Quick Summary
Based in Santiago, Chile, Universidad de Chile is a public with roots dating back to 1842. Ranked #139 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 43500 students including 4.5% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Mineral and Mining Engineering, Architecture, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the oldest and most prestigious public university in Chile, offering unmatched research opportunities and a profound connection to the country's social and political history.
Subject Strengths
Mineral and Mining EngineeringArchitectureLawEconomics and EconometricsEducation
Founded1842
TypePublic
Total Students43500
Intl Students4.5%
Faculty Ratio14.2
CampusUrban/Distributed
Campus SizeMultiple urban campuses (approx. 3.2 million square meters total)
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (Dr. José Joaquín Aguirre)
AccreditationComisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile) - 7 years (maximum)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#139
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate Degrees,Magíster,Doctorate,Post-doctoral programs,Continuing Education
Programs
41
PhD Programs
15
Online Programs
Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM),Advanced Mining Technology Center (AMTC),Center for Climate and Resilience Research (CR2)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile) - 7 years (maximum)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA5
GRERequired for specific PhD programs in Science and Economics
GMATAccepted for MBA and specialized Business Masters
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (Main intake starts March)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · June (Second intake starts August)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Undergraduate admission is primarily via the PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior) score. International applicants should validate their secondary studies via the Ministry of Education.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$5,200,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$8,500,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$8,000,000/yr
per year · CLP
Application Fee
$45
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$14,000,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableBeca Universidad de Chile,Beca Andrés Bello,ANID (National Research and Development Agency) Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidGratuidad (free tuition for bottom 60% socio-economic deciles), State-Guaranteed Loans (CAE)
Work-StudyYes, through student assistantships and internal campus jobs
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate Degrees,Magíster,Doctorate,Post-doctoral programs,Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Commercial Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Public Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$32,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with CODELCO, BHP, and major Chilean ministries
Industry Connections
Highly linked with the mining sectorpublic healthand government administration
Notable Alumni
Pablo Neruda,Gabriela Mistral,Michelle Bachelet,Ricardo Lagos,Patricio Aylwin
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Limited university residences; majority of students use private housing
Sports Facilities
Campo Deportivo Juan Gómez Millas, olympic pools, multiple multi-sport courts
Student Clubs
FECH (Federación de Estudiantes), cultural workshops, debate clubs
Library Resources
SISIB (Sistema de Servicios de Información y Bibliotecas) with over 3 million volumes
Exchange Programs
PME (Programa de Movilidad Estudiantil) with 400+ global partners
Summer Programs
Escuela de Verano (EdV) for middle and high school students