Quick Summary
Since 1849, Universidad de Santiago de Chile has been one of Chile's prominent publics, based in Santiago. Ranked #461 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 23500 students including 2.1% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Mining Engineering, Engineering & Technology, Mathematics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of the most prestigious public universities in Chile with a legacy of technical excellence and social commitment.
Subject Strengths
Mining EngineeringEngineering & TechnologyMathematicsPhysics & AstronomyEducation
Founded1849
TypePublic
Total Students23500
Intl Students2.1%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusUrban / Single Campus
Campus Size31 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsRed de Salud Pública de Chile, Hospital Barros Luco
Accreditationundefined
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#461
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001–1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901–1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate, Master's, Doctorate, Continuing Education
Programs
22
PhD Programs
Yes (limited to specific continuing education diplomas and select master's degrees)
Online Programs
CEDENNA, CEDEUS, Centro de Estudios Postdoctorales, Planetario Usach
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
undefined
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPA5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · July 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily based on the PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior) score and school grades (NEM). High performance in STEM subjects is critical for engineering programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$5,200,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$8,500,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$6,450,000/yr
per year · CLP
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$13,700,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableGratuidad, Beca Bicentenario, Beca Juan Gómez Millas, Beca de Excelencia Académica
Avg Scholarship$4,800
Financial AidFUAS (Formulario Único de Acreditación Socioeconómica) available for domestic students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate, Master's, Doctorate, Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Industrial Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mining Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$22,500
Average Salary After Graduation
87%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong internship support through industrial engineering and mining faculty networks
Industry Connections
Extensive ties with Codelcoenergy sector companiesand public infrastructure departments
Notable Alumni
Ricardo Lagos, Víctor Jara, Elisa Loncón, Alberto Arenas
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
No (University provides guidance for private rentals, but no on-campus dorms)
Sports Facilities
Olympic swimming pool, athletics track, stadium, multi-purpose gymnasiums
Student Clubs
Robotics Club, Debate Club, Folkloric Ballet, Political Federations, Student Centers
Library Resources
Sistema de Bibliotecas USACH (SIBUSACH) with over 500,000 physical volumes and high-speed digital access
Exchange Programs
PME Usach with over 350 international agreements in 40 countries
Summer Programs
Yes (Technical workshops, Spanish language courses, and research intensives)