Study in Costa Rica
Study abroad in a tropical paradise that’s some of the most progressive countries in Latin America. A recent Happy Planet Index has named Costa Rica the happiest country on earth, and also with the highest literacy rates in the region, and great healthcare system and services. While studying in Costa Rica you can enjoy the rich coffee flavours that are the country’s top export, develop your Spanish language skills while enjoying the affordable living costs and not having to pay a lot for quick trips to neighbouring countries either.
Why study in Costa Rica?
Studying an English-taught degree in Costa Rica will offer you better paid job opportunities in the country or abroad. Compared to other international study destinations, Costa Rica offers more affordable Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Depending on where you are coming from, studying in Costa Rica can be closer to your home country, so you will not have to spend a lot on travelling, and it can be easier to visit your family and friends during holidays.
If you're looking to study at a university in Costa Rica, you will find a variety of study programmes in a country known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. In most cases, universities in Costa Rica offering degrees in English are accredited by the national government and can be fully or partially recognized by universities in other countries. So, because you’ll be studying an international degree, you will have better chances at continuing your studies abroad, in more popular study destinations and prestigious universities from Europe, the U.S., Canada, or Australia.
English-taught studies in Costa Rica are also a great chance to build a professional network that is a great source of opportunities and potential collaboration after graduation.
Which universities to attend in Costa Rica?
Here are some of the universities where you can study in Costa Rica:
- INCAE Business School
- CATIE - The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center
- Universidad de Costa Rica
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
- Universidad Nacional
English-language tests
Improve your English through an English-language prep course. If you’re attending a degree programme in Costa Rica, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests universities require.
To study in Costa Rica, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Some certificates accepted by universities in Costa Rica may include:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Still, you should always check your university’s website to be sure what the exact language requirements are.
Universities, colleges and schools in Costa Rica
San Ramón
- School for International Training (1 Master)
Interested in scholarships for Costa Rica? Check out our scholarship search page.
How to Apply to a Master's in Costa Rica
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Costa Rica, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Costa Rica?
To apply to a university in Costa Rica you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Costa Rica so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Costa Rica
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Costa Rica are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.
