University of Development

Innovate. Lead. Impact. Develop Chile.

📍 Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱

🏆 #5 in Chile · QS World #1201 · THE World #1201

Quick Facts about University of Development

  • Type: Private Non-Profit
  • Students: 17,060
  • International: 2%
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Tuition: $7,500 – $15,000/year
  • Language: Spanish, English
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About University of Development

Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD) is a private, non-profit university in Chile, founded in 1990. It is recognized for its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, and has campuses in Santiago and Concepción. UDD aims to provide a transformative educational experience and contribute to societal impact through its academic work.

Academics

UDD offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across 11 faculties, including Architecture and Art, Communications, Health Sciences, Law, Design, Economics and Business, Education, Government, Engineering, Medicine, and Psychology. The university emphasizes a multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach to education, fostering creativity, innovation, and leadership. Notable programs include its MBA, which has been ranked highly in Latin America. UDD focuses on applied skills and innovation, with a strong commitment to research that addresses national development needs.

International Students

UDD actively promotes internationalization, offering various programs for international students such as exchange programs, global internships, and research internships. While many courses are taught in Spanish, the university also provides a selection of courses taught entirely in English. The Globalization Office and Global Ambassadors program offer support and cultural integration assistance to international students, including a Buddy Program to help new arrivals settle in. International students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, and volunteer projects to enhance their experience.

Campus & Location

UDD boasts modern campuses in two major Chilean cities: Santiago and Concepción. The Santiago headquarters includes multiple campuses, featuring extensive libraries, laboratories, and workshops. Santiago, a bustling metropolis, offers a dynamic urban environment. The university provides shuttle buses from various Metro stations to its Santiago campuses, and the city's public transportation system, including the Metro, is efficient and widely used.

Career Outcomes

UDD is recognized for its strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, preparing students for real-world challenges. The university offers experimental learning opportunities, internships, and research projects to build practical skills for future employment. While specific employment rates for UDD graduates were not immediately available, Chile's unemployment rate has recently seen a decrease. UDD's Faculty of Economics and Business, for example, maintains a close relationship with the business sector, contributing to its graduates' career prospects.

Information for International Students at University of Development

University of Development in Santiago, Chile welcomes international students, with 2% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 2% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Spanish, English

Admissions Requirements for University of Development

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Development:

  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)

Programs at University of Development (25 programs)

University of Development offers 25 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (10)

  • Ingeniería Civil (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program trains professionals to design, construct, and manage infrastructure projects, focusing on sustainability and innovation in areas like structures, hydraulics, and transportation.
    Field: Civil Engineering
    Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Structural Engineer
  • Derecho — 60 months · Spanish
    This Law program provides a comprehensive understanding of legal systems, preparing students for careers in various legal fields, including litigation, corporate law, and public service.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Advisor
  • Arquitectura — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Architecture program focuses on creative design, urban planning, and sustainable construction, equipping students with the skills to shape built environments and address societal needs.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer
  • Psicología — 60 months · Spanish
    This Psychology program explores human behavior and mental processes, preparing students for careers in clinical, organizational, educational, or research settings.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Psychologist, Counselor, HR Specialist, Researcher
  • Medicina — 84 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Medicine program prepares future doctors with a strong scientific foundation, clinical skills, and ethical principles to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, promoting public health.
    Field: Medicine
    Career outcomes: Physician, Medical Researcher, Public Health Specialist
  • Ingeniería Comercial — 60 months · Spanish
    The Commercial Engineering program combines business administration with economics, preparing graduates for leadership roles in finance, marketing, and strategic management.
    Field: Business and Economics
    Career outcomes: Business Manager, Financial Analyst, Marketing Director
  • Odontología — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This Dentistry program provides comprehensive training in oral health, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental diseases, preparing students for clinical practice.
    Field: Dentistry
    Career outcomes: Dentist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon
  • Periodismo — 48 months · Spanish
    The Journalism program trains students in news gathering, reporting, and media production across various platforms, emphasizing ethical communication and critical analysis.
    Field: Journalism
    Career outcomes: Journalist, Editor, Content Creator
  • Enfermería — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This Nursing program prepares compassionate and skilled professionals to provide patient care, promote health, and manage healthcare services in diverse clinical settings.
    Field: Nursing
    Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Administrator
  • Kinesiología — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Kinesiology program focuses on human movement, rehabilitation, and physical therapy, preparing professionals to improve health and functional capacity.
    Field: Kinesiology
    Career outcomes: Physical Therapist, Sports Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist

Master Programs (10)

