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Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Santiago, 🇨🇱 Chile Private Non-Profit
#1 National #116 QS World #401 THE #601 ARWU
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile campus
33,769 students Multiple Campuses $8k - $15k/yr

About Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (UC Chile) is a distinguished private university located in Santiago, Chile, founded in 1888. Recognized as one of the top universities in Latin America and consistently ranked among the best globally, UC Chile offers a vibrant academic environment rooted in Catholic principles. It aims to foster academic excellence, knowledge transfer, and the holistic development of individuals.

Academics


UC Chile comprises 18 faculties, encompassing 26 schools and institutes, and 7 interdisciplinary institutes, covering a vast array of knowledge areas. The university is highly regarded for its research, particularly in fields such as economics, law, social sciences, engineering, and health. While most courses are taught in Spanish, the university promotes a learning approach that blends lectures with problem-solving to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. Notable programs include those in education and psychology, and it also boasts a strong arts program.

International Students


UC Chile actively supports its international student community, with over 1,000 international students participating in mobility programs. The International Services team assists with visa processes, academic support, counseling, and cultural integration, aiming to provide a sense of belonging. While most classes are taught in Spanish, promoting language immersion, the university offers resources such as local student buddies and a writing center. UC Chile hosts over 400 new international students annually and emphasizes intercultural experiences.

Campus & Location


UC Chile boasts five campuses, with four situated in Santiago and one in Villarrica. The Santiago campuses, including Casa Central, San Joaquín, Oriente, and Lo Contador, are integrated into the city's vibrant life. Santiago itself is a cosmopolitan city nestled against the Andes mountains, offering a lively food and art scene. Campuses are well-connected, with convenient access to subway stops, and the San Joaquín campus is particularly known for student clubs and social events.

Career Outcomes


Graduates of UC Chile are highly sought after in the labor market, reflecting the institution's strong reputation among employers. The university actively fosters an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within its School of Engineering, which promotes techno-scientific and socially focused ventures. UC Chile has collaborations with international entities, such as the National University of Singapore, to enhance its entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem through programs like Global Startups, offering internship opportunities. The university's career services and industry connections contribute to strong employment outcomes for its alumni.

Highlights

  • Top Latin American university
  • Strong research, diverse fields
  • Vibrant international student community
  • Four Santiago campuses
  • Catholic principles, holistic development

Subject Areas

EngineeringLawEconomicsArchitectureMedicine

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

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Programs Offered at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (40)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (17)

Bachelor of Science in Agronomy

STEM

Agronomy

Agriculture & Agronomy
agricultureagronomybabachelorbeng
60 months Spanish Full-time

$5,900,000/yr

Bachelor of Architecture

Architecture

Architecture
bachelor in architecturebachelor architecturebs architecturestudy architecture in chilebachelor in architecture in chile
60 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Business Administration

Business Administration

Business Administration
administrationbachelorbusinesschile
48 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
bachelorchemistrychile
48 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Education

Education

Education
bachelor in educationbachelor educationstudy education in chilebachelor education in santiagoenglish-taught bachelor education
48 months Spanish Full-time

$5,000,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelorcatholicchileengineeringpontifical
60 months Spanish Full-time

$6,000,000/yr

Bachelor of Engineering Sciences

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
appliedbabachelorsbschile
60 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Journalism

Journalism
journalism scholarship chilestudy journalism in chilejournalism university santiagojournalism bachelor chilebachelor journalism abroad
48 months Spanish Full-time

$5,600,000/yr

Bachelor of Journalism

Journalism

Journalism
journalism bachelorperiodismo ChilePontifical Catholic University Chilenews reportinginvestigative journalism
48 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Laws

Law

Law
Law programstudy Lawbachelor in Lawundergraduate Lawbachelor of Law
60 months Spanish Full-time

$5,800,000/yr

Bachelor of Law

Law

Law
bachelor in lawbachelor lawbachelor law degreebachelor law programbsc law
60 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Arts in Literature

Literature

Literature & Linguistics
babachelorbengbscchile
48 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
study medicine in english in chilestudy medicine in chilebachelors in medicinebachelor in medicinemedicine bachelor program abroad
84 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
psychology at Pontifical Catholic University of Chilebest psychology programsstudy psychology in chileundergraduate psychologypsychology in santiago
60 months Spanish Full-time

$5,700,000/yr

Bachelor of Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
mental health career degreestudy psychology in chilepsychology career pathundergraduate psychologypsychology degree santiago
60 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
study social sciences in santiagobachelor social sciences in santiagobsc social sciences in chilebsc social sciencesspanish-taught bachelor social sciences
48 months Spanish Full-time

$5,500,000/yr

Bachelor of Social Work

Social Work

Social Work
bachelor in social workbachelor social workbs social workstudy social work in chilebachelor social work in chile
48 months Spanish Full-time

Master Programs (13)

Master of Architecture

Architecture

Architecture
architecturalarchitecturebuildingchiledesign
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

STEM

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering
biomedical engineering masterbiomedical engineering program in santiagoengineering degreemaster in biomedical engineeringmaster in biomedical engineering in chile
24 months Spanish Full-time

$7,800,000/yr

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Business Administration

Business Administration
MBA Chilemaster business administration ChileMBA Catholic University Chilebusiness school ChileMBA Latin America
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer science master's degreespanish-taught master computer sciencemsc computer sciencemasters computer science in chilecomputer science masters
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Education

Education

Education
english-taught master educationms educationeducation at pontifical catholic university of chilemasters in educationstudy education in chile
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Science in Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
appliedchileengineeringgraduatema
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences

STEM

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences
chileecologyenvironmentenvironmentalgraduate
24 months Spanish Full-time

$7,000,000/yr

Master of Arts in History

History

History
artscatholicchilecultural historygraduate
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

Law

Law
master in lawstudy law in chilestudy law in santiagomasters lawgraduate law in chile
12 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Arts in Literature

Literature

Literature & Languages
artschilegraduateliteraturema
24 months Spanish Full-time

$6,300,000/yr

Master of Public Health

STEM

Public Health

Public Health
masters public health in chilemph programinternational master public healthpublic health degreemsc public health
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Public Policy

Public Policy

Public Policy
master in public policymasters in public policystudy public policy in chilemaster public policy in chilepublic policy program santiago
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master of Science in Statistics

STEM

Statistics

Statistics
MAMBAMSMSccatholic
24 months Spanish Full-time

$7,200,000/yr

PhD Programs (10)

PhD in Architecture

Architecture

Architecture
architecturecatholicchiledoctordoctoral
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Biological Sciences

STEM

Biological Sciences

Natural Sciences
biological scienceschilean universitydoctorate natural sciencesinternational natural sciences programnatural sciences
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
catholicchemistrychilephdpontifical
48 months Spanish Full-time

$8,000,000/yr

PhD in Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
phd economics programstudy economics in chileenglish taught phd in chilephd economicseconomics degree
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Engineering Sciences

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
phd in engineeringdoctorate in engineeringstudy engineering in chileengineering phd in santiagoengineering program in spanish
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in History

History

History
phd historyphd in historydoctorate in historystudy history in chilephd in history in chile
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Law

Law

Law
catholicchiledoctoraldoctoratelaw
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
phd in mathematicsphd mathematicsdoctorate in mathematicsstudy mathematics in chilephd mathematics in chile
48 months Spanish Full-time

$8,000,000/yr

PhD in Philosophy

Philosophy

Philosophy
Philosophy degree abroadPhilosophy at Pontifical Catholic University of Chileinternational student phd PhilosophyPhD Philosophyacademic degree
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
phd in physicsstudy physics in chilephd physics in santiagophd physicsdoctorate physics
48 months Spanish Full-time

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline January 14, 2026 (Fall/Full Year); April 8, 2026 (Winter)
Tuition (per year) $8k - $15k/yr
Teaching Language Spanish, English
Accreditation
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (National Accreditation Commission)AACSB

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Common questions from international students considering Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.

What is the acceptance rate at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile?

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile is classified as "Selective (20-40%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Pontifical Catholic University of Chile cost for international students?

Tuition at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile ranges from $8k - $15k/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 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile ranked globally?

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile holds the following rankings: QS World #116, Times Higher Education #401, ARWU #601, #1 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 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile?

Yes, Pontifical Catholic 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 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile start its semesters?

Pontifical Catholic 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 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile offer?

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile offers 40+ academic programs across multiple disciplines including Arts & Design, Business & Management, Computer Science, Education. Programs are available at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.

Where is Pontifical Catholic University of Chile located?

Pontifical Catholic 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.

How do I apply to Pontifical Catholic University of Chile?

For specific details about Pontifical Catholic 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 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile compare to similar universities?

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #116). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

What scholarships are available at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile?

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

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