Study alongside local and international students in Costa Rica, at one of the leading private universities in Central America. This unique program lets you combine academic courses with Spanish language learning, all while exploring the country’s incredible natural landscapes.
From tropical rainforests to volcanoes and coastlines, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for adventure.
Get ready to study abroad in one of the happiest and most sustainable countries in the world, your Costa Rican journey starts here!
Just fill out an online application form and submit it with a few attachments.
Your study placement can be confirmed as quickly as in day.
Once you get the confirmation, it’s a done deal!
2,490 EUR tuition fee
Our team helps you get the most out of your time abroad
Share life-changing experiences together
only bilingual university in costa rica
#1
private
university in
costa rica
top 5%
best
universities
worldwide
#1 reputation with employers in costa rica
Spring (January – April)
Summer (May – August)
Autumn (September - December)
24 ECTS /
12 US credits per trimester
Project-based learning
Bachelor, GAP year
+
Economics, Business Management, Latin American culture and history, International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, Humanities and Spanish language
The Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) has been ranked the #1 private university in Costa Rica for 13 consecutive years (2011–2025) by the QS Latin America University Rankings. ULACIT is also a global campus of the University of Arizona, further strengthening its international academic profile.
The university’s teaching approach is fully project-based, with no traditional exams. Instead, learning is centered around research, case studies, problem-solving, and service-learning, following the “Teaching for Understanding” framework developed by Harvard University’s Project Zero, creating a dynamic and meaningful educational experience.
| AUTUMN 2025 | |
| Semester dates | September 8th – December 20th, 2025 |
| Orientation | September 5th, 2025 |
| Application deadline | August 25th, 2025 |
| SPRING 2026* | |
| Semester dates | January 12th, 2026 – April 25th, 2026 |
| Orientation | January 12th, 2026 |
| Application deadline | December 26th, 2025 |
| SUMMER 2026* | |
| Semester dates | May 11th – August 23rd, 2026 |
| Orientation | May 8th, 2026 |
| Application deadline | April 28th, 2026 |
| AUTUMN 2026* | |
| Semester dates | September 7th – December 20th, 2026 |
| Orientation | September 4th, 2026 |
| Application deadline | August 25th, 2026 |
Please note that the course selections are made on a first-come-first-serve basis!
*) Small changes possible
Students can choose up to 4 courses during their study abroad semester. If you would like to take more than 4 courses, you will be charged 425$ USD per additional course. These fees will be payable directly to ULACIT upon semester start.
Please see below for detailed syllabi of Bachelor-level courses offered at ULACIT:
All courses from these programs are taught 100% in the English language. If you wish to attend courses taught in Spanish, please contact info@asiaexchange.org.
See the course list and course summaries
See the course offering and summary – Autumn semester
See the course offering and summary – Spring semester
See the course offering and summary – Summer semester
If you are interested in improving your Spanish skills, there is a possibility to attend the additional Spanish Immersion Program at ULACIT. According to their Spanish proficiency level, the students will be recommended enrollment in any of the entry-level courses:
See the summary for the Spanish courses.
Spanish Immersion language courses cover 60 contact hours, consisting of 3-hour lessons four times per week for five weeks, each Spanish course will earn students 4 US credits or 8 ECTS. The cost per course is 688 USD.
There is also a possibility to take up to three consecutive Spanish courses per season, earning a total of 12 US credits or 24 ECTS credits per academic period. The price for attending three Spanish courses is 1695 USD.
ULACIT will contact the students and ask about their interest in attending the Spanish Immersion program about 1-2 months before the semester start.
eCampusIn addition to the courses mentioned above, you have the chance to attend additional distance learning courses in the fields of Economics, Marketing, Sociology, and Politics. All the courses are taught from a distance and can be joined independently from place and time. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to combine your study abroad experience with various academic courses.
All information about the eCampus can be found here.
You have the chance to opt for distance learning courses during your application process. Please note that each distance learning course is worth 5 ECTS and comes at an additional charge of 199€ / 297USD.
