Chile flag

Santiago, Chile

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile)

#131 QS World RankingPrivateLatin America

QS World Ranking

#131

Acceptance Rate

20%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$8,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#38

Santiago

Application Deadline

November 30

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

28,000

students

International Students

7%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Latin America's top Catholic university with world-class research in one of South America's safest cities.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#101–150Engineering & Technology#101–150Arts & Humanities

Notes for US Students

Chile's top university and one of Latin America's finest. Santiago is safe and cosmopolitan.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile)

Acceptance Rate

20%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

November 30

Instruction Language

Spanish/English

School Type

Private

Annual Tuition

$8,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via UC Chile's international admissions portal
  • PSU/PAES score or international equivalent (SAT/IB accepted for internationals)
  • Spanish proficiency required for most programs
  • High school diploma with official apostille
  • Personal statement and motivation letter
  • Some English-taught programs available in Science and Engineering

Class Size

Avg. Lecture100 students
Avg. Seminar20 students
Student : Faculty12:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermEarly MarchLate June
Spring TermEarly AugustLate November
BreaksDec–Feb, Jul

Southern hemisphere calendar.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
Spanish/English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$8,000 / year
Application Deadline
November 30
Application System
Direct
School Type
Private
Acceptance Rate
20%
QS Best Student City (Santiago)
#38 globally

Programs Offered

EngineeringBusinessMedicineLawSciencesArchitecture

Scholarships to Explore

  • PUC Merit Scholarship
  • OAS Fellowship

Cost of Living — Santiago, Chile

Low Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$600/mo
Groceries & dining$280/mo
Transportation$45/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$180/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,105

vs. avg US college student

42% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Santiago is modern, safe, and very affordable. Close to ski resorts, wine country, and Pacific beaches. Metro system is efficient and cheap.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) as a US Student

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) is located in Santiago, Chile and is ranked #131in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law, Sciences, and more. Instruction is offered in Spanish/English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$8,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 20%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of November 30. Scholarships available include the PUC Merit Scholarship.