Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is known for its rich biodiversity, peaceful political climate, and commitment to environmental sustainability. The country offers a variety of academic programs, particularly strong in areas like environmental sciences, biology, and sustainable development, reflecting its status as a global leader in conservation efforts. Spanish is the primary language, providing a great environment to develop language skills. Additionally, Costa Rica's landscape is incredibly diverse, from rainforests and seashore to volcanoes, offering a plethora of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. Studying in Costa Rica not only provides a unique academic experience but also a life-changing cultural immersion.

In Costa Rica, our exchange university is Universidad de Costa Rica, with the main campuses located in the capital city of San José.

You can find comprehensive instructions for going on exchange under the Study Abroad theme.

Universidad de Costa Rica

Universidad de Costa Rica

Student testimonials

 “The course topics were very interesting and the courses consisted of different kinds of smaller assignments such as group work, presentations, excursions and exams.” “The  campus area is very nice, peaceful and safe”

Who can apply?

  • Students of all faculties
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students: N.B. Bachelor level students must have completed two years of study prior to their exchange.
  • Students with Spanish skills at least on level B2
  • Students with minimum GPA of 3.5  
Faculties not open to exchange students

The School of Medicine is not open for exchange students, but other schools from the Faculty of Medicine are. Applications from Dentistry students will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.

What can you study here?

Liberal and Fine Arts: Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Arts
Social Sciences: Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Education
Sciences: Faculty of Sciences
Food and Agriculture Sciences: Faculty of Agri-food Sciences
Engineering: Faculty of Engineering
Health: Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Microbiology
Programs offered in regional campuses and its corresponding branches

Information on courses (go to carreras, select a program and then open plan de estudios)

How many credits do you need to complete?

Minimum 12 local credits per term.
1 Universidad de Costa Rica credit = 2 ECTS.

Terms

March - July / August - December 

Housing, costs and fees

UCR does not have student residences for exchange students. However, students get a list of websites, prior to the expected date of arrival, to help them in the search of an apartment.

Exchange opportunities available 

3 students for one academic year (March- December) or for one term.