University of La Serena
Coquimbo's future, built on science and community.
📍 La Serena, Chile 🇨🇱
🏆 #9 in Chile · QS World #1401 · THE World #801
Quick Facts about University of La Serena
- Type: Public
- Students: 6,799
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $1,800 – $3,600/year
- Language: Spanish
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About University of La Serena
Academics
ULS offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four main faculties: Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Business, and Law. The university is particularly strong in fields such as astronomy, mining and civil engineering, marine biology, and environmental sciences, benefiting from the region's clear skies and proximity to world-class astronomical observatories. It emphasizes a practical and theoretical teaching approach, with a strong research component in many science degrees. ULS also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement in cultural activities.
International Students
The University of La Serena actively supports its international student community, which comprises over 70 individuals. The Office of International Relations coordinates and strengthens collaborations with foreign institutions, manages exchange agreements, and provides information on scholarships and exchange opportunities. Support services for international students include orientation programs, language assistance, and help with visa applications, as most programs are taught in Spanish. The university also offers academic advising, cultural activities, and resources to aid cultural integration.
Campus & Location
ULS has five campuses: three in La Serena, one in Coquimbo, and one in Ovalle. The main campus, Andrés Bello, is a central hub for academic activities in La Serena, featuring modern laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities. La Serena itself is one of Chile's oldest cities, known for its colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and access to the Elqui Valley, famous for its clear skies and astronomical tourism. The university's presence in the region extends to Ovalle, with a campus focusing on agricultural and regional development programs, and Coquimbo, with programs in marine sciences and tourism.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from the University of La Serena demonstrate strong employability, with an average employment rate of 71.3% within the first year of graduation, surpassing the average of universities with 5 and 6 years of institutional accreditation. Notably, programs like Basic General Pedagogy (93.2%), Civil Engineering (92.7%), and Pedagogy in Spanish and Philosophy (90.3%) boast over 90% employability. ULS ranks 17th among 52 Chilean universities in terms of employability. The university's commitment to regional development and its strong programs in key industries likely contribute to these positive career outcomes.
Information for International Students at University of La Serena
University of La Serena in La Serena, 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 University of La Serena
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of La Serena:
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: October-December (for March intake)
Programs at University of La Serena (17 programs)
University of La Serena offers 17 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (10)
- Kinesiología (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
This program focuses on the study of human movement and its application in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance enhancement.
Field: Kinesiology
Career outcomes: kinesiologist, physical therapist, sports trainer - Licenciatura en Biología (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
This program covers the study of living organisms, their structures, functions, evolution, and interactions with the environment, from molecular to ecosystem levels.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: biologist, research assistant, environmental consultant - Ingeniería Civil en Minas (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
Students learn to apply engineering principles to the extraction and processing of mineral resources, focusing on sustainable and efficient mining operations.
Field: Mining Engineering
Career outcomes: mining engineer, geotechnical engineer, mine planner - Arquitectura (BA) — 60 months · Spanish
This program educates future architects in design, urban planning, and construction, emphasizing creativity, sustainability, and social responsibility in built environments.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: architect, urban planner, designer - Pedagogía en Educación General Básica — 60 months · Spanish
This program prepares educators to teach all subjects in primary education, focusing on pedagogical methods, child development, and curriculum design.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: primary school teacher, educational consultant - Ingeniería Civil Industrial (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
This program focuses on optimizing processes and managing resources in organizations, integrating engineering, economics, and administration to improve productivity and efficiency.
Field: Industrial Engineering
Career outcomes: industrial engineer, operations manager, consultant - Ingeniería Civil (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
This program trains civil engineers with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering sciences, capable of designing, constructing, and managing infrastructure projects.
Field: Civil Engineering
Career outcomes: civil engineer, project manager, structural designer - Ingeniería en Computación e Informática (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
Students acquire skills in software development, network administration, and information systems design, preparing them for careers in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
Field: Computer Science and Informatics
Career outcomes: software developer, network administrator, data analyst - Pedagogía en Inglés (BA) — 60 months · Spanish
This program prepares students to become English language teachers, focusing on pedagogical methods, linguistics, and cultural studies to effectively teach in various educational settings.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: english teacher, language instructor, curriculum developer - Odontología (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish
This program prepares future dentists with the knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases, promoting oral health and overall well-being.
Field: Dentistry
Career outcomes: dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon
Master Programs (4)
- Magíster en Ciencias con mención en Química (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
Students engage in advanced chemical research and study, specializing in areas such as analytical, organic, or inorganic chemistry, and developing expertise for scientific roles.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: chemist, research scientist, product development specialist - Magíster en Gestión y Planificación Ambiental (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This program focuses on environmental management, policy, and planning, equipping professionals to address complex environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: environmental manager, environmental consultant, policy analyst - Magíster en Ciencias de la Ingeniería (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This master's program allows students to specialize in advanced topics within various engineering disciplines, conducting research and developing innovative solutions.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: senior engineer, research and development specialist, academic - Magíster en Ciencias con mención en Física (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This program deepens students' understanding of theoretical and experimental physics, preparing them for advanced research or specialized roles in industry.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: physicist, research scientist, university lecturer
PhD Programs (3)
- Doctorado en Ingeniería (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
This program trains high-level researchers in various engineering fields, focusing on original contributions to knowledge and technological innovation.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: research engineer, university professor, R&D director - Doctorado en Ciencias con mención en Astronomía (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in astronomy and astrophysics, contributing to new discoveries about the universe through observational and theoretical studies.
Field: Astronomy
Career outcomes: astronomer, university professor, research scientist - Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
Students conduct advanced research in diverse areas of biological sciences, aiming to generate new knowledge and contribute to scientific understanding of life processes.
Field: Biological Sciences
Career outcomes: research biologist, university professor, biotechnology scientist
Scholarships & Tuition at University of La Serena
Annual tuition for international students: $1,800 – $3,600/year
✅ University of La Serena offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of La Serena
- National Ranking: #9 in Chile
- QS World University Ranking: #1401
- Times Higher Education (THE): #801
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at University of La Serena
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
Key Highlights
- Public, non-profit institution
- Strong regional commitment
- Astronomy, engineering strengths
- International student support
- Five campuses, historic city
Accreditation
- Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA-Chile)
Fields of Study at University of La Serena
- Engineering
- Science
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Business
Notable Alumni
- María Trinidad Castillo
- Nathalie Castillo
- Ricardo Cifuentes
- Marcos Espinosa
- Luis Lemus Aracena
Frequently Asked Questions about University of La Serena
What is University of La Serena?
University of La Serena is a public university located in La Serena, Chile. It has approximately 6,799 students.
How much does it cost to study at University of La Serena?
Tuition fees at University of La Serena for international students range from $1,800 – $3,600/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of La Serena?
Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: October-December (for March intake).
What language are courses taught in at University of La Serena?
Courses at University of La Serena are taught in Spanish.
How many programs does University of La Serena offer?
University of La Serena offers 17 programs: 10 Bachelor's, 4 Master's, and 3 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of La Serena ranked?
#9 in Chile · QS World #1401 · THE World #801.
Does University of La Serena offer scholarships?
Yes, University of La Serena offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of La Serena provide visa support?
Yes, University of La Serena provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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