Universidad Internacional de las Américas (UIA)
San Jose -
Costa Rica
Abroad
General Information
Founded in 1986, Universidad Internacional de las Américas was the first private university in Costa Rica to be authorized by the National Council of Private Higher Education (CONESUP). Its School of Medicine, located in the historic and vibrant Aranjuez neighborhood of San José, is well-regarded for its long-standing academic tradition and its focus on developing globally competitive healthcare professionals. UIA is known for offering a balanced curriculum that integrates early clinical simulation with community-based healthcare.
General Info
- Primary Location: Calle 23, Avenue 7 & 9, Barrio Aranjuez, San José, Costa Rica.
- Degree Awarded: Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery (MD equivalent) – 5 to 6-year program.
- Language of Instruction: Spanish. (English-speaking students usually undergo intensive Spanish language training as part of their clinical preparation).
- Accreditation: Recognized by CONESUP and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Admission:
- Intakes: January, May, and September (Trimester-based).
- Eligibility: High school diploma (recognized by the MEP); strong grades in Biology and Chemistry; Spanish proficiency (Level B2/C1); personal interview.
- International Students: No entrance exam like the public university is required for most private applicants, but a vocational assessment is common.
Campus Facilities
UIA’s campus is located in a centralized urban setting, offering easy access to the capital's cultural and medical districts.
- Simulation Center: Features specialized simulation rooms where students practice clinical skills on high-fidelity models before entering real hospital settings.
- Specialized Labs: Modern facilities for Histology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, along with a dedicated Anatomy department.
- Digital Resources: Extensive online library access and computer labs for medical research and database management.
- Urban Campus: The university is integrated into the city, within walking distance of the National Museum and several major public hospitals.
- Security: Gated campus with 24/7 security and restricted access for student safety.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UIA provides its students with a robust clinical training platform through partnerships with both public and private sectors.
- CCSS Partnership: Students complete rotations at hospitals within the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), the pillar of Costa Rica's public healthcare.
- Primary Teaching Sites: Rotations often occur at major hospitals such as Hospital San Juan de Dios and Hospital Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia.
- Primary Care Focus: Emphasis on the EBAIS system (Primary Care Units), where students learn community-based health management and preventive care.
- Private Clinical Sites: Occasional opportunities for observations in prestigious private clinics in San José.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
UIA operates on a trimester system (three terms per year). Tuition is based on the number of credits taken.
Scholarships
- Merit-Based Discounts: Partial tuition waivers for students who maintain a high cumulative GPA (usually above 90/100).
- Convenios (Agreements): UIA has various agreements with international organizations and companies that provide specialized discounts for their members or employees' children.
- Financing Plans: The university offers internal credit options to pay for the trimester in interest-free monthly installments.
City Details
- The Vibe: Aranjuez is a historic, leafy neighborhood known for its "Feria Verde" (Green Fair) and artistic vibe. It is one of the most pleasant areas to walk in San José.
- Climate: Mild tropical weather (17°C–24°C) year-round.
- Connectivity:
- Air: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is 30–40 minutes away.
- Transport: Centralized location makes it easy to use the San José bus system or the train that connects to Heredia and Alajuela.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: UIA is a non-residential campus. However, Barrio Aranjuez and Barrio Escalante are famous for student housing, offering everything from single "pensiones" to shared luxury apartments.
- Dining: Several on-campus cafes serve affordable local meals. The surrounding neighborhood is the culinary heart of San José (Escalante), offering a vast array of international cuisines.
- Sports & Culture: Active student associations organize health brigades, sports tournaments (soccer is highly popular), and cultural festivals.
- Medical Spanish Programs: Specifically for international students, the university often facilitates language support to ensure success in clinical years.
Miscellaneous
- USMLE Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to apply for ECFMG certification to take the USMLE and pursue residency in the United States.
- Philosophy: The university prides itself on its motto "Sapientia et Labor" (Wisdom and Work), emphasizing the practical application of medical knowledge.
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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