Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Founded in 1888, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) currently has nearly 33,000 students and 3,500 academic staff. Each year 1,000 international students come to UC Chile to experience life abroad.

UC Chile maintains rigorous academic standards, and as a result has been ranked the best university in Latin America (QS Latin America University Rankings 2022). UC Chile has 18 faculties, four interdisciplinary academic units and the UC Chile College Program through which it offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, 93 Master's programs and 38 PhD programs.  

  • Students must have the equivalent of at least two years of college level Spanish or a B2 level in the Common European Framework of Languages to be eligible for this exchange.  
  • Students who are not studying Spanish language nor who are native speakers will need to sit a language test around March if successfully awarded a place. Failure to pass the test with a B2 will result in you not being able to proceed with the exchange.  
  • For most courses the language of instruction will be Spanish.  

Available exchanges

UC Chile hosts the University-wide and Subject-specific Architecture and Chemistry Research exchanges.

Restricted subject areas

Known restrictions at UC Chile include:

  • Music: Only theoretical courses are available.
  • Economics and Administrative Sciences: Courses restricted to applicants who meet the requirements of each course.   
  • Psychology: Second to fourth year students can apply.   
  • Biological Sciences: There is no access to Marine Biology courses. 
  • Art: Courses are only available to those coming from an Art programme.   
  • Sports: Students must bring their personal sporting equipment.  
  • Theatre: Students interested in practice-based theatre courses will be required to submit a video of themselves showing a scene and monologue acted in Spanish.   

Because of the above restrictions, this destination is not recommended as suitable for students in these subject areas. 

More information on course restrictions can be found at the link below.

UC Chile Incoming Exchange Website

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you. 

Courses available at UC Chile can be found in their course catalogue. Be sure to pay attention to restrictions for international students.

UC Chile Course Catalogue 

The following link offers a list of courses currently designated as open to exchange students.

UC Chile Course List

Registration on any particular course depends on whether you meet its prerequisites and if there is space available.


Guaranteed accommodation? 

No 

University accommodation  

UC Chile does not have its own university residences.  

Private accommodation  

You can find tips and help on finding accommodation below.

UC Chile Accommodation Information


Immigration & visa requirements  

The visa process will vary from country to country, and your own citizenship will influence the visa process you need to undertake. You must make sure to enter your host country on the appropriate visa.    

Exchange students who go to Chile for less than 180 days may enter the country with a Temporary Stay permit (´Permiso de Permanencia Transitoria´). This may be granted automatically when entering the country, but citizens from some countries are required to apply beforehand. Consult the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (´Servicios Consulares´) to determine whether this applies to you. The visa is applicable for short stays including tourism and study purposes, among others. It has a duration of 90 days and it is renewable for an additional 90-day period by lodging a visa extension (prórroga de Permanencia Transitoria).   

 Students going to Chile for a period longer than 180 days must apply for a Temporary Visa (Residencia Temporal, under subclass ´student´) through the official website of the Chilean National Migration Service.   

Chilean National Migration Service Website

Be sure to check the entry requirements for Chile before you travel.    

How much it will cost to go on exchange to UC Chile?  

UC Chile has created an in-depth breakdown of the cost of living.

UC Chile Cost of Living Information

Health insurance  

Exchange students must have insurance upon arrival in Chile. This insurance must include medical expenses for at least USD$30,000, explicit coverage against COVID-19, health and funeral repatriation services, and must cover the entire period of stay in Chile.   

UC Chile have provided a list of possible options at the link below.

UC Chlie List of Health Insurance Providers  


Semester 1

  • Classes begin: First week of March. 
  • Classes end: Last week of June. 
  • Exams: Fourth week of June until the third week of July. 

Semester 2

  • Classes begin: First week of August. 
  • Classes end: Third week of November. 
  • Exams: Fourth week of November until the third week of December. 

UC Chile has provided the following document for prospective exchange students.


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