Diego Portales University
Chile's Future, Shaped by Tradition and Innovation.
📍 Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱
🏆 #10 in Chile · QS World #1001 · THE World #1001
Quick Facts about Diego Portales University
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 18,031
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $5,500 – $11,000/year
- Language: Spanish
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Diego Portales University
Academics
UDP offers 31 undergraduate and 31 postgraduate programs across its eleven faculties and institutes. Notable faculties include Law, Architecture, Art and Design, Communication and Letters, Economics and Business, Engineering and Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities and Education, History and Social Sciences, and Psychology. The university is particularly strong in the social sciences and humanities, with its School of Political Science and research in communications recognized among the best in Chile. UDP emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, with academic staff actively involved in research and promoting academic internships abroad.
International Students
Diego Portales University welcomes international students, with over 300 international students currently enrolled and hundreds more arriving annually through over 150 agreements with partner universities. While most courses are taught in Spanish, requiring a B2 level of Spanish proficiency, UDP is expanding its English-taught offerings. The International Relations Office provides support services, including orientation meetings, welcome activities, and free Spanish classes at the start of each semester. Students can also engage in cultural integration through programs like American Corner and Globaliza UDP.
Campus & Location
UDP's urban campus is primarily located in Santiago's historic center, known as the University District, where nine out of ten faculties are situated. This central location offers students access to the vibrant city life of Santiago, with its rich infrastructure, diverse entertainment options, and convenient public transportation, including metro and micro (bus) lines. The campus features modern facilities, including the Nicanor Parra Library and a Sports Centre. The Faculty of Economy and Business is located in the Ciudad Empresarial, a business area in northern Santiago.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Diego Portales University are highly regarded in the job market, both within Chile and internationally. The university maintains strong industry connections, with the Faculty of Engineering, for example, holding cooperation agreements with national companies for student internships. UDP's MBA program is ranked among the top in Latin America, focusing on developing leaders who can make a positive societal impact through collaboration. The university also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit through platforms like PLEIN (Entrepreneurship and Innovation Platform), which connects students and researchers with businesses to address societal challenges.
Information for International Students at Diego Portales University
Diego Portales University in Santiago, Chile welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Spanish
Admissions Requirements for Diego Portales University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Diego Portales University:
- GPA minimum: 3
- Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
- Application deadline: May 30
Programs at Diego Portales University (13 programs)
Diego Portales University offers 13 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (9)
- Communication and Literature — Spanish
This faculty focuses on the study of communication processes, media, and literary works, equipping students with skills for careers in journalism, publishing, public relations, and creative writing.
Field: Communication, Literature - Architecture, Art, and Design — Spanish
This faculty offers programs related to the creation, planning, and aesthetic aspects of built environments and artistic expressions, preparing students for careers in design, architecture, and various art forms.
Field: Architecture, Art, Design - Education — Spanish
Programs in Education focus on pedagogical theories, teaching methodologies, and educational policy, training future educators, school administrators, and educational researchers.
Field: Education - Health Sciences — Spanish · STEM
This faculty offers programs dedicated to understanding human health, disease prevention, and treatment, preparing students for careers in medicine, nursing, psychology, and other health-related fields.
Field: Health Sciences - Social Sciences and History — Spanish
Programs in this faculty explore human society, its structures, development, and past events, preparing students for roles in research, policy analysis, education, and cultural institutions.
Field: Social Sciences, History - Law — Spanish
The Law program provides a comprehensive understanding of legal systems, principles, and practices, preparing students for careers as lawyers, judges, legal advisors, and public servants.
Field: Law - Engineering — Spanish · STEM
The Engineering faculty provides rigorous training in various engineering disciplines, focusing on problem-solving, design, and innovation to prepare students for technical and leadership roles in industry.
Field: Engineering - Economics and Business — Spanish
This faculty offers programs that delve into economic theories, business management, and financial markets, preparing students for leadership roles in corporations, financial institutions, and public policy.
Field: Economics, Business - Psychology — Spanish
The Psychology program explores human behavior, cognition, and emotion, preparing students for careers in clinical practice, research, organizational psychology, and counseling.
Field: Psychology
Master Programs (2)
- Magíster en Ciencias de la Computación (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This Master's program provides advanced knowledge in computer science, focusing on theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for research or high-level technical roles.
Field: Computer Science - Magíster en Psicología Clínica (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
This Master's program trains professionals in clinical psychology, focusing on diagnosis, assessment, and therapeutic interventions for mental health conditions.
Field: Clinical Psychology
PhD Programs (2)
- Doctorado en Derecho (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
This PhD program offers advanced legal research and scholarship, enabling students to contribute original knowledge to legal theory and practice.
Field: Law - Doctorado en Ciencias Sociales (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
This PhD program focuses on advanced research in various social science disciplines, fostering critical thinking and original contributions to understanding societal phenomena.
Field: Social Sciences
Scholarships & Tuition at Diego Portales University
Annual tuition for international students: $5,500 – $11,000/year
✅ Diego Portales University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Diego Portales University
- National Ranking: #10 in Chile
- QS World University Ranking: #1001
- Times Higher Education (THE): #1001
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Medium
Campus & Facilities at Diego Portales University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Urban
Key Highlights
- Leading private Chilean university
- Strong in social sciences, humanities
- Urban Santiago campus location
- Over 300 international students
- Expanding English-taught courses
- Multidisciplinary academic approach
Accreditation
- National Accreditation Commission (CNA-Chile)
Fields of Study at Diego Portales University
- Law
- Architecture
- Business
- Engineering
- Communications
Notable Alumni
- Evelyn Matthei
- Andrés Chadwick
- Patricio Walker
- Alejandra Costamagna
- Pilar Sordo
Frequently Asked Questions about Diego Portales University
What is Diego Portales University?
Diego Portales University is a private non-profit university located in Santiago, Chile. It has approximately 18,031 students.
How much does it cost to study at Diego Portales University?
Tuition fees at Diego Portales University for international students range from $5,500 – $11,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Diego Portales University?
GPA minimum: 3. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: May 30.
What language are courses taught in at Diego Portales University?
Courses at Diego Portales University are taught in Spanish.
How many programs does Diego Portales University offer?
Diego Portales University offers 13 programs: 9 Bachelor's, 2 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Diego Portales University ranked?
#10 in Chile · QS World #1001 · THE World #1001.
Does Diego Portales University offer scholarships?
Yes, Diego Portales University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Diego Portales University provide visa support?
Yes, Diego Portales University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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