Quick Summary
Based in Heredia, Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica is a public with roots dating back to 1973. Ranked #851-900 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19200 students including 2.8% from outside Costa Rica. Known for strengths in Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 22%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Leader in sustainable development and social sciences in Central America
Subject Strengths
Veterinary ScienceAgricultureEnvironmental StudiesSociology
Founded1973
TypePublic
Total Students19200
Intl Students2.8%
Faculty Ratio13
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size25 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationSINAES (Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#851-900
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, Specializations
Programs
Doctorate in Sciences, Doctorate in Education, Doctorate in Arts and Culture
PhD Programs
Limited hybrid and online courses available
Online Programs
OVSICORI-UNA (Volcanological and Seismological Observatory), ICOMVIS, CINAT
Research Centers
High
Research Output
SINAES (Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate22%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · April 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily based on the PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Académica) score; high scores are essential for Veterinary and Medicine.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Costa Rican Colón
UG Tuition
₡550,000/yr
per year · CRC
Living Cost
₡4,000,000/yr
per year · CRC
PG Tuition
₡1,600,000/yr
per year · CRC
Application Fee
$12
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₡4,556,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CRC
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,400
Financial AidSocio-economic aid and performance-based grants available for domestic students
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, Specializations programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Marine Biology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| International Relations | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Education | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$13,500
Average Salary After Graduation
76%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with public institutions and environmental NGOs
Industry Connections
Ministry of EnvironmentCosta Rican Social Security FundHigh-tech manufacturing sectors
Notable Alumni
Laura Chinchilla, Luis Guillermo Solís
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Limited university residences
Sports Facilities
Swimming pool, gymnasium, outdoor track, football fields
Student Clubs
Cultural groups, environmental clubs, university choir, theater
Library Resources
Joaquín García Monge Library with extensive digital archives
Exchange Programs
Agreements with over 150 universities worldwide via ERASMUS+ and CONARE
Summer Programs
Spanish language immersion and Tropical Ecology short courses