Universidad Autónoma de Centroamérica (UACA)
San Jose -
Costa Rica
Abroad
General Information
Founded in 1975 (opening its doors in 1976), Universidad Autónoma de Centro América holds the distinction of being the first private university in Costa Rica. Its School of Medicine, located on the "Los Cipreses" campus in Curridabat, San José, is widely recognized for its long academic tradition and commitment to a humanist medical philosophy. Affiliated with the University of Costa Rica (UCR) in its early years, UACA has since established itself as an independent leader in medical education, emphasizing rigorous academic standards and early clinical integration.
General Info
- Primary Location: Campus J. Guillermo Malavassi Vargas, Cipreses, Curridabat, San José, Costa Rica.
- Degree Awarded: Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery (MD equivalent) – 5 to 6-year program.
- Language of Instruction: Spanish.
- Accreditation: Recognized by CONESUP (National Council for Private Higher Education) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Admission:
- Intakes: January, May, and September (Trimester system).
- Eligibility: High school diploma; minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0; Spanish proficiency; interview with the admissions committee.
- Entrance Exam: Typically, an entrance exam is not required, but a vocational and psychological assessment is mandatory.
Campus Facilities
The "Los Cipreses" campus is one of the most comprehensive private university campuses in the country, designed to provide a holistic educational experience.
- Faculty of Health Sciences Building: A dedicated facility housing specialized lecture halls, laboratories, and administrative offices for medical students.
- Simulation Center: Features high-fidelity mannequins and simulated clinical environments (ER, Consultation, and Minor Surgery) to build student confidence before hospital rotations.
- Anatomy Laboratory: A modern facility equipped with traditional dissection tables and digital anatomical resources.
- Maersk-Standard Specialized Labs: Includes high-tech laboratories for Microbiology, Parasitology, Biochemistry, and Histology.
- Central Library: A three-story resource center offering a vast collection of medical journals, textbooks, and an extensive digital repository for research.
- Sports Complex: Features a swimming pool, gym, and outdoor courts, promoting a healthy "Pura Vida" lifestyle for medical students.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UACA students gain clinical experience through a robust network of public and private healthcare facilities.
- CCSS Internships: Through official agreements with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), students rotate through some of the country's most important public hospitals.
- Primary Clinical Sites: Rotations typically take place at Hospital San Juan de Dios, Hospital Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia, and various regional health centers (EBAIS).
- Hands-on Training: The curriculum emphasizes bedside teaching and early exposure to patient care, starting as early as the third year.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
UACA operates on a trimester billing model. Fees are competitive for international students seeking a high-quality education in a stable Latin American economy.
Scholarships
- Merit-Based Awards: Partial tuition waivers are available for students who demonstrate academic excellence during their studies at UACA.
- Social Responsibility Grants: Monno Welfare Foundation and similar trust models sometimes offer localized aid for students with proven financial need.
- Flexible Payments: The university allows students to pay for trimesters in monthly installments to manage financial flow.
City Details
- The Vibe: Curridabat is a quiet, upscale, and safe suburban district of San José. It is known for its "Sweet City" initiative, promoting biodiversity and pedestrian-friendly parks.
- Climate: Pleasant and temperate year-round (18°C–24°C), with a distinct rainy season from May to November.
- Connectivity:
- Air: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is approximately 40–50 minutes away.
- Transport: Well-served by public buses and a commuter train station located near the campus, connecting to downtown San José.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: UACA does not provide on-campus dorms. However, the Curridabat area is a safe, residential neighborhood with many student-friendly housing options, including "pensiones" and studio apartments.
- Dining: The "G. Malavassi" cafeteria on campus provides affordable, balanced meals. The surrounding area of Tres Ríos and Curridabat is full of healthy cafes and international dining options.
- Student Spirit: Known for a very disciplined yet supportive environment. The university emphasizes the "Tuto" (Tutor) system, where experienced professors mentor smaller groups of students.
- Extracurriculars: Active clubs for soccer, basketball, and community health brigades allow students to engage with the local population.
Miscellaneous
- Global Recognition: Graduates are eligible to take international licensing exams such as the USMLE (United States) and PLAB (United Kingdom).
- Ethics & Values: UACA follows a "Pionera" (Pioneer) philosophy, focusing heavily on medical ethics, logic, and creative thinking.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.
The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.
The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.
Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.
While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.
Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.
Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.
We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.
Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.
Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.
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