Francisco Gavidia University

Total Students

21k

Undergrad Students

13k

Graduate Students

International Students

960

Total Faculties

300

Student Faculty Ratio

12:1

Total Programs

Acceptance Rate

65 %

Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Francisco Gavidia University

Cost Of Living

$ 4885

Undergraduate Fees International Students

$ 13500

Post Graduate Fees International Students

$ 18700

Bachelors

Education
$ 13500
Sciences
$ 13500
English and Literature
$ 13500
Education
$ 13500

Francisco Gavidia University Departments

Department of Computer Science
Department of Business Administration
Department of Law
Department of Engineering
Department of Communications
Department of Health Sciences
Department of Education
Department of Architecture
Department of Marketing
Department of Economics

Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Francisco Gavidia University

The below information is required while
completing the university application :

Duly completed online application form submitted via the UFG "Nuevo Ingreso" portal.

Proof of payment for the preparatory course (Curso Propedéutico) — typically around $40 — made in authorized banks.

Original and a copy of your birth certificate (recently issued).

Original and a copy of your high school diploma (Título de Bachiller) or second-year final grades, plus PAES (end-of-high-school exam) results if applicable.

Identification documents: Original and copy of DUI (National ID) and NIT (Tax ID), if applicable.

One ID-size photo (3.5?×?4.5?cm), in color or black & white.

These requirements are for the in-person admission process. For online applicants, UFG requires scanned equivalents:

High school diploma (Título de Bachiller)

Birth certificate

DUI/NIT, if applicable

Passport?style photo

PAES results, where relevant

Know more

Francisco Gavidia University Corporate Partnership

Arizona State University : In December 2022, UFG entered a transformative strategic alliance with ASU via Cintana Education, making it the only Salvadoran university empowered by the Arizona State University model. This global partnership grants UFG access to ASU’s cutting-edge curricula, immersive academic experiences, joint research initiatives, and dual‑degree programs. Through this collaboration, UFG launched UFG‑TV, bilingual instruction, and advanced postgraduate offerings aligned with evolving workforce needs. The long‑term vision (20 years) includes global visibility, multilingual training, faculty-exchange, and joint R&D—the culmination of a collaboration dating back to 2015 .
3 Torres Desarrollador Inmobiliario : In September 2023, UFG signed a scholarship agreement with 3 Torres, a leading real estate developer, offering 15 Architecture students full scholarships. Beyond financial support, students gain project-access and mentorship directly within active real estate developments. This partnership intertwines education with hands-on industry experience, enabling emerging architects to work on real-world projects while still in university. It underscores UFG’s drive to create career pathways and deepen academia–industry connections, preparing graduates not only with theory but with live, professional architecture practice from day one
BAC Credomatic : In February 2019, BAC Credomatic partnered with UFG to introduce the UFG‑BAC credit and prepaid cards, including an annual contest granting 10 full undergraduate scholarships. This program offers tuition discounts (10%), loyalty points for purchases, and scholarship opportunities in fields such as Business Admin, International Relations, Animation, Engineering, and ICT. The collaboration aligns with BAC's sustainability goals, targeting social inclusion, economic growth, and gender equality. Students gain financial tools and incentives, while the bank builds dependable links with future professionals
Barça Innovation Hub : On January 29, 2024, UFG signed an educational partnership with Barça Innovation Hub to deliver international diplomas in sports management, high‑performance training, sports nutrition, psychology, and marketing .
Kimberly‑Clark El Salvador : Under its environmental outreach program “Proyección Social”, UFG partnered with Kimberly‑Clark to launch “UFG Recicla”—a campus-wide recycling, waste‑segregation, and sustainability initiative. Kimberly‑Clark’s technical insights guided university-wide awareness programs, administrative procedures, and staff training on environmental management. Students counted, recycled, and conducted clean-ups, integrating service learning, environmental stewardship, and corporate support. This partnership promoted ecological responsibility and positioned UFG as a sustainability leader at the intersection of academia and industry .
Walmart El Salvador : In February 2013, UFG entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Walmart El Salvador to promote higher education among the retailer’s workforce . This initiative enabled Walmart employees to access degree programs tailored to their schedules and professional growth—enhancing staff retention and individual career development. By supporting continuous education across retail operations, UFG reinforced its mission to expand lifelong learning and bridge industry needs with academic offerings.
Ministerio de Educación : On January 13, 2013, UFG signed a framework agreement with El Salvador’s Ministry of Education under Project FAN—focused on advancing the national education system. Through this collaboration, UFG contributed with expertise, teacher training, and program support to K-12, integrating university capacity into national development efforts. The agreement highlights UFG’s broader social commitment to public education and educational reform in El Salvador.
AES El Salvador : UFG and AES El Salvador formalized a cooperation agreement on April 11, 2013, to collaborate on joint activities and strengthen institutional capacities.
Teleperformance : Through a May 2, 2013 understanding, UFG and Teleperformance aimed to promote higher education access for the call-center workforce. UFG designed scheduling and remote learning arrangements to fit employee shifts, while Teleperformance supported staff enrollment, professional development, and dual career progression within the BPO sector—illustrating tailored partnerships addressing modern workforce needs.
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos : On March 11, 2013, UFG signed a collaboration agreement with Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) in Spain to foster teaching, research, and quality excellence . Activities included faculty exchange, co-supervised theses, joint conferences, and collaborative academic programs. This international partnership broadened UFG’s global network, strengthened Spanish-language academic exchange, and exposed students to European higher-education practices.