  • Magíster en Derecho Penal (MA) — 18 months · Spanish
    This Master's program offers in-depth study of criminal law, criminal procedure, and criminology, preparing legal professionals for specialized roles in the justice system.
    Field: Criminal Law
    Career outcomes: Criminal Lawyer, Public Defender, Prosecutor, Judge
  • Magíster en Gestión de Empresas (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · Spanish
    The MBA program develops strategic leadership and management skills, covering areas like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources for business professionals.
    Field: Business Administration
    Career outcomes: CEO, General Manager, Consultant
  • Magíster en Dirección y Gestión Tributaria (MA) — 18 months · Spanish
    This Master's program provides advanced knowledge in tax law, fiscal management, and strategic tax planning, preparing professionals for leadership roles in tax advisory and corporate finance.
    Field: Taxation
    Career outcomes: Tax Consultant, Tax Manager, Financial Advisor, Corporate Tax Specialist
  • Magíster en Dirección de Empresas (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · Spanish
    The MBA program develops strategic leadership and management skills, covering areas like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, for professionals aiming for executive positions.
    Field: Business Administration
    Career outcomes: CEO, General Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur
  • Magíster en Finanzas (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish
    This Master's program provides advanced knowledge in financial markets, corporate finance, investment analysis, and risk management, preparing for high-level financial roles.
    Field: Finance
    Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Investment Banker
  • Magíster en Ingeniería Industrial (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on optimizing processes, systems, and organizations through advanced analytical and management techniques, applicable across various industries.
    Field: Industrial Engineering
    Career outcomes: Operations Manager, Process Improvement Specialist, Supply Chain Manager, Consultant
  • Magíster en Educación (MA) — 18 months · Spanish
    This Master's program enhances pedagogical skills and knowledge in educational leadership, curriculum development, and innovative teaching methodologies for educators.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Educational Leader, Curriculum Specialist, Teacher Trainer, School Administrator
  • Magíster en Arquitectura del Paisaje (MA) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    This Master's program focuses on the design, planning, and management of outdoor spaces, integrating ecological principles with aesthetic and functional considerations.
    Field: Landscape Architecture
    Career outcomes: Landscape Architect, Urban Designer, Environmental Planner
  • Magíster en Psicología Clínica (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This program offers specialized training in clinical psychology, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for mental health disorders.
    Field: Clinical Psychology
    Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist, Therapist, Mental Health Counselor
  • Magíster en Salud Pública (MA) — 18 months · Spanish · STEM
    This Master's program addresses public health challenges, focusing on epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion to improve community well-being and prevent disease.
    Field: Public Health
    Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Analyst, Health Program Manager

PhD Programs (5)

  • Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
    This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in biomedical sciences, including molecular biology, genetics, and pharmacology, contributing to scientific discovery and innovation in health.
    Field: Biomedical Sciences
    Career outcomes: Researcher, University Professor, Biotech Scientist, Medical Scientist
  • Doctorado en Educación (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    The PhD in Education program focuses on advanced research in educational theory, policy, and practice, preparing scholars and leaders to contribute to educational innovation.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Researcher, Policy Advisor
  • Doctorado en Educación (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    The PhD in Education program focuses on advanced research in educational theory, policy, and practice, preparing scholars and leaders to contribute to educational innovation.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Researcher, Policy Advisor
  • Doctorado en Ciencias de la Administración (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    This program offers advanced research in management, organizational theory, and business strategy, preparing scholars and researchers to contribute to the field of administration.
    Field: Management Sciences
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Management Consultant, Business Researcher, Senior Executive
  • Doctorado en Derecho (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    The PhD in Law program offers advanced legal research, allowing students to contribute original scholarship to specific areas of law and legal theory.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Legal Scholar, University Professor, High-level Legal Advisor

Scholarships & Tuition at University of Development

Annual tuition for international students: $7,500 – $15,000/year

✅ University of Development offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of University of Development

  • National Ranking: #5 in Chile
  • QS World University Ranking: #1201
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #1201
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at University of Development

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses

Key Highlights

  • Private, non-profit Chilean university
  • Focus on innovation, entrepreneurship
  • Campuses in Santiago and Concepción
  • Diverse academic programs, 11 faculties
  • Strong international student support

Accreditation

  • Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA)

Fields of Study at University of Development

  • Business
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Engineering
  • Communications

Notable Alumni

  • José Antonio Kast
  • Felipe Ward
  • Johannes Kaiser
  • Felipe Alessandri
  • Constanza Hube

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Development

What is University of Development?

University of Development is a private non-profit university located in Santiago, Chile. It has approximately 17,060 students, with 2% being international students.

How much does it cost to study at University of Development?

Tuition fees at University of Development for international students range from $7,500 – $15,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for University of Development?

Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%).

What language are courses taught in at University of Development?

Courses at University of Development are taught in Spanish and English.

How many programs does University of Development offer?

University of Development offers 25 programs: 10 Bachelor's, 10 Master's, and 5 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is University of Development ranked?

#5 in Chile · QS World #1201 · THE World #1201.

Does University of Development offer scholarships?

Yes, University of Development offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does University of Development provide visa support?

Yes, University of Development provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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