The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile was founded on June 21, 1888 by Monsignor Mariano Casanova, Archbishop of Santiago. His goal was to create an institution capable of blending academic excellence and training based on the Christian doctrine.
History
1888 - Foundation - On June 21, the Archbishop of Santiago Mariano Casanova publishes the decree to open Universidad Católica.
1889 - The first classes, carried out with 10 professors and 50 students at the Círculo Católico, are offered. The courses range from Faculty of Law and Bachelor in math, which gives way years later to the Engineering and Architecture degrees.
Education
100 Undergraduate Programs
88 Graduate Programs
35 PhD programs
The UC academic staff is made up of more than 3,400 professors with varied and extensive backgrounds who fall under different classifications, such as tenured professorship and the honorary academic degree of emeritus professor.
Research
Our passion is creating knowledge and sharing it with academics, researchers, students, and professionals. We transfer it to society through projects that address the country’s top social, economic, political and cultural needs.
Pontifical Catholic University of ChileKey Statistics & Highlights
#119Ranking
20Scholarships
3,400Academic Staff
29,756Students
2,082Students (int'l)
Public Institution Type
Pontifical Catholic University of ChileOverview
Pontifical Catholic University of ChileScholarships
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
119
By TopUniversities
Dropped 3 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
93
116
119
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
336
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 54 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
359
390
336
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
501
401
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
2024
2025
2026
601
501
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
UC Libraries is part of the UC Gradual Return plan, starting up some face-to-face services (to the extent that the phases of the Step-by-Step Plan allow it).
Campus life
The University is spread over five campuses: four in different districts of Santiago and one in the southern city of Villarrica. These campuses not only fill an academic need but have also become cultural landmarks that the University has provided to both cities.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation. Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile.
Pontifical Catholic University of ChileCampus Locations
Pontifical Catholic University of ChileStudent Reviews & Awards
4.6
Based on 8 reviews
5 Star
5 Reviews
4 Star
3 Reviews
3 Star
0 Reviews
2 Star
0 Reviews
1 Star
0 Reviews
5/5
Reflecting on Primary Education Studies
Studying Primary Education at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile provided a strong theoretical foundation and meaningful pedagogical tools. However, I felt that there was limited emphasis on real classroom experience and current educational challenges in Chilean schools. The program could benefit from greater integration between academic theory and everyday teaching practice.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromMar 2020 - Nov 2024
Posted onApr 2025
5/5
POV: you study in the best Chilean University (PUC)
Pontificial Catholic University of Chile is an amazing place to study, one of the best in Chile and latin america.
It is not easy to be selected for your studies there, but it's worth it considering the integral education you will get.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromFeb 2001 - Dec 2025
Posted onMay 2022
4/5
Falling in love with sciences
Before entering uni I didn't really know what to study, but after a couple of conversations with some school teachers I made the decision to study biochemistry, once I've realized science was my subject, and that I wanted to get involved in that area.
I've checked different curriculums and my Uni's one was the more convincing for me, and I was right.
Just like every other career, there are some very difficult subjects, but when you like what you do, and you aim to achieve something with it, every challenge is helpful, mainly to grow as a person and professional.
My university provides lots of tools to be capable, and professors are also always there in the best way for one to understand everything, also when it has to do with "future".