Logo of Universidad Católica de Costa Rica

Universidad Católica de Costa Rica

San José, Costa Rica Founded 1993 World Rank #3019

Overview

English Name: Universidad Católica de Costa Rica
Local Name: Catholic University of Costa Rica
Founded: 1993
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
World Rank: #3019
Rank in Costa Rica: #2
Logo of Universidad Católica de Costa Rica

Established in 1993, the Universidad Católica de Costa Rica (Catholic University of Costa Rica) is a private higher education institution located in the metropolis of San José (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), San Jose.

Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica), Universidad Católica de Costa Rica is a coeducational Costa Rican higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidad Católica de Costa Rica offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

Universidad Católica de Costa Rica also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Planning a visit to Universidad Católica de Costa Rica or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.

Address: Apartado postal 519-2100
Other Sites: Campuses in San Carlos, Nicoya, and Ciudad Neilly.
Map:
Phone: +506 2240 7272
Fax: +506 2240 2121
Social Media:

Academic Details

Universidad Católica de Costa Rica's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Academic Year: January to December (January-April; May-August; September-December)
Accrediting Agency: Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES)
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (bachillerato)
Memberships & Networks
International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)

Degrees

Pick your degree level at Universidad Católica de Costa Rica from the breakdown. Late-entry and transfer options vary by level and country — fewer universities accept mid-degree transfers at master's than at bachelor's.

Other 4 programs
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Religious Education
  • Secondary Education

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica.

Education (Course/Programme) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Religious Education
  • Secondary Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Psychology (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Clinical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

How to apply to Universidad Católica de Costa Rica

How to apply to Universidad Católica de Costa Rica — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Universidad Católica de Costa Rica

    Begin by checking which programmes are available at Universidad Católica de Costa Rica. Match the level to your prior education, then confirm the subject area you want to study.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Each programme at Universidad Católica de Costa Rica has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Apply directly via Universidad Católica de Costa Rica's online portal at www.ucatolica.ac.cr. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +506 2240 7272. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Católica de Costa Rica

A short Q&A covering Universidad Católica de Costa Rica's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

When did Universidad Católica de Costa Rica open?

Universidad Católica de Costa Rica traces its founding to 1993 (approximately 33 years ago).

Where can I find Universidad Católica de Costa Rica?

The institution is located in San José, Costa Rica.

Is Universidad Católica de Costa Rica public or private?

It is a private higher-education institution.

What is Universidad Católica de Costa Rica's ranking?

Universidad Católica de Costa Rica is ranked #3019 globally and #2 in Costa Rica.

Is Universidad Católica de Costa Rica affiliated with a religion?

Yes, Universidad Católica de Costa Rica is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.

Is Universidad Católica de Costa Rica officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES).

What is Universidad Católica de Costa Rica's official website?

You can find Universidad Católica de Costa Rica online at www.ucatolica.ac.cr.

Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)

Member institutions of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.

Other Costa Rican Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Christian-Catholic-affiliated institutions in Costa Rica provide a similar campus culture to Universidad Católica de Costa Rica. Campus culture among affiliated universities often shares core values while differing in academic emphasis.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Universidad Católica de Costa Rica. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.

Universities Often Compared with Universidad Católica de Costa Rica

Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Universidad Católica de Costa Rica when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.

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