Quick Summary
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María is a private, non-profit (part of the council of rectors - cruch) founded in 1926, located in Valparaíso, Chile. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 22450 students including 2.1% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Engineering - Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the premier engineering institution in Chile with a rigorous academic environment and historic architectural prestige.
Subject Strengths
Engineering - Electrical and ElectronicMechanical EngineeringCivil EngineeringChemical EngineeringPhysics & Astronomy
Founded1926
TypePrivate, Non-profit (Part of the Council of Rectors - CRUCH)
Total Students22450
Intl Students2.1%
Faculty Ratio18.5
CampusUrban / Coastal
Campus Size7 campus and sites (Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Santiago, Concepción, Rancagua)
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationCNA-Chile (Comisión Nacional de Acreditación)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate, Technical, Executive Education
Programs
11
PhD Programs
5
Online Programs
Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (AC3E), CCTVal, Solar Energy Research Center
Research Centers
High
Research Output
CNA-Chile (Comisión Nacional de Acreditación)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · July 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior) Mathematics scores as weighting is high for engineering programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$7,200,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$8,100,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$8,800,000/yr
per year · CLP
Application Fee
$60
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$15,355,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableBeca Federico Santa María, Beca de Alimentación, Beca de Residencia
Avg Scholarship$3,800
Financial AidGratuidad, CAE (Crédito con Aval del Estado), Fondo Solidario
Work-StudyAvailable (Student assistantships and administrative roles)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate, Technical, Executive Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Industrial Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Electronic Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Architecture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$28,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong industry partnerships with mining and energy sectors
Industry Connections
CODELCOBHP BillitonEnelGoogle ChileAWS
Notable Alumni
Luis Riveros, Jorge Flies, Klaus von Storch
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Limited university residencies in Valparaíso)
Sports Facilities
Swimming pools, gyms, football pitches, multi-sports courts
Student Clubs
Robotics Club, Astronomy Student Group, Formula SAE Team
Library Resources
Extensive engineering and technology database access, Central Library Valparaíso
Exchange Programs
Global exchange agreements with over 150 universities in 30 countries
Summer Programs
Winter School in Data Science, Summer Technical Workshops