Universities in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's universities fall into two groups: five public (state) universities, which together form the National Council of Rectors (CONARE), and a larger number of private universities. The public universities are the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), founded on 26 August 1940; the Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC), created by law in 1971; the Universidad Nacional (UNA), created by law on 15 February 1973; the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), created in 1977 as a pioneer of distance education in Latin America; and the Universidad Técnica Nacional, created on 4 June 2008.

The six universities listed on SpainExchange include two of the public universities, the UCR in San José and the UNA in Heredia, and four universities in the San José area that focus on specific groups of students. ULACIT, the Universidad Internacional de las Américas and the Universidad de San José are private universities, and the Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional (UCI) specialises in virtual master's programmes.

How Costa Rican degrees work

Costa Rican universities award a ladder of qualifications rather than a single bachelor's and master's. The UCR's 2026 fee schedule, for example, lists separate diplomas for the diplomado, profesorado, bachillerato, licenciatura, maestría and doctorado. Ask the university which of these titles a programme leads to. The UCR teaches more than a hundred degree programmes (carreras de grado) and also offers shorter pregrado programmes such as diplomas.

Some universities teach online or in a hybrid format. The UCI, for example, states that it has 30 years of history and has trained more than 12,000 students; its master's degrees, such as the Maestría en Liderazgo y Gerencia Ambiental, last 24 months and are taught virtually in Spanish.

Admission for international students

The UCR describes three routes for foreign students: a full undergraduate degree, admitted through its Registry Office (Oficina de Registro e Información); a full postgraduate degree, admitted through the Graduate Studies System (Sistema de Estudios de Posgrado); and a semester or year as a visiting (exchange) student. Applicants for a full undergraduate degree must take the UCR admission test, an academic aptitude test with mathematical and verbal reasoning items.

Visiting students do not take the admission test. They must be enrolled at a university with a mobility agreement with the UCR (otherwise they pay tuition and credits), have a weighted average of at least 8.0 on a 0-10 scale, have passed at least three semesters, and, if they are not native Spanish speakers, have Spanish at level B2 or higher. For the March-July 2026 term, nominations had to be sent between 13 and 31 October 2025. They also need proof of funds of at least US$600 per month and health insurance covering, among other things, hospitalisation, surgery, dental emergencies, medical evacuation and repatriation.

Recognition of degrees

Anyone who obtained a university degree outside Costa Rica and wants to work in their profession in the country must have it recognised. This is done through CONARE's Office for the Recognition and Equivalence of Degrees (ORE) together with the state universities.

Visa and immigration

Immigration status for students is handled by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME). The UCR's international office answers questions about first applications and renewals for international students at [email protected]. Requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay, so check them with the DGME or your university before you travel (checked October 2026).

Costs

Fees at public universities depend on the number of credits and on nationality. In 2026, the UCR charges foreign undergraduate students ₡58,410 per credit, with a maximum of ₡700,920 per term for 12 credits or more; Costa Rican students pay ₡16,050 per credit. Foreign postgraduate students pay ₡88,775 per credit, up to ₡1,065,300 per term. The UCR admission test fee is ₡7,000. For private universities, ask each one for its current price list.

How to choose a university

• Public or private: compare admission procedures and fees; the UCR, for example, publishes its fees for foreign students each year.
• Degree level: check whether a programme leads to a bachillerato, a licenciatura or a master's, and whether that is the level your profession or employer requires.
• Format: in-person, hybrid or fully online programmes suit different situations.
• Exchange or full degree: a semester as a visiting student works best with an agreement between universities; a full degree needs the regular admission process.
• Language: most teaching is in Spanish; exchange students at the UCR need level B2.

Frequently asked questions

How many public universities does Costa Rica have?

Five: the Universidad de Costa Rica, the Tecnológico de Costa Rica, the Universidad Nacional, the Universidad Estatal a Distancia and the Universidad Técnica Nacional, which together make up CONARE.

How much does it cost a foreign student to study at the UCR?

In 2026, foreign undergraduates pay ₡58,410 per credit, up to ₡700,920 per term for a full load of 12 or more credits.

Do exchange students need to take an entrance exam?

Not at the UCR. Visiting students need a mobility agreement or must pay fees, an average of at least 8.0 out of 10, three semesters completed and, for non-native speakers, Spanish at level B2.

Is a foreign degree valid in Costa Rica?

To work in your profession in Costa Rica, a degree obtained abroad must be recognised through CONARE's ORE office and the state universities.