Central University of Chile
Santiago, 🇨🇱 Chile Private Non-Profit
#26 National #1401 QS World
#26 National #1401 QS World
Founded 1982 16,000 students Multiple Campuses $3k - $6k/yr
About Central University of Chile
Central University of Chile (Universidad Central de Chile, UCEN) is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1982 in Santiago, Chile. It is one of the oldest private universities in the country, committed to providing quality education with a strong emphasis on social responsibility, tolerance, pluralism, and equity.
UCEN offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs across several faculties, including Engineering and Architecture, Health Sciences, Education and Social Sciences, Economics and Business, Law and Political Science, and Arts and Communication. The university emphasizes professional training and research, with a focus on applied research that addresses the needs of the Chilean community and industry. While most programs are taught in Spanish, some graduate-level courses or English-language theses may be available.
The university's Office of International Relations (Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales) provides comprehensive support to international students, covering academic, cultural, and logistical matters such as visas, housing, and orientation programs. Orientation programs help new international students integrate into Chilean life, covering campus facilities, academic expectations, and local culture. While Spanish proficiency is generally required for most programs, the university may offer Spanish language courses to help students improve their skills. International students are required to have valid health insurance during their stay in Chile.
The Central University of Chile's main campus is situated in Santiago, the vibrant capital and largest city of Chile. Santiago offers a dynamic city life with a rich cultural, music, and arts scene, featuring endless shopping opportunities and modern infrastructure. The university's campuses are known for their urban integration, blending academic spaces within the city environment. Public transportation in Santiago is extensive and modern, with a subway system and buses (Transantiago) making it easy to navigate the city.
The Central University of Chile emphasizes professional training and research relevant to the Chilean economy and society. The university offers career services, including individual career counseling sessions to help students identify goals, develop job search strategies, and prepare for the workforce. Career advisors assist with resume building, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. An online job portal provides students access to job listings, internships, and training opportunities from partner companies and organizations.
Academics
UCEN offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs across several faculties, including Engineering and Architecture, Health Sciences, Education and Social Sciences, Economics and Business, Law and Political Science, and Arts and Communication. The university emphasizes professional training and research, with a focus on applied research that addresses the needs of the Chilean community and industry. While most programs are taught in Spanish, some graduate-level courses or English-language theses may be available.
International Students
The university's Office of International Relations (Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales) provides comprehensive support to international students, covering academic, cultural, and logistical matters such as visas, housing, and orientation programs. Orientation programs help new international students integrate into Chilean life, covering campus facilities, academic expectations, and local culture. While Spanish proficiency is generally required for most programs, the university may offer Spanish language courses to help students improve their skills. International students are required to have valid health insurance during their stay in Chile.
Campus & Location
The Central University of Chile's main campus is situated in Santiago, the vibrant capital and largest city of Chile. Santiago offers a dynamic city life with a rich cultural, music, and arts scene, featuring endless shopping opportunities and modern infrastructure. The university's campuses are known for their urban integration, blending academic spaces within the city environment. Public transportation in Santiago is extensive and modern, with a subway system and buses (Transantiago) making it easy to navigate the city.
Career Outcomes
The Central University of Chile emphasizes professional training and research relevant to the Chilean economy and society. The university offers career services, including individual career counseling sessions to help students identify goals, develop job search strategies, and prepare for the workforce. Career advisors assist with resume building, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. An online job portal provides students access to job listings, internships, and training opportunities from partner companies and organizations.
Highlights
- Founded 1982, private, non-profit
- Broad academic program spectrum
- Strong social responsibility emphasis
- Comprehensive international student support
- Santiago, Chile main campus
- Urban integrated campuses
Subject Areas
EngineeringArchitectureLawBusinessSocial Sciences
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available
Photos








Programs Offered at Central University of Chile (20)
Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Education Engineering Law Medicine & Health Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (11)
Bachelor of Architecture
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
architecturebachelorbuildingcentralchile
72 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Commercial Engineering
Business
Business
bachelorbusinesschilecommercecommercial
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Public Relations
Communications
Communications
bachelor in communicationsstudy communications in chilecommunications program in santiagobs communicationscommunications at central university of chile
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Advertising
Communications
Communications
BS CommunicationsCommunications Chilestudy in Spanish ChileCommunications SantiagoCommunications bachelor
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Journalism
Communications
Communication and Journalism
bachelorbachelor's degreechilecommunication and journalismcommunications
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Civil Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
bachelor in engineeringengineering bachelorstudy engineering in chilebachelor engineering in chileengineering program in santiago
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Kinesiology
STEM
Health Sciences
Health Sciences
study Bachelor of KinesiologyBachelor of Kinesiology programBachelor in Bachelor of KinesiologyBachelor in Health Sciencesstudy Health Sciences abroad
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Nursing
STEM
Health Sciences
Health Sciences
bachelor's health sciencesbachelor of nursing programhealth sciences program in santiagobachelor in health sciencesbachelor of health sciences
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Law
Law
Law
bachelor in lawbachelor lawundergraduate lawstudy law in chilebachelor law in chile
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
undergraduate psychologypsychology in santiagoba in psychologystudy psychology in chilebachelor in psychology
60 months Spanish Full-time
Bachelor of Social Work
Social Sciences
Social Sciences
bachelorchilesciencessocialundergraduate
60 months Spanish Full-time
Master Programs (6)
Master in Business Administration (MBA)
Business
Business Administration
administrationbusinesschilegraduatemaster
24 months Spanish Full-time
Master in Educational Management
Education
Education
graduate school Educationmaster's in EducationEducation Central University of Chileteacher educationteaching degree
24 months Spanish Full-time
Master in Environmental Management
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
masters in environmental sciencemasters environmental sciencemsc environmental sciencestudy environmental science in chilemasters in environmental science in chile
24 months Spanish Full-time
Master in Criminal Law
Law
Law
chilecriminallaw
18 months Spanish Full-time
Master in Family Law
Law
Law
graduate programjurisprudencelawlegal researchlegal studies
18 months Spanish Full-time
Master in Public Management
Public Administration
Public Administration
public administration at central university of chileenglish masters public administration in chileenglish-taught masters public administrationpublic administration program in santiagomasters public administration in chile
24 months Spanish Full-time
PhD Programs (3)
PhD in Education
Education
Education
chileeducationphdphd in education
48 months Spanish Full-time
PhD in Law
Law
Law
doctoral program lawstudy law in santiagophd lawphd in lawdoctorate law
48 months Spanish Full-time
PhD in Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
central chilechiledoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctorate
48 months Spanish Full-time
Central University of Chile Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline January 5-8, 2026 (centralized admission)
Tuition (per year) $3k - $6k/yr
Application Fee $700
Teaching Language Spanish
Avg Class Size 30
Accreditation
National Accreditation Commission (Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, CNA)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Central University of Chile
Common questions from international students considering Central University of Chile.
How much does Central University of Chile cost for international students?
Tuition at Central University of Chile ranges from $3k - $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 Central University of Chile ranked globally?
Central University of Chile holds the following rankings: QS World #1401, #26 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 Central University of Chile?
Yes, Central University of Chile 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 Central University of Chile start its semesters?
Central University of Chile 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 Central University of Chile offer?
Central University of Chile offers 20+ 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 Central University of Chile located?
Central University of Chile is located in Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What are the admission requirements for Central University of Chile?
For specific details about Central University of Chile, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
How does Central University of Chile compare to other universities?
Central University of Chile is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #1401). 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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