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Best Universities In Costa Rica For International Students 2024 | Ranking

Are you an international student who wants to study in Costa Rica? Then you are definitely in the right place. Here, we have compiled the best universities and top colleges in Costa Rica for international students to study in 2024.

Like most Latin American nations, Costa Rica is one of the more reasonably affordable places to study abroad. Aside from its low cost of living and study, international students also learn a new language and explore Costa Rica’s tourism industry.

Therefore, this article was drafted to ensure your study abroad dream comes through. Here, you get vital information on the best universities in Costa Rica for international students to study in 2024. Also, you will get more reasons for choosing Costa Rica in your study abroad plan.

However, before we look at the best schools in Costa Rica in its entirety, the following points will be discussed.

Table of contents

Why Study In Costa Rica?

Officially the Republic of Costa Rica, Costa Rica is a country in  Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island.

With a population of about 5 million people, most living in the capital city San Jose, Costa Rica stands out as one of the most progressive cultures in Latin America today. 

If you have decided to or are yet to decide to study in Costa Rica, here are some reasons why you should study there:

Firstly, Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. The literacy rate in Costa Rica is approximately 97 percent, and English is widely spoken primarily due to the country’s tourism industry.

Secondly, suppose you are a nature enthusiast or have a taste for adventure. In that case, you will find plenty to explore while studying in Costa Rica: active volcanoes, white-water rafting, and butterfly gardens to reef-break surfing.  According to TopUniversities, Costa Rica is one of the world’s ecological hotspots, with its tropical climate and vast rainforests providing great biodiversity in both plant and animal life. Therefore, for students pursuing environmental studies or anyone simply interested in this sector, Costa Rica has a lot to offer.

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Other Reasons Why You Should Study In Costa Rica

According to the New Economist Foundation’s Happy Planet Index, Costa Ricans are among the world’s happiest, healthiest and most environmentally friendly nations. Costa Rica’s impressively high quality of life has led to it being called ‘the Switzerland of Central America’.

In addition, you will have access to quality education at a low cost if you choose to study in Costa Rica. Basically, the cost of living in Costa Rica is very low in comparison to most other tropical study-abroad destinations, and the US. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in San Jose (Costa Rica’s capital) can be less than $600, and rent can be much less in rural areas. Also, food, transportation, entertainment, and clothes are all typically less expensive than, for example, in Europe or Australia.

How Many Universities Are There In Costa Rica?

Generally, Costa Rica has both public and private universities. According to Top Universities, there are 60 universities in Costa Rica of which five(5) are public.  Also, all public universities are members of the Consensus Nacional de Rectores (CONARE, National University Presidents’ Council).

Furthermore, six of these 60 Costa Rican universities are ranked among the region’s top 400 in QS Latin America University Rankings 2023. It is also important to note that Costa Rica’s top-ranking institution, Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), comes in at a very respectable 19th, strengthening its global standing in recent years.

Are There English Universities In Costa Rica?

Yes, some universities in Costa Rica offer some programs in the English language. For instance, at Universidad Veritas, one of Central America’s best private universities, you can study in English or Spanish, depending on your needs.

Also, the United Nations University for Peace San José, Costa Rica,  is an English-language institution, there is no Spanish language pre-requisite.

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Are There Medical Universities In Costa Rica?

Some of the universities in Costa Rica offer medical programs to both local and international students. Here is a list of top medical schools in Costa Rica:

Which Universities In Costa Rica Are Best For Undergraduates?

A good number of universities, in Costa Rica, both public and private, offer several programs at the undergraduate level. However, as an international student who wants to get the best from the country, here is a list of the top 5 universities in Costa Rica for undergraduate students:

  • Universidad de Costa Rica
  • Universidad Nacional
  • Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
  • Universidad EARTH
  • Universidad Latina de Costa Rica

What are The Best Universities In Costa Rica For Masters?

Just like the undergraduate programs, many universities in Costa Rica offer several programs at the master’s level.

