National University of Costa Rica

Overview

The National University of Costa Rica (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s public universities and a widely respected part of the country’s higher education system. Established in 1973, UNA has built a distinctive profile that emphasizes social sciences, environmental studies, and education, often complementing the broader academic offer of the older University of Costa Rica. Its main campus in Heredia (about 10 km north of San José) features a modernist design integrated with tropical vegetation.

UNA is especially known for its student-centered approach and its strong engagement with social justice, environmental sustainability, and community-based learning. Over the years, the university has supported programs in sustainable tourism, alternative education models, and tropical biodiversity conservation. With additional campuses in Pérez Zeledón, Liberia, and Sarapiquí, UNA serves students across the country while maintaining a focus on academic rigor and social relevance. If you’re comparing options, you may also want to review the University of Costa Rica guide for a broader look at Costa Rica’s major public university routes.

2. General Information

Name	National University of Costa Rica (Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica)
Established	1973
Type	Public University
Location	Main Campus: Heredia; 3 regional campuses
Website	www.una.ac.cr
Language of Instruction	Spanish (some English options in graduate programs)
Academic Calendar	Quarter system (trimestral)

3. Fee Structure

Program	Annual Cost (CRC/USD)
Undergraduate (Costa Rican)	CRC 300,000-600,000 (~$500-1,000)
Undergraduate (International)	$2,000-4,000
Graduate Programs	$3,000-6,000
Doctoral Programs	$4,000-7,000

Because tuition can change based on program, residency status, and academic year, it’s a good idea to confirm the latest figures on UNA’s official website and with the admissions office before applying. For students exploring alternative education pathways, comparing tuition and structure with other Costa Rican schools can also help; for example, the EARTH University guide covers how a different model of practical, agriculture-focused training is typically organized.

4. Academic Programs

Faculty of Philosophy and Letters
Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Earth and Sea Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Education
International Institute for Wildlife Conservation
Institute for Women’s Studies
School of Music

UNA’s academic structure is designed to support both research and teaching across its core schools and institutes. In practice, that can mean a wider variety of study options in education, environmental science, and social development, alongside specialized institutes and research units.

If you’re considering programs in public education, policy, or interdisciplinary social research across the region, it may be helpful to compare institutional focuses by reading more about Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, which is another well-known option for students evaluating private vs. public pathways in Costa Rica.

5. Facilities

Central Library with specialized collections
Biological Research Stations
Environmental Education Center
Modern laboratories for science programs
Sports complex and recreational areas
University Radio (Radio Universidad)
Cultural Center with theater and galleries
Extensive digital learning resources

Beyond classrooms, UNA’s facilities support learning activities tied to its environmental and research priorities, including lab-based instruction and field-oriented work through research stations and education-focused centers.

6. Accommodation

UNA provides limited on-campus housing, primarily for international students and students coming from more distant regions. Most students arrange private accommodation in Heredia and nearby areas, where residents can usually find options that fit different budgets. The university’s housing support office can help students understand common living arrangements and how to prepare before arrival.

2 residence halls with capacity for 300 students
24-hour campus security
Shared kitchen facilities
Study rooms and common areas
Easy access to public transportation

Because residence availability is limited, students planning to live on campus should start checking placement requirements early and compare timelines with the start date of the relevant academic term.

7. Contact Information

Email: info@una.ac.cr
Phone: +506 2277-3000
Address: Campus Omar Dengo, Heredia, Costa Rica
Admissions: admision@una.ac.cr

For time-sensitive questions such as document requirements, application deadlines, and enrollment steps, it’s best to confirm details directly with the admissions team using the contacts above and the official UNA website.

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