Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

401–500th
World University Rankings 2024
201–300th
Impact Rankings 2023
1st
Latin America Rankings 2023
Avda. Libertador Bernardo, O'Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile

About Pontificia Universidad Católica de 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.

Originally teaching law, mathematics, legal sciences and physical sciences, its Faculty of Theology was created in 1935, and it later made courses in available in subjects like philosophy, commerce, education sciences and technology.

With four of its campuses based in Santiago, Chile’s capital and most populous city, and the fifth is 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 epitomises 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.

Santiago is relatively safe, has the second biggest metro system in Latin America - with more than 100 stations - and is a relatively affordable place compared to most capital cities in Europe and North America. Its highlights include views of the Andes, several scenic parks, a buzzing nightlife and a booming arts scene.

Its alumni include former presidents of Chile Sebastian Piñera and Eduardo Frei Montalva.

Explore rankings data for Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

All ranked institutions have an overall score and 4 pillar scores. However for each pillar, only institutions ranked in the top 500 overall or the top 500 in this pillar have a publicly visible score

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Key statistics

  • 3%
    Percentage of International Students
    (1)
  • 15.0
    No. of students per staff
    (1)
  • 30,448
    Number of FTE Students
    (1)
  • 24%
    Proportion of ISR Publication
    (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) 2024 World University Rankings

Subjects taught at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

  • Social sciences

    • Sociology
    • Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
    • Communication & Media Studies
    • Geography
  • Physical sciences

    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics & Statistics
    • Physics & Astronomy
    • Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
  • Psychology

    • Psychology
  • Engineering & technology

    • General Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
    • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
  • Business & economics

    • Business & Management
    • Economics & Econometrics
    • Accounting & Finance
  • Arts & humanities

    • Architecture
    • History, Philosophy & Theology
    • Languages, Literature & Linguistics
    • Archaeology
    • Art, Performing Arts & Design
  • Life sciences

    • Sport Science
    • Agriculture & Forestry
    • Biological Sciences
    • Veterinary Science
  • Clinical, pre-clinical & health

    • Medicine & Dentistry
    • Other Health
  • Computer science

    • Computer Science
  • Law

    • Law
  • Education

    • Education