Below is a list of the best universities in Costa Rica to pursue a master’s program:

  • Universidad de Costa Rica
  • Universidad Nacional
  • Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
  • Universidad EARTH
  • INCAE Business School, Costa Rica

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What Are The Best Universities in Costa Rica for International Students?

We used the following factors to effectively rank the best universities in Costa Rica for international students.

Ranking Factors

For your degree to count, it’s of essence you attend an accredited college or university. In line with this, the accreditation of each Costa Rican university counts in making it one of the best or top schools you should attend.

This specifically means the number of schools, faculties or colleges in the school. The research areas consist of the various departments and programs offered in the school.

This takes cognizance of the recognition given to the school by various ranking bodies.

Here is a list of the best universities and colleges in Costa Rica for international students to study in 2024:

  • Universidad de Costa Rica
  • Universidad Nacional
  • Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
  • Universidad EARTH
  • INCAE Business School, Costa Rica
  • Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
  • Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología
  • La Universidad Veritas
  • Universidad Americana, Costa Rica
  • Universidad Técnica Nacional
  • La Universidad Magister
  • Universidad Autónoma de Centro América
  • Universidad Hispanoamericana
  • La Universidad de Iberoamérica
  • Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional

#1. Universidad de Costa Rica

Founded in 1940, Universidad de Costa Rica (University of Costa Rica) is a non-profit public higher education institution in the urban setting of San José, San Jose. It is the oldest and largest institution of higher learning in Costa Rica and was originally established as the Universidad de Santo Tomás in 1843.

Basically, the school has about 12 offices and university campuses and offers several undergraduates and graduate programs in its 13 faculties and 46 schools.

The University of Costa Rica is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#2. Universidad Nacional

Founded in 1973, Universidad Nacional (National University, Costa Rica) is a non-profit public higher education institution in the urban setting of Heredia.

It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in its 5 faculties. That is faculties of Philosophy and Letters, Social Sciences, Land and Sea, Exact and Natural Sciences and Health Sciences.

Furthermore, Universidad Nacional is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#3. Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica

Founded in 1971, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (Costa Rica Institute of Technology) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Cártago, Cartago. TEC is an autonomous national institution of higher university education dedicated to teaching, research and the extension of technology and related sciences for the development of Costa Rica.

Basically, TEC’s purpose is to train professionals in the technological field that join the domain of their discipline, a clear awareness of the socio-economic, cultural and environmental context in which technology is generated, transferred and applied; which allows them to participate critically and creatively in national productive activities.

The school achieves this by offering various undergraduate and graduate programs through its various schools and faculties.

Furthermore, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#4. Universidad EARTH

Founded in 1990, Universidad EARTH (EARTH University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium-sized town of Guacimo, Limon. Also, it has branch campuses in the following location(s): Liberia, Guanacaste.

Basically, EARTH University uses an innovative educational approach to prepare young people from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other regions to contribute to the sustainable development of their home communities while constructing a prosperous and just global society.

EARTH University offers an undergraduate Licenciatura degree in agricultural sciences.

Furthermore, Universidad EARTH is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica). that is by the Sistema Costarricense de Acreditación de Educación Superior.

#5. INCAE Business School, Costa Rica

Founded in 1964, INCAE Business School, Costa Rica is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Alajuela.

Basically, INCAE Business School positions you as a competitive global executive expert in developing business in emerging economies, particularly Latin America. The school offers both masters and executive programs in the business field.

Furthermore, INCAE Business School is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica). Also, in 2018, INCAE received the AMBA (Association of MBAs) accreditation, positioning itself within 2% of business schools in the world that holds the “Triple Crown ” of accreditations ( AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS ).

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#6. Universidad Latina de Costa Rica

Founded in 1989, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (Latin University of Costa Rica) is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of San Pedro, San Jose. The school’s second campus is in Heredia (former Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica).

Basically, the Latin University of Costa Rica offers degree programs, labor certifications and postgraduate courses in the areas of Health Sciences, Business Sciences, Hospitality, Social Sciences, Engineering and ICT’s, Art, Design, and Communication.

