The University
Founded in 1888, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile hold strict and rigorous academic standards and adopt international best practices from top universities around the world. With 18 Faculties, PUC Chile has four campuses in Santiago and one in Villarrica, in the South of Chile. Each one has its own identity and is linked to a different moment in the university's history.
Santiago, also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and economic centre of Chile. With its museums, events, theaters, restaurants, bars and other entertainment and cultural opportunities, it is the political and cultural center of the country. Due to its proximity to both mountains and the Pacific Ocean, It is possible to ski in the nearby Andes and later be on the beach, all in the same day. Most of the city lies between 500–650 meters above sea level.
Exchange information
- Undergraduate level exchange only.
- Academic Year: March - December (First Semester: March - July; Second Semester: August - December).
- Courses are taught in Spanish, with a small number of courses available in English.
- Students must have a high level Spanish language, even if only attending courses in English.
- Minimum course load: 10 PUC Chile credits; maximum course load: 50 credits per semester.
- Most courses at PUC Chile are 10 credit courses (4 contact hours + 6 hours of individual work per week), 180 hours of work during the semester.
- Undergraduate level courses are 500-level to 1000-level; graduate courses are from 4000-level to 5000-level (not open for exchange students).
- All students attending PUC Chile must have a suitable level of Spanish - even when planning to take only courses in English while on exchange.
- The Spanish courses not part of the exchange agreement. Exchange students will pay for courses to PUC Chile directly.
- PUC Chile does not provide accommodation for foreign students. Students are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements.
Relevant Links
- Search for courses - for courses in English type in the major in English under "Nombre Curso" (ie Politics or Economics).
- Courses at PUC Chile
- Courses restricted to exchange students
- Spanish courses and fees
- Academic calendar
- Accommodation
- Estimated cost of living
- Before arriving at PUC Chile
- PUC Chile visa information
- Information on student visas and insurance for students going on exchange
Exchange experiences
- 2019 S1 BA SPAN SD (PDF)
- 2018 S1 BA SPAN EG (PDF)
Further Information
For further information about Otago Global Student Exchange, please contact an Exchange Adviser.