Overview
Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI) is a public university based in David, Chiriquí Province, Panama. Founded on May 13, 1985, it serves as a key higher-education institution for western Panama and has grown into a regional hub for academic training, applied research, and community outreach.
UNACHI is especially recognized for programs in agricultural and environmental sciences, designed to support the realities of Panama’s productive farming areas. For students seeking accessible options outside Panama City, the university combines affordable tuition, multiple training centers, and practical learning opportunities connected to local industries.
If you are comparing alternatives across the country, you can also review options such as Universidad del Istmo de Panamá and Universidad Interamericana de Panamá.
2. General Information
| Name | Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI) |
| Established | May 13, 1985 |
| Type | Public University |
| Location | Main Campus: David, Chiriquí; 5 regional centers |
| Website | www.unachi.ac.pa |
| Accreditation | Ministry of Education, Panama |
| Student Population | 12,000+ (2024 estimates) |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Tuition Fee (Annual, USD) |
| Undergraduate Programs | 700 – 1,200 |
| Agricultural Sciences | 800 – 1,300 |
| Health Sciences | 900 – 1,500 |
| Master’s Programs | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| PhD Programs | 1,800 – 3,000 |
Tuition ranges can vary by schedule, program track, and course load. For the most accurate fees, students are encouraged to confirm costs through UNACHI’s admissions communications.
4. Academic Programs
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Science
- Environmental Management
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Business Administration
- Education
- Law and Political Science
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Master in Tropical Agriculture
- Master in Public Health
Because UNACHI is strongly aligned with regional priorities, students interested in lab-based and field-oriented learning often find the agricultural and environmental pathways particularly relevant. If you’re also exploring national public options, you may want to compare against Universidad de Panamá, which is the country’s largest public university.
5. Facilities
- Agricultural Research Station
- University Hospital for medical training
- Dental Clinic
- Science and Technology Laboratories
- University Library with digital resources
- Sports Complex
- Student Center
Facilities are designed to support both academic coursework and practical training. Medical and health programs, in particular, benefit from institutional clinical spaces used for teaching and skill development.
6. Accommodation
UNACHI offers limited on-campus housing primarily for students coming from remote areas. Most students live in private accommodations in David, where costs are typically lower than in Panama City. The university assists students through its student services office for housing guidance and placement support.
- University dormitories: $100 – $200/month
- Shared apartments: $150 – $300/month
- Private rooms: $250 – $400/month
- Meal plans at university cafeteria: $120/month
When planning your budget, consider the total cost of living (rent, transport, and meals). If you are comparing student life across other institutions, look at how location and campus services differ between major city universities and regional campuses such as those in David.
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@unachi.ac.pa
- Admissions: admisiones@unachi.ac.pa
- Phone: +507 775-5500
Explore More Universities Panama
- Universidad de Panamá
- Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá
- Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua
- Universidad Latina de Panamá
- Florida State University
- Universidad del Istmo de Panamá
- Universidad Interamericana de Panamá
- Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá
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