Quick Summary
Private (non-profit, state-subsidized) in Antofagasta, Chile — Universidad Católica del Norte, est. 1956. Ranked #1201 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 12500 students including 2.5% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Engineering - Mineral & Mining, Earth & Marine Sciences, Astronomy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 65%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UCN is a leader in desert-related research and mining engineering, located in the heart of the global mining industry and world-class astronomical observation zones.
Subject Strengths
Engineering - Mineral & MiningEarth & Marine SciencesAstronomyGeology
Founded1956
TypePrivate (Non-profit, State-subsidized)
Total Students12500
Intl Students2.5%
Faculty Ratio17
CampusUrban
Campus Size70 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital San Pablo de Coquimbo
AccreditationComisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile) - 6 years (Level: Excellence)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1201
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Master's, Doctorate, Professional Diplomas
Programs
PhD in Physics, PhD in Sciences (Mining Engineering), PhD in Astronomy, PhD in Psychology, PhD in Archaeology and Anthropology
PhD Programs
Available via UCN Virtual for various postgraduate and continuous education programs
Online Programs
CEITSAZA, Ckelar Volcanes, IPP (Public Policy Institute), Scientific and Technological Park (PCT)
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile) - 6 years (Level: Excellence)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate65%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPA5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 5
SPRINGApplication Deadline · July 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
High performance in the PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior) is critical, particularly in Mathematics and Sciences for engineering tracks.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$6,200,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$8,000,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$7,200,000/yr
per year · CLP
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$14,200,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableGratuidad, Beca Bicentenario, Beca Juan Gómez Millas, Beca Excelencia Académica, Internal UCN Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$3,800
Financial AidState Guaranteed Loan (CAE), internal funding for socioeconomic support
Work-StudyAvailable (Student assistantships and administrative support roles)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Master's, Doctorate, Professional Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Mining Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Marine Biology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Astronomy | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$19,500
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with global mining firms (BHP, Antofagasta Minerals) and marine research institutes
Industry Connections
Extensive partnerships in the miningrenewable energyand fishing industries
Notable Alumni
Radomiro Tomic, various national political leaders, and prominent mining executives
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Limited university-managed housing; most students utilize off-campus private rentals
Sports Facilities
Gymnasiums, swimming pools (Coquimbo), soccer fields, athletic tracks
Student Clubs
Cultural groups, Tuna UCN, University Pastoral, Student Federations
Library Resources
Biblioteca Central (Antofagasta), specialized digital repositories and access to international journals
Exchange Programs
Bilateral agreements with universities in Europe, North America, and South America (PIMA, Erasmus+)
Summer Programs
Limited seasonal courses and intensive Spanish language programs for international students