After completing your eCampus courses, you will receive an academic transcript issued by Undiknas University. Additionally, you will receive a participation certificate for each completed distance learning course.
ULACIT works with the US credit system. Each academic course covers 45 contact hours per season (1 lesson each week, for 15 weeks), representing 6 ECTS or 3US credits per course.
You may choose up to 4 courses, which amounts to a maximum of 24 ECTS. ULACIT works annually, with three 15-week academic periods (Spring, Summer, and Fall), with two-week sessions in between. By enrolling in ULACIT, you can cover more credits within a year.
Part of our DNA is to keep excellent relationships with all our partners. Due to this special relationship with the Latin American University of Science and Technology, you save approximately
Tuition fee:
Application fee:
See what’s included in the fees.
Many of our students apply for national student funding such as PROMOS, BAföG, or CSN.
Are you from North/South America & Oceania? Find out more about the fees.
DOCUMENTS
Get the required documents (see list below)
APPLICATION
Fill out and submit the online application form together with the required documents
CONFIRMATION
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement within one week, at best as quickly as one day.
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement in 1-7 days, starting when your application is complete with all the required documents.
The application fee invoice will be sent to you soon after the initial acceptance letter. This fee will be due within 10 days of receiving your confirmation. The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide to cancel (see below).
If you’re unable to participate in the study abroad semester, you have the right to cancel your participation up to 1 month before the semester starts with no extra cost (the application fee will not be refunded, however). Let us know about your cancellation by writing us an email at info[at]asiaexchange.org. Cancellations notified via phone, SMS, or by any other means will not be considered. For more detailed information on our cancellation policy, please see the terms and conditions for cancellation. We also reserve the right to cancel your participation if any of your fees becomes overdue. For more information, please see our terms and conditions.
You are required to have a valid accident and health insurance from your home country for the whole duration of the program. The university may request a copy of the insurance certificate at the beginning of the semester. See our recommended travel insurance providers.
The Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) is a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial university committed to preparing students for leadership roles in science, technology, and other vital fields. Through its globally oriented approach, ULACIT equips students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in the 21st century.
The university places strong emphasis on positive social coexistence, inclusive values, and cross-cultural understanding. Students are encouraged to build international networks while respecting and celebrating cultural, political, religious, ethnic, gender, and ideological diversity.
International students at ULACIT have full access to the university’s state-of-the-art campus, including:
Fully equipped computer labs and multimedia classrooms
A modern library, printing and copy center, and quiet study areas
Comfortable student lounges, a cafeteria, and a student health center
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout campus
ULACIT’s main campus is located in central San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica. It sits just 800 meters north of Central Park and 150 meters south of the La República newspaper offices, in the Tournón neighborhood. The university is situated in San José’s banking district, only 20 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Additionally, the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer is located in Escazú, at Plaza Tempo, a modern commercial and innovation hub just outside the city center.
See the university video here:
When studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica, you can either stay in one of the accommodation options provided by ULACIT or find your own housing independently. Around 1–2 months before the semester begins, ULACIT will contact all incoming students to confirm their accommodation preferences and share more detailed options.
Host family
Living with a local host family is a great way to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and practice your Spanish daily. Costa Ricans, known for their friendliness and warmth, will welcome you as part of the family.
ULACIT works with carefully selected host families, many of whom have partnered with the university for years. All families live in the San José metro area, with convenient access to campus.
Cost: $772 USD/month (includes meals)
Individual accommodation
Students also have the option to find accommodation independently. San José offers a range of hostels, B&Bs, short-term rentals, and furnished apartments. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO are commonly used and offer flexible options for short or long stays.
If you choose to rent from a private owner, it’s strongly recommended to visit the property in person before signing a lease. Online listings may not always reflect reality, and location markers can be inaccurate, especially outside the metro area.
Finding housing independently may involve a bit of negotiation, this is part of the local culture and renting norms. Patience, a sense of humor, and cultural openness will go a long way in securing a place you’re happy with.
