University for Peace

San José, Costa Rica • Founded 1980

Updated May 2026 · Source: upeace.org

Overview

English Name: University for Peace
Acronyms: UPEACE
Founded: 1980
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private

Based in San José, Costa Rica, University for Peace is a private university that traces its founding to 1980. It functions as a higher-education provider.

Academically, University for Peace teaches across multiple qualification levels, is organised into several faculties and runs a small set of programmes.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for University for Peace is listed below.

Address: Apartado 138-6100, Ciudad Colón
Map:

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for University for Peace: scale, staffing, and accreditation.

Academic Year: September to June
Accrediting Agency: Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES)
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree with sufficient average grade, TOEFL and entrance examination (essay)

Faculties & Divisions

The schools and divisions inside University for Peace, with subject coverage, are listed below.

Environment and Development (Department/Division) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Peace and Disarmament
  • Political Sciences
International Law (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Human Rights
  • Peace and Disarmament
  • Religion
Peace and Conflict Studies (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Government
  • Human Rights
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Peace and Disarmament

Programs Offered

Browse University for Peace's programmes by level, or filter by name.

5 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Costa Rica

Master's Degree 5 programmes

M.A. in Environment, Development, and Peace
Environmental Sciences
M.A. in Gender Studies
Gender & Sexuality Studies
M.A. in Human Rights
Law
M.A. in International Law
International Law
M.A. in Peace and Disarmament
Development Studies

How to apply to University for Peace

A five-step guide to applying to University for Peace.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse University for Peace's 5 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Programme-level requirements at University for Peace typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    University for Peace processes applications through www.upeace.org. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about University for Peace

Common questions about University for Peace, answered from data on record.

When did University for Peace open?

University for Peace traces its founding to 1980 (approximately 46 years ago).

What city is University for Peace in?

University for Peace operates from San José, Costa Rica.

What is University for Peace's control type?

It is a private higher-education institution.

Who recognises University for Peace?

Yes, University for Peace is recognised by Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES).

How do I find University for Peace online?

University for Peace's official website is www.upeace.org.

Top-Ranked Universities in Costa Rica

Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below University for Peace overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.

Faculties at nearby universities

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