University of Costa Rica

University of Costa Rica Overview

The University of Costa Rica (UCR), also known by its abbreviation, is one of the five state universities in the Republic of Costa Rica. It holds a distinguished position as one of the most prestigious and renowned institutions in Latin America, and is recognized as the top university in Central America and the Caribbean. The university's main campus, known as Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, is situated in Montes de Oca, approximately 3km from the capital city, San José.

Functioning as an autonomous institution of higher education, the University of Costa Rica comprises a community of professors, students, and administrative staff dedicated to education, research, social action, study, meditation, artistic creation, and knowledge dissemination.

The primary mission of the University of Costa Rica is to advance knowledge to its fullest extent and effectively address the integral societal development needs.

In accordance with international standards for evaluating higher education institutions, the University of Costa Rica currently ranks first in the QS-Quacquarelli Symonds Ranking for Central America and the Caribbean. It holds the 19th position among Latin American universities and ranks 580th globally. Additionally, the Webometrics Ranking of Universities positions it as the top institution of higher education in Central America. The Times Higher Education (THE) Latin America ranking recently placed the university at the 25th spot.

History of the University of Costa Rica The origins of the university trace back to the Casa de Enseñanza de Santo Tomás, founded in 1814, which later became the University of Santo Tomás in 1843.

After contributing for 45 years, it was closed due to political, economic, and academic reasons. However, its legacy persisted through the faculties of Law, Agronomy, Fine Arts, and Pharmacy, which continued to operate independently.

Building upon the legacy of the University of Santo Tomás, the University of Costa Rica was established on August 26, 1940, through the Law of the Republic No. 362. It officially opened its doors in March 1941.

The institution underwent significant reforms, with the First University Congress in 1946 laying the groundwork for the Faculty of Humanities. Subsequent congresses in 1966, 1973, and beyond aimed at modernizing the university and aligning it with the evolving societal landscape.

Since its inception in March 1941, the University of Costa Rica has remained committed to pursuing truth, efficacy, and beauty through education, research, artistic creation, and knowledge dissemination.

The University's symbol, the Escudo, is a historic representation of its identity. It features elements from the University of Santo Tomás and embodies the highest ideals of the UCR.

The university's primary campus, Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, has grown and developed over time, becoming a hub of academic and scientific activity. With multiple faculties and schools, the university covers a wide range of disciplines within six academic areas: Arts and Letters, Social Sciences, Basic Sciences, Agri-Food Sciences, Engineering, and Health.

The University of Costa Rica is deeply committed to fostering a creative, critical, and objective consciousness in its students, encouraging active participation in national and societal processes. Through its dedication to research, education, and social engagement, the university strives to promote positive transformations and achieve the common good, contributing to a just, free, and independent society.

As of 2018, the University of Costa Rica enrolled 40,939 regular students across its campuses and regional centers. The university's leadership has been guided by a succession of rectors who have overseen its growth and development since its establishment in 1940. The university's emblem, campus, research centers, and dedicated faculty have all contributed to its esteemed reputation as a leading institution in the region.