collageThe University of Chile (Spanish: Universidad de Chile) is a public university in Santiago, Chile. It was founded on November 19, 1842 and inaugurated on September 17, 1843. It is the oldest and the most prestigious in the country. It was established as the continuation of the former colonial Royal University of San Felipe (1738) (Spanish: Real Universidad de San Felipe), and has a rich history in academic, scientific and social outreach. The university seeks to solve national and regional issues and to contribute to the development of Chile. It is recognized as one of the best universities in Latin America for its leadership and innovation in science, technology, social sciences, and arts through the functions of creation, extension, teaching, and research.
Its five campuses comprise more than 3.1 square kilometres (1.2 sq mi) of research buildings, health care centers, museums, theaters, observatories, and sports infrastructure. The institution has more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students, offering more than 60 different bachelor and professional degrees, 38 doctoral programs and 116 master programs.
Notable alumni include Nobel laureates Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral, twenty Chilean presidents and two presidents from other countries (Mexico and Ecuador).
Rankings and quality accreditation
| University rankings | |
|---|---|
| Global – Overall | |
| ARWU World | 301–400 (2020) |
| World | 180 (2021) |
The QS University Ranking ranks the University of Chile as the fourth in Latin America and 180 in the world for year 2021. The school boasts an outstanding 100 points in both Academic and Employer Reputation categories.[11] The world ranking of universities, elaborated by Shanghai JiaoTong University (China) and the European Union based on research sciences indicators, places it among the 400 best universities in the world. SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) makes a characterization of institutions based on research, innovation and visibility on the web, and in 2017 report on investigation, which included more than 4,500 institutions of higher education and other centers in the world, the University of Chile ranked first in Chile, 10 in Latin America and 424 in the world.
Another study which highlights the performance of this institution is the Ranking Web of Universities (Webometrics), which measures the presence and impact on the web of over 11,000 universities and qualifies this college as leader of the country, six in Latin America and 371 worldwide.
In the 2016 version of the ranking made by AméricaEconomía, University of Chile was ranked first in Chile with the top rating in quality indicators of research, accreditation, infrastructure and inclusion.
Accreditation
In December 21, 2011 the University of Chile was notified by the National Accreditation Commission (CNA) of the positive evaluation in all obligatory areas (institutional management and undergraduate teaching) and electives (research, teaching graduate and linkage with medium). Thus the University is accredited by seven years, the maximum awarded by the agency, for the period between 2011 and 2018.
The University of Chile, the Catholic University and the University of Concepción are the only institutions in this country that have the highest accreditation.
History
In 1841 the minister of public education, Manuel Montt, conceived the idea of funding a corporation for the “advancement and development of sciences and humanities”. Andrés Bello a Venezuelan poet and humanist, formulated the project which with small modifications became a law on November 19, 1842, creating the Universidad de Chile.
The foundation answered the need to modernize the country which a little more than two decades before had become independent from Spain. It replaced the Real Universidad de San Felipe, which was established in 1738.
The University was formally opened on September 17, 1843. During this period, the university consisted of five faculties (facultades): Humanities & Philosophy, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Law & Political Sciences, Medicine, and Theology. During its first years the University gave considerable support to education, institutional organization (such as the “Civil Code”, a model for America), the building of the road network to join together the territory, and the energy and production infrastructure.
By 1931, the number of colleges had increased to six: Philosophy & Education Sciences, Legal & Social Sciences, Biology & Medical Sciences, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Agronomy & Veterinary, and Fine Arts.
The institution has also contributed to the formation of the intellectual elites and leaders of the country. Most of the Chilean presidents have studied in its lecture halls, as well as people with prominent roles in politics, business and culture.
Academic information
The University of Chile offers undergraduate and graduate programs in all areas of knowledge, whose quality has been recognized by the National Accreditation Commission with the maximum score in both areas (2011–2018).
Undergraduate
The University has a total of 69 study programs, 55 of which are conducive to professional degrees and 14 degrees terminales. Alongside this imparts the Academic Bachelor’s Program, which reports directly to the Vice Presidencies of Academic Affairs.
The admission to the programs is through a selection test (Prueba de Selección Universitaria) or the Academic Bachelor’s Program. The University also offers special admission to outstanding athletes, blind students, people with media studies in other countries, ethnic agreements, internal career changes and people with studies in other schools.
Alongside this the institution implemented in 2012 an exclusive way of admission called the Sistema de Ingreso Prioritario de Equidad (SIPEE) for students of public system with special vacancies in all careers. Also, in 2014 the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences initiated the Programa de Equidad de Género (PEG) with special vacancies for the first 40 women applicants who remain on the waiting list.
Graduate
The University of Chile has the largest and most complex postgraduate system in the country, formed with 36 doctoral programs, 116 master’s programs, 38 graduate programs and 69 specialized courses.
Best Universities in Chile for International Students 2021 | Ranking
Chile is a very popular destination in South America due to the excellent quality of its academic institutions and the large number of universities to choose from. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes and high quality of life
For those who choose to study in Chile, knowing the best universities in Chile for international students, as well as, reasons why studying in Chile is an icing on the cake there is a good way to go.