Furthermore, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica). Today, it is the private university with the highest number of degrees accredited before the National System of Accreditation of Higher Education (SINAES).

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#7. Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología

Founded in 1987, Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (Latin American University of Science and Technology) is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of San José, San Jose. 

Basically, the school offers undergraduate, and graduate degrees in the faculties of Engineering, Information and Communication Technologies, Cinema and Animation, Art and Design, Business Studies, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Furthermore, Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica). ULACIT is also a founding member of the National System of Accreditation of Higher Education (SINAES), an official body that certifies the quality of careers taught in Costa Rica, and has quite a number of accredited and re-accredited careers.

It is also important to note that for eight consecutive years (2011-2018), the Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) of Costa Rica has been listed as the best private university in Central America, according to QS World University Rankings.

#8. La Universidad Veritas

Founded in 1976, Universidad Veritas (Veritas University) is a private higher education institution in the urban setting of San José, San Jose. 

Veritas University is a new campus of the LCI Education Network. Basically, this university institution trains design professionals who stand out for their excellence and global vision.

The school offers undergraduate and continuing education programs in its 6 schools. The schools include Architecture & Internal Space, Visual communication, Product design, Fashion design, Photography – Cinema & Television, and Digital animation.

Furthermore, Universidad Veritas is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#9. Universidad Americana, Costa Rica

Founded in 1997, Universidad Americana, Costa Rica (American University, Costa Rica) is a private higher education institution in San José, San Jose.

The American University has consolidated over more than 15 years of experience and today, it represents one of the best options of Higher Education in the country.

Basically, the school has a comprehensive educational offer approved by CONESUP, which is in permanent revision, update, and expansion, in all the careers and academic degrees we offer.

Furthermore, Universidad Americana, Costa Rica is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#10. Universidad Técnica Nacional

Founded in 2008, Universidad Técnica Nacional is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large city of Alajuela. It also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Pacífico, Atenas, Guanacaste, San Carlos.

Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) is the 5th public university in Costa Rica and was established by merging the following institutions:

  • University College of 
  • Alajuela (CUNA)
  • University College of Puntarenas (CUP)
  • University College for the Irrigation and Development of the Dry Tropics (CURDTS)
  • Central American School of Livestock (ECAG)
  • Research and Improvement Center for Technical Education (CIPET)
  • Training Center for Trainers and Technical Personnel for Industrial Development of Central America (CEFOF)

Basically, UTN offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in its 6 faculties. The faculties include Arts and Humanities, Administrative Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Technology.

Furthermore, Universidad Técnica Nacional is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#11. La Universidad Magister

Founded in 1996, Universidad Magister (Magister University) is a private higher education institution located in the medium-sized town of San Pedro, San Jose.

Basically, the school offers bachelor’s, master’s and other graduate programs in its various faculties.

Furthermore, Universidad Nacional is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#12. Universidad Autónoma de Centro América

Founded in 1976, Universidad Autónoma de Centro América (Autonomous University of Centro América) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of Cipreses de Curridabat, San Jose. UACA is the first private university in Costa Rica. The school’s long career and academic prestige make it one of the best universities in the country.

Basically, the school offers bachelor, master’s and other graduate programs in its faculties. Careers covered include:

  • Architecture
  • Administration
  • Human resources management
  • Air Transportation Administration
  • Right
  • Economy
  • Journalism
  • International relations
  • Public relations
  • tourism
  • Civil Engineering
  • industrial engineering
  • Systems engineer
  • Electric engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Maintenance
  • Topographic and Cadastral Engineering
  • Nursing
  • Medicine
  • Physical therapy
  • library science
  • Physical education
  • Philology
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Theology
  • Psychology
  • Psychopedagogy
  • Language therapy

Furthermore, Universidad Autónoma de Centro América is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#13. Universidad Hispanoamericana

Founded in 1992, Universidad Hispanoamericana (Hispano-American University) is a private higher education institution in San José, California.

Basically, UH’s purpose is to help students find their purpose. They are also committed to the academic quality of all their disciplines. The school’s Faculties of Health Sciences and Economic Sciences have 100% of their accredited careers. 