Notable Achievements of Francisco Gavidia University

Achievements

01.

HCERES Reaccreditation

In May 2025, UFG's excellence was reaffirmed when HCERES renewed its international accreditation for the second time. HCERES highlighted the university’s strategic vision, transformative research, vibrant student life, and a solid internationalization framework—including its partnership with ASU/Cintana. This reconfirmation not only consolidates UFG’s leadership role in Central American higher education, but also ensures continuity of its global standards and continuous improvement, enhancing student and faculty opportunities alike.

Year
2025

02.

Joining AGRIS

On November 30, 2024, UFG was welcomed into FAO’s AGRIS database, integrating its agricultural and environmental research into a global scientific repository. By contributing 49 records on topics ranging from biodiversity to climate resilience, UFG amplified the impact of Salvadoran research. This inclusion marks an important achievement—elevating national scholarship onto the international stage and fostering recognition and collaboration in vital areas of food security and environmental science.

Year
2024

03.

HCERES International Accreditation

In 2018, UFG achieved a significant international breakthrough by obtaining accreditation from HCERES—the French High Authority for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education—becoming the first private university in the Americas to do so. This milestone signaled UFG’s alignment with global academic benchmarks, enhancing its international recognition. It validated both teaching and research quality, paving the way for deeper cooperation with international universities and building momentum toward future reaccreditation milestones.

Year
2018

04.

Incubadora “GERMINA” Launch

In 2009, UFG launched its ICT business incubator "GERMINA," a major step toward embedding entrepreneurship in its DNA. Developed with Uruguay’s LATU/INGENIO and funded by FIES and UFG, GERMINA provided space, mentorship, and structured support to student-led startups—blending academic theory with real-world application. It became a central feature of ICT training at UFG and a regional pioneer in student entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and economic growth while reinforcing the university’s role as a business and technology hub.

Year
2009

05.

Internet2 Connectivity and Accreditation

In October 2004, UFG connected to Internet2 through Florida International University, joining the elite network of global research institutions and universities. This high-speed network access enabled advanced e-learning, research collaboration, and multimedia streams. Alongside this, UFG received national accreditation from the Ministry of Education and reaccreditation from AUPRICA. These technical and academic milestones demonstrated its dual focus—cutting-edge infrastructure and institutional credibility—laying the foundation for future recognition as a tech-forward university.