Chile has a rich cultural offering and is home to one of the best higher education systems in Latin America. This makes it one of the top study destinations for international students with a taste for adventure and the great outdoors.
Chile is a very beautiful nation with where you can find the driest places on earth. According to top universities, Chile is home to some of the top universities in Latin America, including two within the top 10 of the QS Latin America University Rankings 2021.
So, this article will give you more reasons to choose Chile in order to enjoy these benefits and more. Also, you get vital information on the best universities and colleges in Chile for international students.
Why Study In Chile?
According to a study performed by the Ministry of Education, called Educational Indicators in Chile, the country has made giant strides over the last decade with a series of policies facilitating access to education in terms of economic resources and scholarship programs.
With a population of over 18 million people, Chile is a safe and progressive Spanish-speaking city in South America with a Mediterranean climate. This is one of the several reasons why you would like this country, asides its rich culture and beautiful tourist attractions.
Employment rates are high for the region, with many skilled jobs available and English speakers sought by the growing number of multinational companies and local technology start-ups. The cost of living is fairly reasonable, and Chile has enjoyed relative political and economic stability in recent years.
Academics
Chile also enjoys several educational advantages. This includes educational alternatives, academic prestige, connectivity, friendly people, active social as well as cultural life. It is a country with a fine literary tradition, two Nobel Prize for Literature laureates, authors whose works have translated and published all over the world.
Also, cities such as Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepción and Valdivia, among others, are home to a wide range of top-quality universities. Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile are renowned throughout the region for their prestige and academic excellence.
Here are some other reasons why you should choose Chile as your study abroad destination:
The country’s capital, Santiago, also enjoys rapidly improving transport infrastructure, lower crime rates than most South American capitals and a number of murals, museums, and art galleries, not to mention remarkable architecture.
- You will get a more affordable World-class education and college experience altogether.
- Get to study with lower costs of living.
- Some colleges in Chile are also recognized in the US and other parts of the world.
- You will get an International experience.
- You will get to practice or learn Spanish.
- Also, you will learn and know a different culture and country.
- Chile is also known for delicious and affordable food.
This article can also help you; Study in Chile: Admission, Cost of Living, Tuition Fees & Top Universities
How Many Universities And Colleges Are There In Chile?
Chile has begun to establish itself as a study destination. Over time, the higher education system in Chile has experienced rapid growth.
According to Wikipedia, in the Chilean higher education system, there are 61 universities, with over 750,000 students. Of these, 46 are accredited by the Chilean National Accreditation Commission, representing 94% of the total student registration.
Which Universities For Engineering In Chile?
Several universities in Chile now offerprograms for engineering students to both domestic and international students.
According to US News, below are the top colleges for engineering in Chile:
- University of Chile
- Universidad de Talca
- La Universidad de Los Lagos
- Universidad del Bío-Bío
- Universidad de Valparaíso
- La Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- The University of Frontera
- Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana
The List of Public Universities in Chile
In total, there are around 25 public universities in Chile, as well as an additional number of private universities. These universities in Chile offer several programs both at undergraduate and at the master’s level.
Below is a list of some of best public universities to study in Chile:
- Universidad de Chile
- Universidad de Talca
- La Universidad de los Lagos
- Universidad del Bío-Bío
- Universidad de Valparaíso
- La Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- The University of Frontera
- Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana
- Universidad de Magallanes
- La Universidad de Antofagasta
- Universidad de Tarapacá
- Universidad de La Serena
- La Universidad de Atacama
- Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación
- La Universidad Arturo Prat
- Universidad de O’Higgins
- Universidad de Playa Ancha de Ciencias de la Educacion
- La Universidad de Aysén
Keep reading to learn more about the above-listed schools.
Several bodies offer scholarships for international students. See the numerous International Scholarships available on our platform.
What Are The Best Universities in Chile for International Students 2021?
To effectively rank the best universities in Chile for international students, we used the following factors.
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For your degree to count, it’s of essence you attend an accredited college or university. In line with this, the accreditation of each Chilean university counts in making it one of the best or top schools you should attend.
Basically, this looks at how many students each academic staff can take if the total students are shared among the total academic staff.
#1 University of Chile
The University of Chile, located in the capital city of Santiago, is the oldest in the country, and one of the most prestigious in the region.
Through its research, teaching, and innovation across sciences and arts, the university aims to tackle national and regional issues in society. It was founded with a view to promote democracy, science and technological development, and social mobility.
There are five campuses containing many research centers, museums, health centers, and sports facilities.
The health facilities include a clinical hospital and research laboratories, serving the public as well as pioneering medical research and providing opportunities for students.
On the campus, sports facilities are available both to students and staff. Interfaculty sports competitions take place all through the year.
Among the notable alumni are two Nobel laureates – poets Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral – and 20 presidents of Chile.
The university is organized into 14 faculties and 4 interdisciplinary institutes, offering a total of undergraduate 66 programs, 36 doctoral programs, 119 master’s programs, and other specialized courses.
In addition to an exam for applicants, the university also offers separate admission routes to outstanding athletes, blind students, and other specified groups.
#2 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile is regarded as one of the best universities in South America.
