COSTA RICA · SAN PEDRO DE MONTES DE OCA
University of Costa Rica
public · Founded 1940 · Languages: es, en
In short
The University of Costa Rica is the country's leading public university, offering a wide range of programs and recognized for research in areas like tropical biology and sustainability. It provides an affordable and vibrant student experience in Central America's top-ranked institution.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1940
- Students
- 32,969
- International students
- 1,500
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- ES, EN
- Location
- San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the country's oldest and largest public university, founded in 1940 in San José. It is consistently ranked as the leading university in Central America and among the top universities in Latin America, recognised for its academic excellence, research output, and commitment to social outreach. UCR operates under a constitutional mandate of autonomy, allowing it to develop its own academic agenda in service of Costa Rican society. The university offers programmes across all major disciplines through more than a dozen faculties, including sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, health, law, arts, and education. Its research centres are internationally recognised, particularly in tropical biology, sustainable development, public health, and environmental science. UCR also plays a central role in shaping national public policy through its social action programmes. Beyond San José, UCR maintains a network of regional campuses throughout Costa Rica, extending access to quality education. Student life on the main campus is vibrant, featuring modern sports facilities, cultural centres, a university cinema, and direct connections to San José's urban amenities.
Why study here
- Study at Central America's top-ranked university with strong Latin American regional standing.
- Access world-class research in tropical biology, sustainability, public health, and social sciences.
- Benefit from a diverse, welcoming campus in one of the world's most biodiverse countries.
- Engage with UCR's strong tradition of social outreach and community engagement.
- Enjoy affordable living in Costa Rica's Central Valley, one of the region's most stable and safe environments.
Student life
Student life at UCR's main campus is rich and diverse. The campus includes three multi-purpose gyms, two swimming pools, and outdoor courts for tennis, beach volleyball, football, basketball, and athletics. Cultural highlights include a butterfly garden (Mariposario), a free university cinema, and regular cultural festivals. Numerous student organisations cover academic, cultural, environmental, and political interests. The university actively promotes sustainable mobility with internal bus services, bicycle parking, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. San Pedro is a lively neighbourhood with abundant cafés, restaurants, and nightlife options.
Fees
InternationalInternational students typically pay approximately USD 3,000–6,000 per year (approximately EUR 2,500–5,000) depending on programme and credit load.
HomeTuition for Costa Rican nationals is heavily subsidised and determined by a socio-economic assessment; effectively very low or free for qualifying students.
LivingEstimated USD 900–1,300 per month in San José, covering shared accommodation, food, local transport, and personal expenses.
UCR charges fees on a per-credit basis. International students should contact the Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales for current fee schedules and scholarship availability.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryCosta Rican bachillerato (secondary school diploma) or recognised international equivalent; admission is competitive and varies by faculty.
International applicantsMust contact the Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales (ORI) for programme-specific requirements and the equivalency process for foreign qualifications.
Graduate entryRelevant Bachelor's degree (Licenciatura or equivalent); specific requirements vary by programme.
TOEFL iBTVaries by programme; typically 80+ for English-medium courses
IELTSVaries by programme; typically 6.0+
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024801–1000
Times Higher Education Latin America 2023Top 30 in Latin America
National — Costa Rica1
University scholarships
UCR Scholarship Programme (BECA)Varies; covers tuition and living allowance for qualifying Costa Rican students
OAS ScholarshipsVaries; for international students from OAS member states
Erasmus+ Mobility GrantsVaries; for students from European partner institutions
Accreditation
Accredited by SINAES (Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior) in Costa Rica; individual programmes hold international accreditations in medicine, engineering, and other fields.
Scholarships
for Costa Ricafull funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)
ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.
full
Funding
€82k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT Need-Based Aid for International Undergraduates
For international undergraduate applicants to MIT, which is need-blind in admission and meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student. Aid is a grant (no loans in the standard package); the amount is set by each family's assessed need.
full
Funding
€80k
Max
Nov 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the approximate annual tuition fees for international students at the University of Costa Rica?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately USD 3,000–6,000 per year. The exact amount depends on the specific program of study and the number of credits taken. UCR charges fees on a per-credit basis.
What are the estimated monthly living expenses for students in San José?
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Students should budget around USD 900–1,300 per month for living expenses in San José. This estimate covers accommodation, food, local transportation, and personal costs.
Does the University of Costa Rica offer programs in English?
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The primary language of instruction at UCR is Spanish, and international students are encouraged to have Spanish proficiency. However, some graduate programs and exchange courses are available in English.
What are the admission requirements for international undergraduate students?
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International applicants need a Costa Rican bachillerato or a recognized international equivalent for undergraduate entry. Admission is competitive and varies by faculty. It is essential to contact the Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales for specific requirements and the process for foreign qualifications.
What kind of research is the University of Costa Rica known for?
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UCR has internationally recognized research centers, particularly in fields such as tropical biology, sustainable development, public health, and environmental science. The university is committed to research output and academic excellence.
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