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.
Costa Rica’s currency is the colón (CRC). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the Banco Central de Costa Rica for current reference rates before making a budget.
Affordable Schools in Costa Rica for International Students
The institutions below use different pricing models. Compare current, program-specific fees and financial aid before applying, because affordability depends on the program and your circumstances.
1. University for Peace (UPEACE)
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 is designed to take three years full-time in Costa Rica or four years part-time from a student’s country of residence.
Fees and financial aid depend on the program. For the doctoral program, UPEACE lists automatic 30% and 50% tuition-waiver categories and limited doctoral funding options. The mandatory US$2,500 administrative fee is not covered by UPEACE tuition waivers. 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. Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT)
The Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) was authorized in 1987 and began classes in March 1988. ULACIT states that it ranked as Costa Rica’s best private university in the QS Latin America University Rankings for 13 consecutive years from 2011 to 2024. QS currently lists ULACIT at #1401+ in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
ULACIT offers undergraduate and graduate study options. Its study-abroad program includes courses taught entirely in English, while its admissions requirements state that an English placement test or certification may be required depending on the program.
Since 2015, ULACIT has used a 100% project-based learning model without traditional exams.
Tuition varies by program and course load. Review the official ULACIT website and request a current cost breakdown before applying.
3. The Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC)
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.
Tuition fees are published by credit level. For 2026, TEC lists a bachelor’s-level credit at ₡23,180, with a 12-credit cap of ₡278,160, plus a ₡6,175 enrollment fee and a ₡2,155 student-welfare fee. The listed total semester cost is ₡286,490.
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.
4. Veritas University
LCI Veritas is based in San José and is part of the LCI Education network.
Its study-abroad program offers courses taught in English with no Spanish-proficiency requirement, Spanish-language courses, field courses, and credit-awarding internships.
International students can request a homestay with a local host family. LCI Veritas states that its host families are within walking distance of campus and that homestays include a private room, daily breakfast and dinner, and weekly laundry service.
Tuition and housing costs depend on the program and term. Review the official study-abroad website for current details.
5. INCAE Business School
INCAE Business School publishes current global rankings for its programs. Its rankings page lists its MBA in Tier One globally in the CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2026 and in the Top 100 worldwide in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026. It also lists its Executive MBA as first in Latin America and #60 worldwide in the Financial Times 2025 ranking.
INCAE lists its Campus Walter Kissling Gam in La Garita de Alajuela, Costa Rica, and its Panama Executive Center in Panama City. Its programs use practical methods such as case analysis and business simulations.
INCAE offers MBA study options, specializations, and a dual-degree opportunity with partner universities. It also offers financing options, programs, and scholarships to help students cover costs.
Scholarships and financial aid may be full scholarships, partial scholarships, or educational funding, and they are awarded to candidates selected by the admissions committee. Review the MBA page for current requirements and costs.
6. St. Paula University
Universidad Santa Paula has more than three decades of experience and specializes in health-related education. Its website lists degree, master’s, technical, certification, continuing-education, and specialization options.
Its degree offerings include physical therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, and prehospital medical emergencies and rescue.
The university publishes several payment options, including cash payment, Credomatic Tasa 0, CONAPE financing, and internal financing. For current tuition and scholarship information, review the payment and scholarships page.
7. 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. Its monthly cost covers a portion of tuition, student services, housing, meals, and medical insurance. There is no application fee, and scholarship funding supports approximately 90% of the student population. Applicants must complete the admissions process before applying for a scholarship.
Applicants must take an Academic Aptitude Test as part of the admissions process if they are preselected. To learn more about admissions, costs, and scholarships, visit the EARTH FAQ and admissions page.
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.
Check Also: Available Programs for International Students
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. 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.