Established in 1888 by the then archbishop of Santiago and receiving the blessing of Pope Leo XIII a year later, UC is one of six private Catholic institutions in the country.
With four of its campuses based in Santiago and the fifth located in Villarrica next to the city’s eponymous lake, UC hosts an increasing number of international students and develops a significant proportion of the nation’s research.
UC’s growth and success in some ways epitomize Chile’s rise since its 18 years of military dictatorship came to an end in 1990.
Now attracting more applicants than any of the country’s other universities, UC has even topped South American league tables as well as performing outstandingly in subject rankings for mathematics, physics and economics and management.
#3 Universidad de Concepción
Founded in 1920, Universidad de Concepción (University of Concepción) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Concepción. It is the third oldest university in Chile.
The University of Concepción has long been one of the South American country’s most well-known institutes of higher education.
Its large, green campus has many highlights, including the House of Art, a widely-visited gallery which contains arguably the most complete collection of Chilean art in the country, as well as the famous Presence of Latin America mural by Mexican painter Jorge González Camarena, and the Clock Tower, built in 1943.
#4 Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Founded in 1928, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized city of Valparaíso.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
PUCV has 9 faculties and more than 100 Undergraduate, Graduate and Specialization Programs. It has also accreditation in the standard of excellence that only 6 universities have in Chile, being the Chilean university with the highest number of certified undergraduate programs in the country.
Today PUCV has exchange students, scientific and graduate cooperation agreements with more than 200 Higher Education Institutions in 35 countries.
#5 Universidad Austral de Chile
Founded in 1954, Universidad Austral de Chile (Austral University of Chile) is a research university based in the city of Valdivia, Chile, with its main campus on Isla Teja.
It also has campuses elsewhere in Southern Chile, in the cities of Puerto Montt and Coyhaique. Currently ranked 701+ in the world, the Austral University of Chile also features in the global top 150 for agriculture and the top 500 for medicine.
It is also one of the eight Chilean Traditional Universities founded before the 1980s. Universidad Austral de Chile offers scholarships for students who have achieved a high Weighted Selection Score, as well as current students with a high-grade point average.
This university is officially accredited by Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile.
#6 Universidad del Desarrollo
Founded in 1990, Universidad del Desarrollo (University for Development) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Santiago.
UDD offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Even as a young university, UDD also seeks to generate awareness in the students regarding their role in society, and the professional and personal contributions they can make both in public and private settings.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#7 Universidad Tecnológica de Chile INACAP
Founded in 1992, Universidad Tecnológica de Chile INACAP (University of Technology of Chile) is a private higher education institution located in the metropolis of Santiago.
Universidad Tecnológica de Chile INACAP (UTC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study.
Through 20 undergraduate study programs, distributed in seven Academic Areas, they provide undergraduate training relevant to the needs of the productive sector of the nation’s economy. They also teach postgraduate programs in online mode.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#8 Universidad Andrés Bello
The Andrés Bello National University (UNAB) was founded in 1988 and is spread across three campuses in three areas: Santiago, the capital of Chile, the coastal city of Viña del Mar and the southern city of Concepción.
UNAB was the first non-traditional private university in Chile to receive accreditation in research, it is also renowned for its accredited doctoral and health sciences programmes, medical school and Millennium Research Centre.
Students can choose to study undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture and design, business administration, communication, ecology and natural resources, education, engineering and information technology, health sciences, hospitality, human sciences, law and maritime studies. There are health, legal, dental and psychology clinics for all affiliated staff and students.
The Marine Research Centre at UNAB (based in Quintay) is Chile’s leading provider of sea urchin seeds, which are collected to grow in captivity with the potential of selling these services to the private sector. Experts say this industry could become an equivalent to salmon farming in its success levels.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
he Federico Santa María Technical University (USM) was founded in 1926 in Valparaiso, a city on the Chilean coast.
The university is named after its founder, who left his fortune to be used to build a university in his hometown of Valparaiso. Over the years since its founding the number of campuses has grown and today there are five campuses in 4 of the main cities of Chile, Valparaiso, Santiago, Concepción and Viña del Mar.
The university was recognized in 2017 has the first place in Latin America in Engineering and Technology, and in 2018 in second place in the region ( Times Higher World University Ranking by Subject) and has the biggest engineering school in Chile.
Besides being known as one of the best Engineering Schools in Chile and Latin America at large, its Valparaiso Campus was awarded as the second most beautiful university campus in Latin America.
USM prides itself on attracting students from some of the poorest areas of Latin America although it is one of the most highly selective colleges in Latin America, participating in degree courses that are among some of the most rigorous in the region.
#10 Universidad de Talca
The University of Talca has ranked among the leading universities in Chile and performs well compared to other universities in Latin America.
It is a public university split between the Chilean cities of Talca, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Linares, and Curicó.
Established in 1981 after a merger between the University of Chile and State Technical University. Historically, most UT students have been the first in their family to go to university, and it has outreach centers in three of its cities.
Also, UT’s Santiago campus is a hub for postgraduate students. But, they also teaches undergraduate law, political science and public administration, business engineering, and control management engineering.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
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