Overview
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious higher education institution in Costa Rica. Founded in 1940, UCR has established itself as the nation’s leading research university and a center of academic excellence in Central America. Located primarily in the vibrant university district of San Pedro in San José, UCR maintains additional regional campuses throughout the country.
UCR is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and commitment to social development. The university plays a pivotal role in Costa Rican society, producing many of the nation’s professionals, scientists, and leaders. With its beautiful campus featuring modernist architecture and lush green spaces, UCR offers students an inspiring environment for learning and personal growth.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Costa Rica (Universidad de Costa Rica) |
| Established | 1940 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Main Campus: San Pedro, San José; 7 regional campuses |
| Website | www.ucr.ac.cr |
| Language of Instruction | Spanish (some graduate programs in English) |
| Academic Calendar | Semester system (March-July, August-December) |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Annual Cost (CRC/USD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Costa Rican) | CRC 250,000-500,000 (~$400-800) |
| Undergraduate (International) | $1,500-3,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $2,000-5,000 |
| PhD Programs | $3,000-6,000 |
4. Academic Programs
- Faculty of Arts and Letters
- Faculty of Basic Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Microbiology
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Agriculture
5. Facilities
- Central Library System (one of Central America’s largest)
- Advanced research laboratories
- University Hospital for medical training
- Museums of Art, Science, and Natural History
- Sports complex with Olympic-size pool
- Botanical Garden and Biological Reserve
- Cultural Center with theaters and concert halls
- Extensive digital resources and WiFi campus
6. Accommodation
UCR offers limited on-campus housing primarily for international students and those from rural areas. Most students live in private accommodations in San Pedro and surrounding neighborhoods. The university provides housing assistance and maintains a database of approved rental options.
- 3 residence halls with 500+ beds
- 24/7 security and maintenance
- Dining facilities and meal plans
- Laundry services
- Study lounges and common areas
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@ucr.ac.cr
- Phone: +506 2511-0000
- Address: Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
- Admissions: admision@ucr.ac.cr
More Universities in Costa Rica
- National University of Costa Rica
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
- Fidélitas University
- EARTH University
- Universidad Tecnológica Nacional
- Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología
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