Understanding how memory works in individuals at the higher education level and how it influences academic performance, leads to the need to enhance intellectual experiences that enable subjects to build knowledge in a holistic way and, thus, be in accordance with the quality standards of education. A cross-sectional and correlational quantitative study of descriptive level was applied, with scientific data bases framed in pedagogical, psychological and sociocultural aspects. The review of the literature allowed analyzing the relationship between working memory and academic performance, with the information obtained it is intended to raise the level of working memory from the development of basic learning processes for the proper functioning of the cognitive area, through the construction and application of support tools as a basis for improving the academic performance of university students.