Universidad de Costa Rica
San José, Costa Rica • Founded 1940 • World Rank #1384
Overview
Established in 1940, the Universidad de Costa Rica (University of Costa Rica) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of 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 de Costa Rica (UCR) is a very large-sized coeducational Costa Rican higher education institution. Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 83-year-old Costa Rican higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UCR also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Universidad de Costa Rica — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
The basic academic profile of Universidad de Costa Rica, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.
Degrees
Universidad de Costa Rica's qualifications are listed below by level, so you can quickly find the route that matches your study stage. Some levels feed naturally into the next, while others stand alone.
Doctoral 15 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Education
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Government
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Theatre
Other 99 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Architecture
- Archiving
- Art History
- Astrophysics
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Arts
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Curriculum
- Dentistry
- Design
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Sciences
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- Environmental Management
- Film
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- French
- Geography
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Gerontology
- Graphic Design
- Higher Education
- History
- Hotel Management
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Immunology
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Engineering
- Law
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Music
- Music Education
- Native Language Education
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Parasitology
- Parks and Recreation
- Pharmacy
- Philology
- Philosophy
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Science Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Special Education
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Sports
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Transport Engineering
- Visual Arts
- Women's Studies
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica.
Atlantico (Campus) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Business Administration
- Education
- Environmental Engineering
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
Guanacaste (Campus) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Education
- Engineering
- English
- Law
- Tourism
Occidente (Campus) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Education
- Environmental Management
- Law
- Psychology
- Social Work
Pacifico (Campus) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Engineering
- Information Technology
Sur (Campus) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Education
- English
- International Business
- Tourism
Agronomy (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Food Technology
- Zoology
Arts (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Acting
- Art History
- Conducting
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Arts
- Graphic Design
- Music
- Musical Instruments
- Painting and Drawing
- Sculpture
- Singing
- Theatre
Economics (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Health Administration
- Public Administration
- Statistics
- Taxation
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Foreign Languages Education
- Higher Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Library Science
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Physical Education
- Primary Education
- Science Education
- Special Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Foreign Languages Education
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Native Language Education
- Philology
- Philosophy
- Spanish
Medicine (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Actuarial Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Meteorology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archiving
- Communication Studies
- Geography
- History
- Mass Communication
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Abnormal Haemoglobin and Related Disorders (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pathology
Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agriculture (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agronomy (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agronomy
Animal Nutrition (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
Atomic, Molecular and Nuclear Sciences (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Nuclear Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Cellular and Molecular Biology (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Central American History (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
- Latin American Studies
Clodomiro Picado (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- ICP
Crop Protection (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Crop Production
Economics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Electro-Chemistry and Chemical Energy (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Pollution (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Food Science and Technology (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Food Science
- Food Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Geology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geology
Geophysics (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geophysics
- Seismology
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Grains and Seeds (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Plant Pathology
Health Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Latin American Identity and Culture (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Latin American Studies
Law (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Linguistics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Linguistics
Materials Engineering (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Materials Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics and Meta-Mathematics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Microstructures (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Microelectronics
Natural Products (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Natural Resources
Pharmacy (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Population Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
Psychology (Research Division) 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.
Public Administration (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Administration
Sea Sciences and Limnology (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Limnology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Studies
Space Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CINESPA
Tropical Diseases (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Tropical Medicine
Women's Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Women's Studies
How to apply to Universidad de Costa Rica
A short guide to applying to Universidad de Costa Rica — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Research programmes at Universidad de Costa Rica
Look through the programmes section to see what Universidad de Costa Rica offers. Identify your target qualification level and subject area before continuing with the application process.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Universidad de Costa Rica's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Universidad de Costa Rica's official website at www.ucr.ac.cr. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +506 2511 0000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad de Costa Rica
Quick answers to the most common questions about Universidad de Costa Rica — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
How old is Universidad de Costa Rica?
The institution opened in 1940 (approximately 86 years ago).
In which city is Universidad de Costa Rica?
Universidad de Costa Rica is based in San José, Costa Rica.
Is Universidad de Costa Rica public or private?
Universidad de Costa Rica operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Universidad de Costa Rica?
Universidad de Costa Rica has approximately 45,000-49,999 students.
Where does Universidad de Costa Rica stand in university rankings?
Universidad de Costa Rica holds rank #1384 globally and #1 in Costa Rica.
What degrees does Universidad de Costa Rica offer?
Universidad de Costa Rica offers doctoral programmes.
Is Universidad de Costa Rica officially recognised?
Yes, Universidad de Costa Rica is recognised by Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE); Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES).
What is Universidad de Costa Rica's official website?
Universidad de Costa Rica's official website is www.ucr.ac.cr.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Universidad de Costa Rica. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
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