Known as a “green country,” Costa Rica is home to about 6% of the planet’s biodiversity while covering only 0.03% of the Earth’s surface. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is an appealing destination for students who enjoy nature and tropical weather. In this article, we will look at affordable universities and schools in Costa Rica.
Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has a great deal to offer prospective students, especially those interested in nature and the environment. About 25% of the national territory is preserved through the National System of Conservation Areas.
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948. The Costa Rica Tourism Board notes that this decision allowed the country to invest more in education, health, and infrastructure.
Living costs vary considerably by city, housing type, and lifestyle. Students should prepare a current budget before applying.
Affordable Schools in Costa Rica for International Students
1. University for Peace (UPEACE)
- Admissions | Master’s Programs | Doctoral Program
- Tuition Fees: Tuition varies by program. For the Doctoral Degree Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies, students must pay a mandatory US$2,500 administrative fee in addition to the applicable tuition.
The University for Peace (UPEACE) was established in 1980 by the United Nations General Assembly. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, serves as the honorary president of the UPEACE Council.
UPEACE offers programs related to peace and conflict studies, international law, gender, education, the environment, and sustainable development. Its website lists distance-education, doctoral, master’s, Spanish-language, and partnership programs.
Applicants should check the requirements for their chosen program. For example, the Doctoral Degree Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies requires a master’s degree, accepts applications electronically, and offers full-time and part-time study options.
Fees and financial aid depend on the program. For the doctoral program, UPEACE lists automatic 30% and 50% tuition-waiver categories and limited merit-based funding options. Review the doctoral program page and the requirements for your chosen program before applying.
UPEACE Distance Education offers individual online courses, automated training courses, and an online Master of Arts in Sustainable Peace in the Contemporary World. Visit the distance-education page to learn more.
2. The Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC)
- Tuition Fees: For 2026, TEC lists a bachelor’s-level credit at ₡23,180, with a 12-credit cap of ₡278,160. After the ₡6,175 enrollment fee and ₡2,155 student-welfare fee are added, the listed total semester cost is ₡286,490. TEC also lists a licenciatura-level credit at ₡30,895 and a master’s-level credit at ₡69,290. Review the official cost page for the latest details.
Established in 1971, the Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) is a public university. Its website lists the Campus Tecnológico Central Cartago, locations in San Carlos and San José, and academic centers in Alajuela and Limón.
TEC currently lists 23 degree programs, 15 technical programs, and 18 graduate programs.
The Cartago campus information page lists bus, train, and bicycle services, including BiciTEC bicycle loans. TEC also lists student scholarships for degree programs, including socioeconomic and incentive scholarships.
Visit the admissions page to learn more. TEC states that admission to bachillerato and licenciatura degree programs is through an annual admissions test; other programs do not require this exam. within walking distance of campus and that homestays include a private room, daily breakfast and dinner, and weekly laundry service.
3. EARTH University
EARTH University was founded in 1986 with the support of the Costa Rican government, the United States government, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. It is a private, nonprofit university focused on preparing leaders who contribute to sustainable development.
EARTH has two campuses in Costa Rica: its main campus in Guácimo, Limón, and the Daniel Oduber Quirós Campus in Liberia, Guanacaste.
EARTH offers a rigorous four-year undergraduate program in Agricultural Sciences. After four years, students receive the Agricultural Engineering title with a degree in Agricultural Sciences.
Its educational model emphasizes technical and scientific knowledge, social and environmental commitment, entrepreneurship, and personal development and values.
EARTH states that it subsidizes a large part of education costs. There is no application fee, and scholarship funding supports approximately 90% of the student population. Applicants must complete the admissions process before applying for financial aid.
FAQs About Studying in Costa Rica
What is the Higher Education System Like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s higher-education system includes state universities, private universities, and para-university institutions. Five state universities form CONARE. For private institutions, use CONESUP’s authorized-universities list to confirm that a university and its programs are approved. Para-university institutions may be public or private and offer Diplomado-level programs.
Degree names and structures vary by institution. Read program pages carefully, and do not assume that Costa Rican labels such as bachillerato or licenciatura map directly onto degree labels used in your home country.
What is the Admissions Process and Language of Instruction in Costa Rica?
Admissions requirements vary by university and program. Review each official admissions page carefully. For example, ULACIT lists a passport-size photo, a valid identity document, prior diplomas with an apostille and homologation when applicable, and an English placement test or certification depending on the program. TEC states that admission to bachillerato and licenciatura degree programs is through an annual admissions exam, while other TEC programs do not require that exam.
The language of instruction also varies by university and program. UPEACE lists Spanish-language and distance-education offerings, and some of its programs require proof of English proficiency. LCI Veritas lists English-taught and Spanish-taught study-abroad courses. Confirm the teaching language and any language-test requirement on the program page before applying.
What are the Tuition Costs in Universities in Costa Rica?
Tuition varies substantially by institution, degree level, and course load. Public institutions may charge by credit. For example, TEC publishes current credit costs and semester fees on its official cost page. Private institutions may price programs differently and may offer payment plans, financing, or scholarships. EARTH University uses a comprehensive annual cost that includes tuition, housing, food, student services, and medical insurance. Always check current institutional fee pages before applying.
We hope that this article on affordable universities and schools in Costa Rica was helpful. For more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
