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San Sebastián University

Concepción, 🇨🇱 Chile Private Non-Profit
#2 National #501 THE
San Sebastián University campus
Founded 1989 52,974 students Multiple Campuses $3.8k - $7.6k/yr

About San Sebastián University

Universidad San Sebastián (USS) in Concepción, Chile, established in 1989, is a private university that has grown to become one of the leading educational institutions in the Biobío Region. With a strong commitment to integral development, USS focuses on providing students with disciplinary knowledge, essential competencies, and a foundation in moral and civic virtues. The university aims to foster professionals who are not only successful in their careers but also active, supportive, and conscious citizens.

Academics


USS Concepción offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including Health Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Education, Law, and Veterinary Medicine. The university is particularly recognized for its strong health sciences programs, with state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Hospitals and dental clinics that provide hands-on training and community services. USS emphasizes an innovative and interdisciplinary learning approach, seeking to equip students with the skills to address complex societal challenges. The university has also been expanding its doctoral programs in areas such as Cellular Biology and Biomedicine, and History, contributing to advanced research and knowledge generation.

International Students


San Sebastián University actively attracts international students through exchange programs and partnerships with foreign universities. The International Affairs Office provides support services including assistance with visas, accommodation, orientation, and language support. While most courses are taught in Spanish, requiring proficiency in the language, the university is committed to fostering a global environment. International students can apply to study for a semester or an academic year at any of the USS campuses across Chile.

Campus & Location


The Concepción campus, the birthplace of USS, is a significant educational hub in the Biobío Region, featuring two campuses: Las Tres Pascualas and Paicaví. The Las Tres Pascualas campus boasts over 42,000 m² of constructed space, situated by the banks of the Biobío River. Concepción itself is a vibrant and energetic city, known for its parks, lively nightlife, and a rich cultural scene, often referred to as the "Capital of Chilean Rock." The city offers a reasonable cost of living, good public transportation, and a balance of urban energy with a laid-back atmosphere.

Career Outcomes


San Sebastián University focuses on developing professionals who are well-prepared for the job market and actively contributes to the sustainable development of Chile. The university's educational project aims to provide students with the necessary competencies to succeed in their chosen fields. While specific employment rates for international students are not readily available, the university's strong ties to local communities and emphasis on practical education, particularly in fields like health sciences and business administration, suggest good industry connections. USS also encourages social responsibility and community service, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Highlights

  • Leading Biobío Region institution.
  • Strong health sciences programs.
  • Innovative, interdisciplinary learning.
  • Growing doctoral programs.
  • Active international exchange.

Subject Areas

Health SciencesLawEngineeringEducationBusiness

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

San Sebastián University photo 1San Sebastián University photo 2San Sebastián University photo 3San Sebastián University photo 4San Sebastián University photo 5San Sebastián University photo 6San Sebastián University photo 7San Sebastián University photo 8San Sebastián University photo 9

Programs Offered at San Sebastián University (27)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Education Engineering Law Medicine & Health Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (17)

Bachelor's in Architecture and Design

Architecture

Architecture and Design

Architecture and Design
architecture and design in chilearchitecture and design in concepciónstudy architecture and design in chilestudy in concepciónsan sebastián university
60 months Spanish Full-time

Commercial Engineering

STEM

Business and Economics

Business and Economics
study business and economicsbusiness and economics program chilebusiness and economics in concepciónstudy abroad business and economicssan sebastián university
60 months Spanish Full-time

Journalism

Communications

Communications
bachelorchilecommunicationsjournalism
48 months Spanish Full-time

Pedagogy in Physical Education

Education

Education
babachelorbscchileeducation
60 months Spanish Full-time

Education (Pedagogy in various specializations)

Education

Education
bachelor in educationbachelor educationbsc educationstudy education in chilebachelor education in chile
60 months Spanish Full-time

Education (Pedagogy in Basic General Education)

Education

Education
bachelorbasicchileeducationgeneral
60 months Spanish Full-time

Civil Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelor in engineeringstudy engineering in chilebachelor engineering in concepciónbsc engineeringba engineering
60 months Spanish Full-time

Nursing

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
bachelorchilehealthnursingsciences
60 months Spanish Full-time

Medical Technology

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
undergraduate Health Sciencesbachelor's degree in Health Sciencesundergraduate Health Sciences programundergraduate in Health Sciencesbachelor in Health Sciences
60 months Spanish Full-time

Veterinary Medicine

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
babachelorbsbscchile
72 months Spanish Full-time

Obstetrics and Puericulture

STEM

Health Sciences

Obstetrics and Midwifery
sciencesbachelorhealthandmidwifery
60 months Spanish Full-time

Nutrition and Dietetics

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
babachelorbsbscchile
60 months Spanish Full-time

Kinesiology

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
bachelor of Health Sciencesbachelor in Health SciencesBS Health SciencesBA Health Sciencesstudy Health Sciences in Chile
60 months Spanish Full-time

Medicine

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
bachelorbachelor'sbachelorschilehealth
84 months Spanish Full-time

Dentistry

STEM

Health Sciences

Dentistry
babachelorbsbscchile
60 months Spanish Full-time

Law

Law

Law
babachelorbsbscchile
60 months Spanish Full-time

Psychology

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
social sciences degree taught in englishbest social sciences programssocial sciences degreebachelor in social sciencessocial sciences program
60 months Spanish Full-time

Master Programs (5)

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Business

Business
administrationbusinessbusiness adminchilegraduate
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master's in Education

Master in Educational Management and Leadership

Education

Education
master's in educationeducation master's concepcióneducation san sebastiánmasters in educationeducation career
18 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Education Management

Education

Education
chileeducationgraduatemamanagement
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Public Health

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
masters in health scienceshealth sciences mastersstudy health sciences in chilemasters health sciences in chilehealth sciences program in concepción
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Clinical Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
chileclinicalgraduatemamaster
24 months Spanish Full-time

PhD Programs (5)

PhD in Education

Education

Education
chileconcepcióndoctordoctoraldoctorate
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Health Sciences

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
chilehealthphdsciences
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
Health Sciences program ChilePhD Health Sciencesstudy Health Sciences in Chilestudy in Concepción Health Sciencesdoctorate in Health Sciences
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Law

Law

Law
chilelawphdphd in lawsan
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Psychology

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
phd in social sciencesstudy social sciences in chilephd social sciencessocial sciences phd programstudy social sciences in concepción
48 months Spanish Full-time

San Sebastián University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

2.5+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline January 29, 2026
Tuition (per year) $3.8k - $7.6k/yr
Teaching Language Spanish
Accreditation
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA)Agency for Quality Assurance (AQAS)

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Frequently Asked Questions About San Sebastián University

Common questions from international students considering San Sebastián University.

What is the acceptance rate at San Sebastián University?

San Sebastián University is classified as "Open (60%+)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does San Sebastián University cost for international students?

Tuition at San Sebastián University ranges from $3.8k - $7.6k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is San Sebastián University ranked globally?

San Sebastián University holds the following rankings: Times Higher Education #501, #2 in Chile. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

Are scholarships available at San Sebastián University?

Yes, San Sebastián University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does San Sebastián University start its semesters?

San Sebastián University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

What programs does San Sebastián University offer?

San Sebastián University offers 27+ academic programs across multiple disciplines including Arts & Design, Business & Management, Education, Engineering. Programs are available at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.

Where is San Sebastián University located?

San Sebastián University is located in Concepción, Chile 🇨🇱. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

How do I apply to San Sebastián University?

For specific details about San Sebastián University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How does San Sebastián University compare?

San Sebastián University is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions. Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

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