Quick Summary
Private, pontifical in Santiago, Chile — Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, est. 1888. Ranked #93 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 32185 students including 3.8% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Architecture, Education, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
A Pontifical university answering to the Holy See, UC pairs that religious foundation with the region's most advanced innovation center, drawing students who want both institutional prestige and deep ties to Chile's corporate sector.
Subject Strengths
ArchitectureEducationLawTheologyArt and DesignSocial Sciences and ManagementAnatomy and Physiology
Founded1888
TypePrivate, Pontifical
Total Students32185
Intl Students3.8%
Faculty Ratio13.5
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size500 acres
Affiliated HospitalsRed de Salud UC-CHRISTUS
AccreditationComisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile), AACSB (Business), EQUIS (Business), RIBA (Architecture)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#93
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401–500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D., Professional Degrees, Diplomas
Programs
39
PhD Programs
50
Online Programs
Centro de Innovación UC, Centro de Políticas Públicas, Centro de Energía UC, CEGA
Research Centers
Chile's top research performer, with rankings (QS 93, ARWU 401-500) that trail UBA's despite UC's stronger reputation score.
Research Output
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile), AACSB (Business), EQUIS (Business), RIBA (Architecture)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPANot applicable — domestic admission is PAES score-based; international admission is evaluated holistically without a fixed GPA cutoff
GREOptional (Required for some Ph.D. programs)
GMATRequired for MBA
SATOptional / Accepted for international admission
ACTNot commonly requested; SAT is the more frequently used option for international admission
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (For March start)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · July (For August start)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily based on the PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior) scores for domestic students. International students should apply through the 'Admisión Especial' track which values academic excellence and extracurricular achievement.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$7,800,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$8,800,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$11,000,000/yr
per year · CLP
Application Fee
$120
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$16,600,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableBeca Padre Hurtado, Beca de Excelencia Académica, Beca Juan Pablo II
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable via State-guaranteed loans (CAE) and internal UC funds
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D., Professional Degrees, Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Architecture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Psychology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$24,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementUC's Career Center channels students directly into Chile's largest conglomerates and multinational subsidiaries, with placement rates that outperform most Latin American peers.
Industry Connections
Highly linked with the Chilean business sectorespecially through the UC Innovation Center.
Notable Alumni
Sebastián Piñera (Former President of Chile), Alejandro Aravena (Pritzker Prize winner), Eduardo Frei Montalva (Former President of Chile)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
No (Off-campus housing assistance only)
Sports Facilities
Complejo Deportivo San Joaquín (Athletic tracks, swimming pools, football fields, gymnasiums)
Student Clubs
Federación de Estudiantes (FEUC), over 50 volunteer and interest groups
Library Resources
Sistema de Bibliotecas UC (SIBUC) with 10 specialized libraries and extensive digital archives
Exchange Programs
Over 600 agreements with universities in 55 countries
Summer Programs
Global Internship Program, Short-term research stays