Quick Summary
Based in Valdivia, Chile, Universidad Austral de Chile is a private, non-profit (traditional/cruch) with roots dating back to 1954. Ranked #851-900 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 18500 students including 2.5% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Veterinary Science, Environmental Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 38%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier institution for environmental sciences in South America, located in a scenic river city with a high quality of life.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryVeterinary ScienceEnvironmental SciencesAnatomy & Physiology
Founded1954
TypePrivate, Non-Profit (Traditional/CRUCH)
Total Students18500
Intl Students2.5%
Faculty Ratio15.2
CampusUrban/Natural Integration
Campus Size220
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Clínico Veterinario UACh, Hospital Base Valdivia
AccreditationCNA-Chile (Comisión Nacional de Acreditación) - Accredited for 6 years until 2028
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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
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral, Specialized Certifications
Programs
PhD in Ecology and Evolution, PhD in Veterinary Science, PhD in Agricultural Sciences, PhD in Forest Sciences
PhD Programs
Limited graduate diplomas and select online master modules
Online Programs
CISAUA, CEQUA, IDEAL Center, Botanical Garden Research Unit
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
CNA-Chile (Comisión Nacional de Acreditación) - Accredited for 6 years until 2028
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate38%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · July 10
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on achieving high scores in the PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior) and maintaining a strong NEM (High School GPA) and Ranking score.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$4,200,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$6,700,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$5,100,000/yr
per year · CLP
Application Fee
$45
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$11,000,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableGratuidad, Beca UACh, Beca Juan Gómez Millas, Beca de Excelencia Académica
Avg Scholarship$2,800
Financial AidCAE (Crédito con Aval del Estado), Fondo Solidario de Crédito Universitario
Work-StudyAvailable via student assistantships (Ayudantías) and internal administrative roles
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral, Specialized Certifications programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Forestry Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Marine Biology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
84%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with forestry, salmon industry, and agricultural sectors in southern Chile
Industry Connections
AraucoCMPCSouthern Chilean Agricultural AssociationsMarine Research Institutes
Notable Alumni
Gastón Soublette, various Chilean senators and high-level scientists
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, university residencies available plus extensive private options
Sports Facilities
Olympic rowing center, gymnasiums, soccer fields, athletic tracks
Student Clubs
FEUACh (Student Federation), Cine Club UACh, various environmental and cultural groups
Library Resources
Sistema de Bibliotecas (SIBUACh), Central Library, Medical Library, Digital Repository
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, DAAD agreements, PME (Programa de Movilidad Estudiantil)
Summer Programs
International Summer School (Escuela de Verano) in Valdivia