Laureate Impact

Financial, social, and geographical barriers continue to keep talented students from accessing quality higher education. The Laureate Transforma Scholarships are helping to change that reality in Peru – offering life-changing opportunities for students from low-income communities to pursue university degrees that would otherwise be out of reach.

In 2024, 100 deserving students from low-income communities in Peru were awarded Laureate Transforma Scholarships, which cover full tuition, English courses, transportation, and ongoing academic and mental health support. These scholarships are more than just financial assistance – they represent a pathway to a brighter future for students, their families, and their communities.

The program is a collaborative effort with Laureate Peru, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), and Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN), breaking down significant barriers to provide students across the country with the opportunity to earn a degree at a leading university.

María Fernanda Espinoza, a Communication student at UPC and recipient of the Transforma Scholarship, says the program changed her life: “The process was challenging, but the support of my advisors at the university made all the difference. Earning a full scholarship to study at UPC is truly a dream come true.”

The scholarship selection process is rigorous, with exams and interviews ensuring that selected students are prepared to meet the demands of university life. Despite these challenges, recipients like David Aguirre, an Environmental Engineering student at UPN, are determined to succeed. “The tests were demanding, but I feel incredibly excited to have earned my place here,” he says. “I hope to achieve my goals of becoming a professional and helping people.”

The Laureate Transforma Scholarships are part of a broader effort to expand access to education and close opportunity gaps across Peru. By offering full scholarships and comprehensive support, Laureate Peru is empowering students to overcome the limitations of their circumstances and unlock their full potential – demonstrating that access to quality education not only transforms lives but also creates lasting impact.

Beyond improving individual lives, the program is also contributing to Peru’s growth and development by equipping a new generation of responsible leaders to drive progress throughout the country.