Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Founded in 1971, the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) is the country's leading public technical university (~12,000 students), internationally regarded in engineering and computing.
SubjectsEducation · Social Sciences · Business and Administration · Exact and Natural Sciences · Health · ICT
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
The Distance State University (UNED), founded 1977, is Costa Rica's public open/distance university, providing nationwide access to higher education through distance and blended study.
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
EARTH University (1990) is an internationally renowned non-profit university focused on agricultural sciences and sustainable development, with a highly international student body and a distinctive experiential model.
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
INCAE Business School (founded 1964 with Harvard Business School involvement) is consistently ranked the top business school in Latin America — triple-crown accredited, with campuses in Costa Rica (Alajuela) and Nicaragua; predominantly graduate/executive, with English-medium options.
SubjectsApplied Engineering · Agricultural Technology · Business and Management · Health · ICT · Tourism Management
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
The National Technical University (UTN), established 2008, is Costa Rica's newest public university, focused on applied technical and vocational higher education with strong industry links.
SubjectsSocial Sciences · Exact and Natural Sciences · Education · Philosophy and Letters · Earth and Marine Sciences · Health Sciences · Veterinary Medicine
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Founded in 1973, the National University (UNA) is a major public university in Heredia (~19,000 students), strong in the social sciences, education, marine sciences, and veterinary medicine.
SubjectsBusiness · Engineering and IT · Health Sciences · Law · Communication and Design · Psychology
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
ULACIT is a private San José university with a bilingual, internationally oriented model, strong in business, IT, and communication/design.
SubjectsLaw · Medicine and Health Sciences · Business and Administration · Engineering · Psychology · Education · Pharmacy
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad Autónoma de Centro América (UACA), founded in 1976, is the OLDEST private university in Costa Rica — a comprehensive private university in San José operating through a federation of colleges. ⚠️ Added by curator (collector omission of the country's oldest private university).
SubjectsBusiness and Administration · Education · Accounting · Banking and Finance · Tourism
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad Castro Carazo (rooted in a long-established business education tradition) is a private San José university focused on business, administration, and education.
SubjectsMedicine · Psychology · Health Sciences · Dentistry
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad de Iberoamérica (UNIBE) is a private San José university focused on medicine, psychology, and health sciences; international students should verify recognition for practice in their home country.
SubjectsEngineering · Business and Administration · Architecture · Law · Industrial Design
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad Fidélitas is a private university in San José known for engineering, business, and architecture programmes.
SubjectsHealth Sciences (Nursing, Medicine) · Education · Business · Law · Engineering
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad Hispanoamericana is a private San José university with notable nursing/health and education programmes.
SubjectsHealth Sciences (Medicine) · Business · Engineering · Law · Tourism
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad Internacional de las Américas (UIA) is a private San José university with a notable medical school and professional programmes; international students should verify recognition for practice in their home country.
SubjectsHealth Sciences (Medicine) · Engineering · Business · Law · Social Sciences · Education · Communication
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the country's largest private universities (multi-campus), offering a broad range of professional programmes including medicine.
SubjectsArchitecture · Industrial and Product Design · Interior Design · Film and Animation · Graphic Design · Fine Arts
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Universidad Veritas is a private San José university specialising in architecture, design, and the creative arts, with a large international/study-abroad presence.
SubjectsPeace and Conflict Studies · International Law and Human Rights · Environment and Development · International Relations · Sustainable Development · Gender Studies
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
The University for Peace (UPEACE) was established by United Nations General Assembly resolution in 1980 and is headquartered in Ciudad Colón, Costa Rica — a unique UN-mandated, internationally chartered graduate university dedicated to peace, conflict, human-rights, and sustainable-development studies, with a highly international student body and English-medium programmes. ⚠️ Added by curator (collector omission of an internationally significant institution).
SubjectsHealth Sciences (Medicine) · Engineering · Sciences · Social Sciences · Law · Economics · Letters · Education · Fine Arts · Agronomy
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) for public universities; Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP) for private universities; national accreditation via SINAES. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.
English
Spanish primary; some private universities and graduate programmes (incl. INCAE/UPEACE) offer English-medium options. Spanish proficiency usually required; verify per programme.
Tuition
Public universities (UCR, UNA, TEC, UNED, UTN) charge low, largely subsidised fees with income-based scholarships for Costa Rican students (international fees differ); private universities set their own fees (commonly USD 2,500-8,000/year; INCAE/UPEACE graduate programmes higher). Cost of living is moderate. Verify current fees directly.
View official deadlinesCosta Rican academic year begins March (public universities) or has multiple intakes (private). Verify timelines, Spanish-proficiency requirements, and credential procedures directly.
Founded in 1940, the University of Costa Rica is the country's flagship public university and one of the top universities in Central America (~45,000 students), comprehensive across the disciplines and the leading national research institution.
We list institutions whose accreditation we have verified against a recognized national or international accrediting body. Listing does not vouch for any specific program's recognition by destination-country regulators, individual admissions outcomes, or post-graduation credential transferability.
When you click through to a university's website, you are interacting with that institution's admissions process under their terms. Our responsibility ends at pointing you to a verified-accreditation institution.