Unfortunately, traveling by plane to study abroad increases the carbon footprint of each student. Over the past years, it has become more apparent than ever: we face a climate crisis and air transport is responsible for up to 10% of humankind’s contribution to global warming. But should students stop pursuing their dreams of studying abroad and sacrifice their future goals? We don’t think so!
We see it as our responsibility to preserve our environment, live a sustainable life, and minimize the carbon footprint of each of our students. Consequently, Asia Exchange has chosen to work with Atmosfair, a non-profit organization that actively contributes to CO₂ mitigation and offers Co2 offsetting. You can now easily donate a free amount of money to Atmosfair’s projects dedicated to offsetting Co2 emissions. During the application process for your study abroad program, you have the opportunity to donate and mitigate your flight emissions.
Simultaneously, Asia Exchange will support your efforts to reduce their carbon footprint when studying abroad by doubling your donations and contributing equally. Let’s make this world a better place!
Click here to find out more about offsetting your flight emissions
Q: How do I select my courses?
A: We will send you a pre-course enrolment form along with a list of courses being offered approximately one month before your semester starts.
Q: Are the courses organized and taught in English?
A: Yes, ULACIT offering of courses taught in the English language is ample: 68 courses taught regularly 100% in the English language at ULACIT San José campus in the fields of Liberal Arts, Business Management, Economics, Accounting, Marketing, International Trade, Finance, Political Science, International Relations and Latin American Studies.
Q: Can I enroll in courses taught in Spanish?
A: Yes, you can, please notify us if you’d like to enroll in courses taught in Spanish.
Q: Do I need to have any language certificate?
A: There is no English language certificate required. However, if you’d like to enroll in courses taught in Spanish, you have to submit a minimum of B1 Certificate of Spanish Language Proficiency.
Q: What is the required course attendance?
A: The official course attendance requirement is 85%. Students who have 3 absences will fail the course.
Q: When do exams take place?
A: Exams are included in the semester dates, and they take place in the middle and at the end of the semester. We will send you a class schedule along with semester dates in it one month before your semester starts.
Q: What type of VISA do I need to have to study abroad in Costa Rica?
A: We recommend students enter Costa Rica with a Tourist VISA.
Q: What type of accommodation options are available?
A: ULACIT’s central campus does not offer traditional student residence (on-campus dorms). Exchange students are expected to live with a local host family (Homestay Program).
A: Students may rent a car in Costa Rica if they have an international driving license. Regular cabs are accessible in San Jose, however, we recommend you download the UBER taxi application to your phone. It’s the safest, cheapest and easiest way to travel in San Jose.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: Yes, all international students coming to ULACIT are required to purchase an international student health insurance plan with coverage in Costa Rica (no student will be accepted without it). Students must present a copy of their international health insurance ID card or written verification of coverage to be admitted and send a copy of this form for our records.
International Health Insurance Coverage must meet three essential requirements: cover medical expenses generated by the COVID-19 disease, hospital admission fees for the required duration, and minimum coverage of 14 days for accommodation expenses in case of delivery of a medical isolation order. If you choose this modality, you must have a certificate in English or Spanish from the international insurer that indicates the following:
Q: I need to have my learning agreement/certificate of enrolment signed. What should I do?
A: Please fill the document and send it to info@asiaexchange.org.
Q: When will I receive my Official Acceptance Letter?
A: The official letter of acceptance (Offer Letter) will be sent to you by email approximately 2–3 months before the semester starts.
Q: When will I receive my Transcript of Records?
A: The university prepares and sends the Academic Records, usually within 1-2 months after the end of the semester. We will send your Academic Records as soon as we receive them from ULACIT.
Don’t be scared and just do it! We are not regretting it at all. We are having the time of our life even though it is COVID-19. So, do it, you won’t regret it!
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Asia Exchange offers the chance to study abroad in China, Bali, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam. We also offer study-abroad opportunities in Europe, South America via Beyond Abroad.
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