Quick Summary
Universidad del Bío-Bío is a public founded in 1988, located in Concepción, Chile. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 12450 students including 1.5% from outside Chile. Known for strengths in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Wood Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 65%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is a leading public institution in southern Chile with a strong focus on social mobility and regional development.
Subject Strengths
ArchitectureCivil EngineeringWood EngineeringEducation
Founded1988
TypePublic
Total Students12450
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusMulti-campus (Concepción and Chillán)
Campus Size70 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
Accreditationundefined
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Magister, PhD, Professional Certificates
Programs
PhD in Wood Architecture and Management, PhD in Education, PhD in Applied Mathematics, PhD in Food Engineering
PhD Programs
Diplomados and specific continuous education modules
Online Programs
Centro de Investigación en Tecnologías de la Construcción (CITEC), Centro de Biomateriales y Nanotecnología
Research Centers
High (Regional Focus)
Research Output
undefined
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate65%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (First Semester intake)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · July (Second Semester intake)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily via the PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior). Focus on high scores in Mathematics and Reading Comprehension.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chilean Peso
UG Tuition
$4,000,000/yr
per year · CLP
Living Cost
$6,650,000/yr
per year · CLP
PG Tuition
$5,200,000/yr
per year · CLP
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$10,650,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CLP
Scholarships AvailableGratuidad, Beca Bicentenario, Beca Juan Gómez Millas
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidState-guaranteed loans (CAE), internal UBB food and housing subsidies
Work-StudyYes, through student assistantships (Ayudantías)
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Magister, PhD, Professional Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Nursing | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$14,500
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong regional partnerships in manufacturing and forestry
Industry Connections
Cámara Chilena de la ConstrucciónRegional Health ServicesForestry Industry
Notable Alumni
Local political leaders, prominent Chilean architects
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Limited university residences; mostly off-campus apartments
Sports Facilities
Gymnasiums, soccer fields, athletics tracks, multi-use courts
Student Clubs
Tuna Universitaria, theater group, folk dance ensemble, robotics club
Library Resources
Red de Bibliotecas UBB with extensive digital catalogs and physical specialized collections
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, PAME (UDUAL), and bilateral agreements with universities in Spain, Mexico, and USA
Summer Programs
Escuelas de Verano involving community outreach and short technical courses