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    University for Peace

    Check whether the University for Peace is right for you as an international student.

    Official university website

    Uni facts

    San José, Costa Rica
    • Type
      Public
    • Rank
      3870
    • International students
      160
    • Nationalities
      45
    • Total programs
      7
    • Acceptance rate
      -

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    Study abroad at the University for Peace

    The University for Peace (UPEACE) was created by a UN initiative and is the world's leading educational institution in the field of peace and conflict resolution. The University pursues academic excellence through the critical study and analysis of global and humanitarian issues.

    The campus in Costa Rica’s San José is set in 200 hectares of a natural reserve. Programs are offered in many areas across subjects like peace, the environment, international law, gender, and education. UPEACE students and faculty are from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and interests, making the environment at the University accepting and enlightening.

    The University for Peace does not have on-campus housing options, however the Students’ Service Office can help you with searching for accommodation.

    Why study at UPEACE?

    • Green commitments

      The University has set in place a number of initiatives to address the sustainability of the campus

    • Unique history

      The only university in the world created through a UN General Assembly Resolution

    Life as an international student

    UPEACE student services are available to international students and include careers advice and guidance, helping you plan for your next career steps. The University campus also includes medical services to students, and you are able to access counseling services free of charge.

    The University puts on events and opportunities for students throughout the year. Getting involved with campus events is a great way to meet others with similar interests.

    Student reviews for the University for Peace

    Overall rating
    4.14285714 stars
    Based on 14 reviews
    Overall experience
    4.5 stars
    Accommodation
    4 stars
    Academic
    4 stars
    University facilities
    3.7143 stars
    University social
    4.5 stars
    • Jacinta Astles
      Australia
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      5 stars
      University social
      5 stars
      Accommodation
      5 stars
      University facilities
      5 stars
      University for Peace Peace Studies
      Tell us about the University for Peace
      Accommodation has a lot of options: host family, shared house or single apartment. There are a lot of extra-curricular activities and events organized by the student council. Buses are provided to and from campus everyday. The cafeteria is reasonable.
    • Pedro Fonseca
      Nicaragua
      Overall experience 3 stars
      Academic
      3 stars
      University social
      2 stars
      Accommodation
      2 stars
      University facilities
      2 stars
      University for Peace Dispute Resolution
      Tell us about the University for Peace
      It supposed that the University provides some facilities and services regarding accommodation, visa, information, but it doesn’t work very well. The people are very warm and they do their best, but the campus is located very far from the city and the closest town is 6 km away, and is a very small town. Definitely the University doesn’t have the conditions for international students.
    • Yumiko Takano
      Japan
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      4 stars
      University social
      4 stars
      Accommodation
      4 stars
      University facilities
      3 stars
      University for Peace Peace Studies
      Tell us about the University for Peace
      UPEACE is where all the opportunities are. If you work hard with enthusiasm and appreciation for the learning opportunities, all the doors are open to you.
    • Kathryn Fahey
      United States
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      3 stars
      University social
      5 stars
      Accommodation
      4 stars
      University facilities
      3 stars
      University for Peace Human Rights
      Tell us about the University for Peace
      The facilities were basic but really all that was needed. The accommodation was great, though having a bit more information about the area to make the decision would have been helpful. I think in terms of communication, that is where UPeace can improve the most. In pretty much every way, communication seems to lag and be last minute, even when there is seemingly no reason for that to be the case. Transportation was limited, though the University did a great job trying to make it as available as possible. The social life was great, though the places to go in Colon are few and so that can be limiting at times.
    • Tiyamike Mkanthama
      Malawi
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      4 stars
      University social
      4 stars
      Accommodation
      4 stars
      University facilities
      3 stars
      University for Peace Environmental Science
      Tell us about the University for Peace
      Apart from the nuances acquired in the classroom, the University for Peace (UPEACE) offers a diverse crop of friends from all around the world--friends whom by the end of the program become family. It is a great place to connect with likeminded people on a mission to transform the world. The University facilities themselves are modest but steadily advancing. Developments like installation of solar energy; the launching of an organic garden and a Green Office; the purchase of a biodigester; the construction of a Wellness Center; etc. all puts this University on the right track to intimate and assimilate the landmark Sustainable Development Goals. The fact that the campus itself is surrounded by forest lands creates a tranquil environment for studying, contemplation, reconnection with nature, etc. While studying, you get to travel and explore Costa Rica for both personal and course requirements. That in itself provides an excellent learning experience. The challenge is that sometimes students do not always get much time to fully immerse in the Costa Rican culture.

    Student life & facilities

    Group of students planning a presentation in a living room
    • Transport
      • Campus Bus Service
    • Food & Restaurants
      • Restaurants 1
      • Cafe’s 1
    • Healthcare & Medical
      • Counselling & Mental Health Services
      • Campus Doctor

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    Fees and funding

    UPEACE is a not-for-profit institution and has limited funds for financial assistance. Therefore they strive for balance, diverse class composition, and merit in distributing financial assistance among admitted students.

    The prospective applicant has to be admitted to UPEACE in order to receive any possibility of financial assistance from the University.

    No scholarships for international students.

    30% or 50% Tuition Waiver (Merit Based) - Available to master's applicants. These waivers are offered in limited number and will be awarded by merit, not financial condition.

    Signatory Countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Italy, Liberia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Suriname, Togo, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela.

    Location

    University for Peace

    Ciudad Colon, San Jose

    The Rodrigo Carazo Campus consists of 300 hectares located within a secondary forest reserve, home to mammals such as monkeys and deer, over 300 species of birds, and more than 100 species of trees.

    Find a program at the University for Peace

    Visa requirements for the University for Peace

    Many international students will require a visa to study in Costa Rica, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

    Costa Rica student visa requirements