Year
2004

06.

ISO 9001 Quality Management Certification & Reaccreditations

From 2003, UFG implemented a certified Quality Management System, beginning with ISO 9001:2000 and later transitioning through ISO 9001:2008 (2012) to ISO 9001:2015 (2015). It became the only university in El Salvador with its entire teaching-learning process formally certified—ensuring standardized, high-quality procedures across all operations. Reaccreditations from the Ministry of Education and AUPRICA reinforced UFG’s commitment to continuous improvement. This structured quality framework positioned the university as a model institution in Central America.

Year
2003-15

07.

Curriculum Reform and Graduate Programs

Between 2003 and 2004, UFG implemented sweeping curricular reform across its 19 programs. This reform introduced 13 core courses covering English, ICT, logic, writing, and quality philosophy—creating a holistic, contemporary educational foundation. In 2004, the university launched master’s degrees in Applied Computer Networks, Software Engineering, and MBA with e-commerce specialization, aligning academic offerings with global trends. The university also acquired ISO 9001:2000 certification and licensed the EBSCO research database, cementing its commitment to quality, rigor, and research infrastructure

Year
2003-04

08.

Launch of UFG‑TV and Public Opinion Center

2002 marked a milestone as UFG launched its cable education channel, UFG‑TV (Channel 99), providing televised reinforcement for academic content. This innovative approach blended traditional classroom instruction with audiovisual learning, enriching student experience. Additionally, that year saw the creation of the Centro de Opinión Pública (COP), enhancing UFG’s role in generating influential public insights and analysis. Establishing both a media voice and academic research platform amplified UFG’s societal impact, tying education to real-world relevance and public policy.

Year
2002

09.

Leadership Change and Transformation

On March 27, 1990, UFG underwent a pivotal transformation with a change in leadership: engineer Mario Antonio Ruiz Ramírez assumed the rector’s post, ushering in what is widely referred to as UFG’s “most fruitful period. Over the following years, strategic improvements included administrative innovation, expanded student services, and quality-focused leadership. Enrollment doubled to over 2,500 students by 1990, signaling confidence in the new direction. This governance shift laid the groundwork for UFG’s climb to national relevance and international standing, showcasing how visionary leadership can catalyze institutional metamorphosis.

Year
1990

010.

Foundation and Initial Enrollment

In 1981, UFG was founded on March 7 in San Salvador and began academic activity by June, enrolling 534 students—an impressive feat given the turbulent era in El Salvador. This foundational achievement signified a commitment to creating a private institution focused on technology, innovation, and quality education. Within eight years, student numbers had risen to about 1,400, reflecting growing trust in its mission. The university directly honored Francisco Gavidia’s humanistic and scholarly legacy, embedding his values in its core mission. From its inception, UFG reflected a bold vision of progressive higher education amid national rebuilding

Year
1981

Notable Innovation, Research & Development Francisco Gavidia University

Notable Innovation

01.

Blockchain-Based Academic Credentialing

In December 2023, UFG’s Directorate of Technology and Systems received 2nd place at the national Innovation Awards for its “Academic Credentials Using Blockchain” platform. This system issues tamper-proof digital diplomas and transcripts, enabling instant credential verification for employers or institutions worldwide and drastically reducing fraud risk. By embedding diplomas in an immutable ledger, students can seamlessly share credentials via professional platforms like LinkedIn. This adoption demonstrates UFG’s forward-thinking embrace of distributed ledger technologies and its commitment to institutional integrity

Year
2023

02.

Automated Emergency Ventilator “Ejekat

Amid the COVID‑19 pandemic, UFG’s Institute of Science, Technology, and Innovation (ICTI) designed and prototyped “Ejekat,” an automated resuscitator that mechanizes the bag‑valve mask (Ambu) device using microcontrollers, 3D‑printed parts, and locally sourced materials. By eliminating manual compression, it reduced fatigue for healthcare workers and standardized ventilation delivery. The design progressed from artisanal wooden versions to industrial-grade models (1.5 m tall, digital displays), reflecting rapid homegrown medical engineering under crisis conditions

Year
2020

03.

