced option for research, prestige and influence. Universidad de Lima and Universidad del Pacífico stand out for their business and major-firm connections. San Marcos offers history, pluralism and public excellence.

UPC and ESAN have modern, market-oriented profiles. Universidad de Piura combines doctrinal rigour with networks in Lima and northern Peru. Católica San Pablo, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, UNSA and San Antonio Abad are especially important outside the capital.

The decision should consider city, cost, scholarships, format, institutional licensing, curriculum, placements, research, time to qualification, professional association membership and professional network.

A broad system strongly concentrated in Lima

The study’s principal conclusion is that Peru has law schools with long traditions but still uneven international visibility.

PUCP is the clear leader. Universidad de Lima, San Marcos, Pacífico, UPC and Piura form a second group with different strengths. Regional universities play an essential role in decentralising legal education and responding to territorial legal problems.

This overview also reveals the limitations of relying exclusively on indexed scientific production. Considering institutional track record, academic programmes, employability and routes to professional practice makes it possible to offer a representative and useful editorial selection for choosing where to study Law in Peru in 2026.