Quick Summary
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, in Valparaíso, Chile, is a private (pontifical, non-profit) that has shaped higher education since 1928. Ranked #701-710 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19500 students including 2.5% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Architecture, Engineering, Agriculture and Forestry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of the few universities in Chile with maximum accreditation, located in a UNESCO World Heritage city with high research prestige.
Subject Strengths
ArchitectureEngineeringAgriculture and ForestryTheologyMarine Sciences
Founded1928
TypePrivate (Pontifical, Non-profit)
Total Students19500
Intl Students2.5%
Faculty Ratio18.2
CampusUrban/Historical
Campus SizeDistributed Urban Campus
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Gustavo Fricke (Collaborative partner)
AccreditationCNA-Chile (7 years - Maximum Accreditation)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#701-710
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Masters, Doctorate, Diplomados
Programs
20
PhD Programs
PUCV Virtual (Select Diplomas and Post-graduate units)
Online Programs
35
Research Centers
High
Research Output
CNA-Chile (7 years - Maximum Accreditation)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPA5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 5
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 specialized international office portal with validated secondary education credentials.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$4,500,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$7,000,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$5,800,000/yr
per year · CLP
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$11,545,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableBeca Juan Gómez Millas, Beca Bicentenario, Beca Excelencia Académica
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidCAE (Crédito con Aval del Estado), Gratuidad (Government Free Tuition Program)
Work-StudyAyudantías (Teaching Assistance), Research Fellowships
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Masters, Doctorate, Diplomados programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Architecture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Oceanography | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$15,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with regional industry and port authorities in Valparaíso.
Industry Connections
ASMARCodelcoMinistry of Public WorksValparaíso Port Authority
Notable Alumni
Juan Carlos García (Minister), Various Bishops of Chile, Notable Chilean Architects
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Off-campus housing support only
Sports Facilities
Gimnasio PUCV, Outdoor sports complexes in Curauma and Viña del Mar
Student Clubs
Over 50 clubs including theater, debate, and mountain sports
Library Resources
Integrated Library System (SIB) with 10+ specialized physical libraries
Exchange Programs
PME (Programa de Movilidad Estudiantil) with 200+ global agreements
Summer Programs
International Summer School (Spanish immersion and Culture)