COVID-19 Predictive Modeling and Mobile Apps

In 2020, ICTI released advanced mathematical modeling tools based on epidemiological methods, along with companion mobile apps and calculators for COVID tracking and prevention. Additionally, UFG launched 5VID.sv to assist in managing the transition back to normalcy. These tools delivered crucial 60– and 90‑day pandemic forecasts at a national scale—many of which proved accurate—helping policymakers, public health officials, and citizens prepare more effectively

Year
2020

04.

Radiative Cooling Materials Research

Starting in February 2019, UFG embarked on doctoral research to identify and characterize locally sourced natural materials suitable for radiative cooling. By engineering surfaces that emit infrared energy through the atmospheric “window” (8–13 μm), researchers aim to passively send excess heat into space—potentially achieving cooling of over 100 W/m². This work, merging environmental science, materials engineering, and advanced optics, could transform sustainable cooling practices in tropical climates

Year
2019

05.

Nanotechnology for Solar-Driven Water Evaporation

The NanoLab at UFG explored sustainable desalination techniques using locally-sourced graphite as a solar absorber, leveraging 3D-printed prototypes. By boosting evaporation rates by up to threefold through graphene-like materials, this research advanced low-cost water purification—especially vital in water-scarce regions. The project blended nanotech, environmental science, and hands-on prototyping

Year
2016

06.

STEM Educational Laboratories in Public Schools

Funded by USAID in 2016, UFG’s ICTI partnered with three public schools to design, implement, and support STEM labs. This multi-phase initiative included teacher training, equipping experimental laboratories, and fostering student-led extracurricular research. The project’s aim went beyond academic enrichment—it used STEM as a tool to reduce school violence by engaging youth in positive, curiosity-driven activities, showcasing UFG’s capacity to use technology for meaningful social impact

Year
2016

07.

Environmental Science Infrastructure

In 2015, UFG invested in key scientific equipment—a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a salt bar meteorological station, and an oceanographic multiparameter buoy. These acquisitions marked a new era in material sciences, marine research, and environmental monitoring, enabling applied research in exact sciences, marine tech, nanomaterials, and climate science directly from Salvadoran soil

Year
2015

08.

Incubadora de Empresas "GERMINA

In 2009, UFG launched “GERMINA,” a business incubator specifically designed for ICT-based startups. Developed through a partnership with Uruguay’s LATU and INGENIO, and supported by both FIES (75%) and UFG (25%), this incubator provides students with mentorship, resources, and structured support to launch real-world enterprises. GERMINA enhances entrepreneurial training by integrating coursework with practical business development, establishing UFG as a leader in fostering student-led startups within Central America’s ICT ecosystem

Year
2009

09.

Virtual Teaching & IoT Campus Transformation

Since introducing UFG‑TV in 2002, UFG expanded its digital education via UVirtual, virtual classrooms, and Microsoft/Teams/Sakai integrations. They later developed STEAM MOOC programs, and from 2022 rolled out a “University Digital Project” incorporating IoT, makerspaces, smart administrative workflows, and a satellite initiative. These integrated innovations reflect UFG’s leadership in digital pedagogy and standing-ready approach for Industry 4.0

Year
2003-22

010.

Voice-Pattern Recognition System

In the late 1990s, UFG’s Dirección de Tecnología y Comunicaciones developed an innovative voice-pattern recognition system using artificial neural networks and digital signal processing. Designed for both automated control applications and linguistics research, this inside-the-university R&D project leveraged AI techniques long before they became mainstream, marking UFG as a technological pioneer in speech recognition and smart automation in the region

Year
1990