Quick Summary
Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) is a public founded in 1971, located in Cartago, Costa Rica. Ranked #851-900 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 12500 students including 2% from outside Costa Rica. Known for strengths in Engineering - Electrical and Electronic, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the leading technological university in Central America, offering high employability and strong ties to the global tech industry located in Costa Rica's free trade zones.
Subject Strengths
Engineering - Electrical and ElectronicComputer ScienceMechanical Engineering
Founded1971
TypePublic
Total Students12500
Intl Students2%
Faculty Ratio14.5
CampusSuburban
Campus Size110 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationSINAES,AcreditaCI (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board equivalent),AACSB (in progress for business)
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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
Engineering,Architecture,Business Administration,Science Education,Computer Science
Programs
PhD in Engineering,PhD in Science and Technology for Sustainability
PhD Programs
Master in Project Management,Professional Specialization in Cybersecurity
Online Programs
Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología (CIB),Centro de Investigación en Computación (CIC),Laboratorio de Plasma para Energía de Fusión y Aplicaciones
Research Centers
High
Research Output
SINAES,AcreditaCI (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board equivalent),AACSB (in progress for business)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · March 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · September 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily based on the Academic Aptitude Test (PAA). Focus heavily on mathematical logic and verbal reasoning.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Costa Rican Colón
UG Tuition
₡612,000/yr
per year · CRC
Living Cost
₡3,315,000/yr
per year · CRC
PG Tuition
₡2,448,000/yr
per year · CRC
Application Fee
$15
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₡3,935,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CRC
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Engineering,Architecture,Business Administration,Science Education,Computer Science programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Industrial Production Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mechatronics Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biotechnology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$22,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship Placementtrue
Industry Connections
IntelBoston ScientificMicrosoftHPProcter & Gamble
Notable Alumni
Franklin Chang-Díaz (Scientific collaborator),Luis Guillermo Solís (Academic connections),Various high-tech CEOs
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic Swimming Pool,Soccer Stadium,Gymnasium,Track and Field
Student Clubs
Robotics Club,Rocketry Club,Cultural Groups,Environmental Brigades
Library Resources
Biblioteca Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón (Extensive digital repository and technical archives)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available