In addition, UH is the first private university to accredit Bilingual Preschool, English Teaching and English Teaching for I and II Basic General Education cycle, thus offering many validated curricula before the National System of Education Accreditation Superior (SINAES).

Furthermore, Universidad Hispanoamericana is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#14. La Universidad de Iberoamérica

Founded in 1995, Universidad de Iberoamérica (University of Ibero-America) is a private higher education institution in San José, San Jose.  The Society of Jesus sponsors it, and it is recognized as having an international-grade level of excellence.

Basically, the Universidad Iberoamericana offers 36 degrees, six technical degrees, 29 master’s degrees, 11 doctorates, and six specialties, as well as various diplomas and languages. Having a goal for academic excellence, it always seeks to train professionals committed to reality.

Furthermore, Universidad de Iberoamérica is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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#15. Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional

Founded in 1994, Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional (University for International Cooperation) is a non-profit private higher education institution in the urban setting of San José, San Jose.

UCI was born as a response to the need of the Latin American and Caribbean region to have professionals with interdisciplinary training, to effectively face the challenges and multifaceted dilemmas of the complexity of the modern world, under the concepts of sustainability, regeneration, conservation, and globalization.

Furthermore, Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional is officially accredited by the Ministerio de Educación Pública, Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica).

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FAQs On The Best Universities In Costa Rica For International Students 2024 | Ranking

Why study in Costa Rica?

Aside from learning a new language, below are some reasons why you should study in Costa Rica:

Affordable Education
Tourist Attraction
High Literacy rate
Opportunity to learn a new language
Low cost of living

How many universities are there in Costa Rica?

Generally, Costa Rica has both public and private universities. According to Top Universities, there are 60 universities in Costa Rica of which five(5) are public.

Are there English universities In Costa Rica?

Yes, some universities in Costa Rica offer some programs in the English language. For instance, at Universidad Veritas, one of Central America’s best private universities, you can study in English or Spanish depending on your needs.

Which universities offer medical programs in Costa Rica?

Here is a list of top medical schools in Costa Rica:

Universidad de Ciencias Médicas
Medicine and Surgery UNIBE Universidad de Iberoamerica
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Universidad Hispanoamericana
Escuela Autónoma de Ciencias Médicas de Centro América
Universidad Federada de Costa Rica

What are the top universities in Costa Rica for Undergraduates?

Here is a list of the top 5 universities in Costa Rica for undergraduate students:

Universidad de Costa Rica
Universidad Nacional
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Universidad EARTH
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica

Which universities are the best in Costa Rica for Master’s programs?

Below is a list of the best universities in Costa Rica to pursue a master’s program:

Universidad de Costa Rica
Universidad Nacional
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Universidad EARTH
INCAE Business School, Costa Rica

What Are The Best Universities in Costa Rica for International Students?

Here is a list of the best universities and colleges in Costa Rica for international students to study in 2024:

Universidad de Costa Rica
Universidad Nacional
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Universidad EARTH
INCAE Business School, Costa Rica
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología
La Universidad Veritas
Universidad Americana, Costa Rica
Universidad Técnica Nacional
La Universidad Magister
Universidad Autónoma de Centro América
Universidad Hispanoamericana
La Universidad de Iberoamérica
Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional

Conclusion

With a literacy rate of 97%, Costa Rica has become one of the top choices of international students who want to study abroad in a Latin American country. However, most of them find it difficult to decide which school to attend out of the 60 universities in Costa Rica.

Therefore, to make it easier for international students, we have compiled the 15 best universities in Costa Rica with the necessary information to help them.

Conclusively, I hope the information above helps you in your decision-making process.

Good Luck And Success!!!

References

  • Wikipedia – List Of Universities In Costa Rica
  • UniRank – Top Private Universities In Costa Rica
  • UniRank – Top Public Universities In Costa Rica
  • GoAbroad – 10 Reasons to Study Abroad in Costa Rica
  • QS – Study in Costa Rica

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