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Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

Ranked
Valparaiso, Chile
1501+ in World University Rankings 2025
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About

Basic information and contact details for Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

institution

The Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV) was founded in 1928 as the first university in the region, and the fourth in all of Chile.

The university’s first intake totalled 250 students – a figure which now stands at more than 15,000. International students number around 1,000 and are drawn mainly from South America, North America and Europe.

Alumni of PCUV include an abundance of individuals working in the fields of government, politics and human rights.

Over 100 degree programmes are offered at PUCV across nine faculties: Engineering, Law, Economics and Management, Architecture and Urbanism, Philosophy and Education, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Sciences, Marine Sciences and Geography, and Ecclesiastical Theology.

PUCV’s motto is ‘Faith and Work’. The university prides itself on fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among its students and in conducting research that addresses some of Chile’s cultural, social, and economic problems.

It also has a reputation for international co-operation and forging strong links with overseas universities. Its involvement in a number of exchange programmes and international mobility networks connects its students to more than 200 partner universities worldwide.

The university is famed for its school of architecture. Known as 'The Valparaíso School' and considered highly creative, the school's faculty members live in Open City - a community they themselves have designed, along with their students, and which came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Located on the Pacific coast of the country, Valparaíso is the cultural capital of Chile, best known for its brightly coloured buildings, vibrant street art, galleries, markets and boutiques. In 2003, it was given UNESCO world heritage status. It is also an area of outstanding natural beauty, with easy access to mountains, forests, lakes, volcanoes and vineyards.

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
43 F : 57 M (1)
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International student percentage
1% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
24.2 (1)
student
Student total
18179 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

See below for a range of subjects taught at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

Physical Sciences1001+

  • Chemistry
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics

Computer Science801–1000th

  • Computer Science

Social Sciences801–1000th

  • Sociology
  • Geography
  • Communication and Media Studies

Life Sciences801–1000th

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Sport Science
  • Biological Sciences

Law301+

  • Law

Arts and Humanities601+

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Architecture

Education501–600th

  • Education

Engineering1001–1250th

  • General Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering