{"id":2680,"date":"2025-06-08T19:23:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T19:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.buhave.com\/guide\/?p=2680"},"modified":"2026-05-18T18:11:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T18:11:39","slug":"national-university-of-costa-rica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.buhave.com\/guide\/universities\/national-university-of-costa-rica\/","title":{"rendered":"National University of Costa Rica"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overview<\/h2>\n

The National University of Costa Rica (UNA) is one of Costa Rica\u2019s 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 Jos\u00e9) features a modernist design integrated with tropical vegetation.<\/p>\n

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 P\u00e9rez Zeled\u00f3n, Liberia, and Sarapiqu\u00ed, UNA serves students across the country while maintaining a focus on academic rigor and social relevance. If you\u2019re comparing options, you may also want to review the University of Costa Rica<\/a> guide for a broader look at Costa Rica\u2019s major public university routes.<\/p>\n

2. General Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Name<\/td>\nNational University of Costa Rica (Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Established<\/td>\n1973<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type<\/td>\nPublic University<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Location<\/td>\nMain Campus: Heredia; 3 regional campuses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Website<\/td>\nwww.una.ac.cr<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Language of Instruction<\/td>\nSpanish (some English options in graduate programs)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Academic Calendar<\/td>\nQuarter system (trimestral)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

3. Fee Structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/th>\nAnnual Cost (CRC\/USD)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Undergraduate (Costa Rican)<\/td>\nCRC 300,000-600,000 (~$500-1,000)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Undergraduate (International)<\/td>\n$2,000-4,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Graduate Programs<\/td>\n$3,000-6,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Doctoral Programs<\/td>\n$4,000-7,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Because tuition can change based on program, residency status, and academic year, it\u2019s a good idea to confirm the latest figures on UNA\u2019s 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<\/a> guide covers how a different model of practical, agriculture-focused training is typically organized.<\/p>\n

4. Academic Programs<\/h2>\n