Universidad Católica Boliviana 'San Pablo' - ePC Business School

Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” – ePC Business School (ePC) serves as Bolivia’s foremost institution for advanced business learning, with its foundation deeply rooted in the prestigious UCB network established in 1966. Operating from campuses in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Tarija, ePC stands at the pinnacle of academic excellence in the country. Focused on enhancing national development, its flagship program, Maestrías para el Desarrollo (MpD), has produced over 1,342 industry leaders, contributing directly to Bolivia’s economic strategy and policy formulation. Recognized as Bolivia’s No.1 business school by Eduniversal, and placed among the elite 3 Palmes institutions, ePC is lauded for merging academic rigour with social commitment.

Grounded in Catholic humanistic values, ePC’s mission promotes ethical leadership, social responsibility, and professional competence in response to local and global challenges. Its vision supports Bolivia’s “Revolución Productiva” through transformative educational offerings such as Licenciaturas para el Desarrollo (LpD), launched in 2008, and Técnico Universitario Superior programs introduced in 2012, fostering competitive and production-oriented talent. The academic approach reflects a holistic model, integrating discipline, service, and innovation while maintaining focus on national development. These strategic frameworks have positioned ePC as a leading institution committed to empowering professionals who respond adeptly to both entrepreneurial demand and public-sector reform.

ePC’s reach extends through its robust alumni network and partnerships with international institutions such as Harvard’s Institute for International Development, reinforcing global relevance. Educational delivery is enhanced by signature elements like the case-method pedagogy using Bolivia-specific scenarios and MS-certified virtual platforms such as e-learn Excel. The UCB system ranks within the QS World 1001–1200 range and stands at 237th in South America for employability—validating the school’s industry alignment and educational impact. Collectively, these features underscore ePC as the optimal launchpad for professionals seeking to shape Bolivia’s business landscape through ethical innovation and effective governance.

ePC Business School’s alumni network is a powerful extension of its academic mission, comprising over 1,300 graduates from its MpD programs. These accomplished professionals now serve in strategic roles across sectors including business leadership, public administration, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Through this extensive community, ePC fosters long-term connections, reinforcing graduate success via mentorship and peer collaboration. These relationships not only guide career development but also expand opportunities across industries, promoting knowledge exchange and innovation throughout Bolivia’s economic landscape. The school’s high employability rate is a direct outcome of this cultivated support system paired with academic preparation.

Strategic alliances with organizations such as Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz, Aldeas Infantiles SOS, Alalay, and Fundación Arco Iris anchor ePC’s career services in real-world application. These partnerships open doors to internships and applied research projects, steeping students in the realities of sustainability, economic inclusion, and corporate innovation. Graduates often enter leadership roles in sectors shaped by ePC’s curriculum, which is continuously aligned with evolving market demands. Moreover, the school’s iDEC (Instituto para el Desarrollo del Emprendimiento y la Competitividad) and Aceleradora de Empresas play a pivotal role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, offering them tools to materialize early-stage ventures and move towards business scalability.

In terms of regional and international prospects, ePC provides an exceptional platform. Collaborations with institutions like Harvard offer worldwide exposure, preparing students for global engagement while maintaining relevance to local development goals. The ePC advantage is further evidenced by its inclusion in the QS rankings for employability, with UCB securing a score of 25.4 for employer reputation. This data confirms the institution’s key role in shaping professionals who are both impact-driven and globally competitive. Whether students aim for high-ranking corporate roles, policy influence, or building ventures from the ground up, ePC’s ecosystem ensures they are prepared to succeed amid complexity and change.

ePC Business School’s distinction as Bolivia’s top business school, confirmed by Eduniversal’s 3 Palmes and national No.1 ranking, reflects unparalleled academic weight and societal relevance. Unlike conventional institutions, ePC fuses rigorous academic training with an embedded moral compass, adhering to the philosophy of Catholic humanism. Its programs are structured to facilitate not just intellectual growth, but personal integrity and professional ethics in leadership. This ethical dimension is vital in developing socially responsible innovators and policy shapers capable of addressing contemporary challenges such as inequality, sustainability, and globalization. The result is a learning culture where purpose meets performance.

What sets ePC apart pedagogically is its emphasis on case-based learning rooted in Bolivian contexts, enabling students to build competencies on real, local challenges while applying global frameworks. The use of interactive tools like Microsoft-certified Excel training and operations simulators fosters technical precision alongside managerial agility. These assets not only raise educational engagement but also prepare students for digital transformation—a priority in today’s business landscape. The curricular design is also modular and progressive, allowing students to transition from Técnico Superior tracks to Licenciaturas and graduate-level MpD programs, creating seamless academic-clinical pathways guided by personal and professional aspirations.

ePC’s relevance is amplified through its innovative program offerings like the Licenciatura para el Desarrollo (LpD) and corporate-aligned Técnico Superior degrees introduced with partners such as Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz. These academic models champion a paradigm shift toward productive economic transformation. Global collaborations—including long-standing ties with Harvard—equip students with strategic foresight and prestige seldom found in regional institutions. Employability metrics such as UCB’s QS ranking at #237 in South America affirm this global positioning. Bolstered by over 1,300 MpD alumni, forward-thinking centers like iDEC, and a satisfaction score of 4.2 on EDUopinions, ePC delivers more than education—it instills a lifelong mission to drive Bolivia’s inclusive transformation.

The school drives research centered on sustainable production, competitiveness, and development‑oriented public management. Through innovation labs and entrepreneurial support centers, students and alumni receive guidance to transform ideas into viable enterprises and community‑based solutions aligned with national development goals.

Digital transformation is a strategic priority, highlighted by programs like the Bachelor’s in Digital Business. Sustainability principles are integrated into academic and institutional practices. A major milestone is the Maestrías para el Desarrollo, which has cultivated leaders who contribute tangible progress across Bolivia’s public and private sectors.

 What are the admission requirements? Undergraduate applicants must present a completed secondary education certificate, while master’s candidates need a relevant bachelor’s degree and supporting documents. Some programs include interviews or evaluations.

What language are the programs taught in? Courses are primarily delivered in Spanish, with select materials and specialized content incorporating English, especially in business‑oriented or digital fields.

Are scholarships available? Yes. Merit‑ and need‑based scholarships are offered, with details provided by the admissions office. Applicants are encouraged to inquire early to meet deadlines.

Admission begins with submitting required documents such as academic certificates, identification, and program-specific materials. Undergraduate entry requires proof of secondary school completion, while postgraduate programs require a bachelor’s degree related to the field of study. Deadlines follow academic semesters, making early application advisable.

Tuition reflects program quality, with financial aid options available. Students can access accommodation near campus through university guidance. The main ePC facilities in La Paz provide comprehensive support, including orientation, scheduling, and academic services to ensure a smooth transition into university life.