Universidad Francisco Gavidia

Francisco Gavidia University (UFG) is a prestigious private higher education institution situated in San Salvador, El Salvador. Established in 1981, the university honors the notable Salvadoran humanist Francisco Gavidia. UFG prioritizes academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its five faculties: Economic Sciences, Social Sciences and Legal, Engineering and Systems, Art and Design, and Graduate and International Studies.

The university is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, as well as the Accreditation Commission of El Salvador, which underscores its academic standing both nationally and internationally. Remarkably, it was the first private university in the Western Hemisphere to obtain international accreditation from Hcéres, the French High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education.

In the realm of technology, UFG has been designated as an anchor institution and a national leader in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) through the USAID project "Bridging Education to Economic Development." UFG offers academic programs in various formats—on-site, remote, and blended—granting degrees in architecture, engineering, business, social sciences, legal studies, technical disciplines, and advanced degrees such as master's and doctoral programs.

The university’s educational model emphasizes practical learning, technological integration, and the cultivation of globally oriented competencies. A key component of its internationalization strategy is its partnership with Arizona State University, which enhances UFG's mission to boost the country’s competitiveness by training entrepreneurial, innovative, and globally minded professionals.

  Engaged in applied research and community outreach, UFG maintains strong ties with the productive sector and with both national and international academic and scientific networks. With its modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art laboratories, robust digital ecosystem, and comprehensive student support services, UFG nurtures an inclusive and dynamic learning environment focused on continuous improvement. These qualities position UFG as one of El Salvador's leading private universities with a global perspective.