Established in 1965, Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (Santa María La Antigua Catholic University) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Panama City (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Panama. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Chiriquí, Azuero, Colón, Santiago. Officially recognized by the Consejo Nacional de Evaluacion y Acreditacion Universitaria de Panama (National Council of University Assessment and Accreditation of Panama), Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) is a small coeducational Panamanian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 57 years old Panamanian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. USMA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.