Universidad de Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED)
San Jose -
Costa Rica
Abroad
General Information
UCIMED, founded in 1976, is the oldest and most prestigious private medical university in Costa Rica. It is highly regarded for its exclusive focus on health sciences and its consistently high passing rates on the National Internship Exam. Unlike public institutions, UCIMED offers a personalized approach with smaller class sizes and state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. It is a top choice for students seeking elite medical training with strong international clinical ties.
General Info
- Primary Location: > Calle de la Salud, Sabana Sur, San José, Costa Rica.
- Academic Tracks:
- Licenciatura in Medicine and Surgery: A 6-year program including the mandatory University Internship year.
- Pharmacy: A Licenciatura degree focused on clinical and community pharmacy.
- Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Microbiology: High-demand programs with specialized laboratories.
- Postgraduate Specialties: Offers medical residencies in coordination with the Social Security System (CCSS).
- Admission Process:
- Requirements: High school diploma, personal interview, and occasionally a proficiency exam.
- International Students: Must apostille documents and meet immigration requirements. For Indian students, NEET qualification is mandatory for NMC recognition.
- Instruction: Primarily Spanish (Clinical textbooks and research materials are frequently in English).
- Research Focus: Human genetics, clinical pharmacology, and bioethics.
Campus Facilities
The Sabana Sur campus is specifically designed for integrated medical education.
- Clinical Simulation Center: One of the most advanced in Central America, featuring high-fidelity robots that simulate births, heart attacks, and surgical emergencies.
- Anatomy Laboratory: Features an amphitheater for real cadaveric dissection, complemented by Anatomage virtual dissection tables.
- Specialized Library: Access to major biomedical databases such as ClinicalKey and AccessMedicine.
- Microbiology & Biochemistry Labs: Equipped with the latest generation of clinical diagnostic technology.
- Technological Classrooms: Spaces with advanced audiovisual systems for telemedicine integration.
- Nutrition Center: On-campus clinics where students practice under faculty supervision.
- Student Services: Includes relaxation areas, a cafeteria with healthy options, and 24/7 study zones.
- Strategic Location: Situated near La Sabana Metropolitan Park, offering a green environment in the heart of the city.
- Research Coordination Office: Manages clinical trials and scientific publications.
- Virtual Education Platform: A robust system for hybrid learning and digital resource management.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UCIMED maintains strong agreements with the national hospital network (CCSS) and the private sector:
- Hospital San Juan de Dios & Hospital México: Primary sites for high-complexity clinical rotations.
- National Children’s Hospital (HNN): The benchmark for pediatric training.
- Clínica Bíblica & Hospital CIMA: Agreements with top private hospitals for specialized observation and practice.
- Rural Health Areas: Practical rotations in communities to understand Costa Rican social medicine.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
UCIMED is a medium-to-high cost institution, reflecting its quality and specialization.
Scholarships
- Academic Excellence Scholarship: Percentage discounts for the highest-ranking incoming students.
- Financing Agreements: Agreements with local banks (such as CONAPE) for long-term educational loans.
- Sibling Discounts: Reduction in fees for families with more than one child enrolled.
City Details
- Environment: Sabana Sur is one of the safest and most accessible areas of San José.
- Transport: Easy access via the urban train, bus routes, and private transport services (Uber/Didi).
- Climate: High-altitude tropical, with pleasant temperatures between 18°C and 26°C year-round.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: The university does not have its own dorms, but the Sabana Sur area and nearby neighborhoods (Rohrmoser, Pavas) offer many apartments and student residences.
- Dining: The internal cafeteria offers balanced menus. Being centrally located, there is easy access to supermarkets and a wide variety of restaurants.
- Vibe: It is a very serious and focused academic environment. UCIMED students are known for their discipline and strong institutional identity.
Miscellaneous
- Accreditation: SINAES (Costa Rica). Internationally recognized by the ECFMG (USA) and the NMC (India).
- Internship: The university guarantees clinical spots for the mandatory internship year.
- Degree Status: Doctor of Medicine and Surgery.
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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- 15+ years of experience in medical education counseling
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