Universidad Católica del Norte
Antofagasta, Chile • Founded 1956 • QS 2027 #1401-1504
Updated May 2026 · Source: ucn.cl
Overview
Established in 1956, the Universidad Católica del Norte (Catholic University of the North) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Antofagasta (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Coquimbo. Officially recognized by the Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile (National Accreditation Commission), Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) is a large-sized coeducational Chilean higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 67-year-old Chilean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UCN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidad Católica del Norte's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Universidad Católica del Norte's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.
Academic Structures
Universidad Católica del Norte's faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units are listed below.
Unit 7 items
- Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Faculty of Economics and Management
- Faculty of Engineering and Geological Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Marine Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- School of Law
Degrees
Especialidades (Medicine)
Doctoral 8 programs
- Anthropology
- Aquaculture
- Biology
- Ecology
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Diploma & Certificate 2 programs
- Ethics
- Religion
Other 56 programs
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Anthropology
- Aquaculture
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical Psychology
- Communication Arts
- Communication Studies
- Computer Education
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Distance Education
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Government
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Law
- Management
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Regional Studies
- Religious Studies
- Secondary Education
- Statistics
- Theology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile.
Distance Education (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Distance Education
Architecture, Civil Construction and Civil Engineering (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Engineering
Economics and Administration (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Management
Engineering and Geological Science (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
Humanities (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Journalism
- Law
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Theology
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Marine Science (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aquaculture
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Medicine (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Medicine
- Public Health
Science (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Education
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics Education
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Statistics
Applied Economics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Archeological Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
Astronomy (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
Commercial Engineering (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
Journalism (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Mass Communication
Psychology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Theology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Programs Offered
Browse Universidad Católica del Norte's programmes by level, or filter by name.
114 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Chile
Bachelor's Degree 61 programmes
Showing 10 of 61.
Master's Degree 39 programmes
Showing 10 of 39.
Doctorate 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
How to apply to Universidad Católica del Norte
The application path for Universidad Católica del Norte, in five steps.
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1
Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Universidad Católica del Norte runs 114 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check entry requirements
Before applying to Universidad Católica del Norte, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Chile.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Universidad Católica del Norte's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ucn.cl). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +56 (55) 355 002. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Católica del Norte
A short Q&A covering Universidad Católica del Norte's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
When did Universidad Católica del Norte open?
Universidad Católica del Norte traces its founding to 1956 (approximately 70 years ago).
Where is Universidad Católica del Norte located?
Universidad Católica del Norte is located in Antofagasta, Chile.
Is Universidad Católica del Norte a public or private institution?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Universidad Católica del Norte?
Student enrolment at Universidad Católica del Norte is around 10,000-14,999.
What is Universidad Católica del Norte's ranking?
It ranks QS 2027 #1401-1504.
What degrees does Universidad Católica del Norte offer?
Programmes at Universidad Católica del Norte cover doctoral programmes.
Is Universidad Católica del Norte affiliated with a religion?
Universidad Católica del Norte operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
What is Universidad Católica del Norte's academic structure?
Universidad Católica del Norte has 7 academic units.
Is Universidad Católica del Norte officially recognised?
Yes, Universidad Católica del Norte is recognised by National Accreditation Commission (CNA).
Where can I learn more about Universidad Católica del Norte?
You can find Universidad Católica del Norte online at www.ucn.cl.
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