Pontificia  Universidad Católica De Chile (PUC)

About: PUC was founded on June 21, 1888 by the Santiago Archbishop, to offer training in traditional professions (law) and in technological and practical fields such as business, accounting, chemistry, and electricity. Its first chancellor was Monsignor Joaquín Larraín Gandarillas, and at the very beginning, the university only taught two subjects, law and mathematics. Since it is a Pontifical University, it has always had a strong and very close relationship with the Vatican. On February 11, 1930, Pope Pius XI declared it a pontifical university, and in 1931 it was granted full academic autonomy by the Chilean government.

PUC is a private, urban, multi-campus university. It is one of the eleven Chilean Catholic universities, and one of the twenty-five institutions within the Rectors' Council (Consejo de Rectores), the Chilean state-sponsored university system. It is part of the Universities of the Rectors' Council of Chilean Universities, and although it is not state-owned, a substantial part of its budget is given by state transfers under different programs.

Contact at PUC:

Pia Mendiburu, Incoming International Mobility Officer pfmendib@uc.cl  or  exchange@uc.cl 

International Affairs Office, Prorrectoría - PUC Chile, Avda. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 340, Of. 13, 8331010 Santiago - Chile

Highlights: 

According to the QS Ranking,  PUC ranks 1st in Latin America (2018, 2019 and 2020),and 137th in the world.  In the same ranking, its Faculty of Law ranks 38th in the world, and its Faculty of Education ranks 33rd worldwide.

Location: 

PUC's 18 faculties are distributed through four campuses in Santiago and one regional campus located in southern Chile. The technical training centers affiliated with the University are: DUOC, the Rural Life Foundations, the Baviera Foundation, the Catechetical Home and the San Fidel Seminary.

Campus videos

Courses / Modules: 

Students should work with their supervisors/ international coordinators when selecting from the course list at PUC.

Students will be required to be proficient in Spanish for this exchange to level B2 CEFR. 

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

40 PUC  Credits = 60 York Credits

This has been calculated by the University of York and students should not compare it with the requirements of other universities.  Taking insufficient credits can lead to students failing the year. Any alteration to credits/modules must be discussed with your department prior to making any changes.

Teaching Periods: 

Southern Hemisphere - students going for a full year will join in the second semester and then return for the first semester to fit with York academic year.

Second Semester - Early August - Late November

First Semester - Early March - Late June

PUC Academic Calendar

Language: 

Most courses are taught in Spanish, students are recommended to have CEFR Level B2 to ensure that they are able to follow courses.  Some courses are taught in English but these are limited and not available in all subjects.

Accommodation: 

PUC does not provide student housing or accommodation for foreign students specifically but have a list of student dormitories and housing options which students can apply for. 

 Although they are not affiliated as they are advertised on PUCs housing website, they feel they will be reputable and safe companies.

Orientation / Welcome week:  

A free orientation programme is provided by PUC prior to the start of each semester.

Support Services: 

PUC has a complete student health service, including mental health support and counselling.

Visas: 

Students should take time to research their own visa status but information is available from PUC

Health insurance: 

Students must have health insurance coverage during their time at PUC.  Advice on insurance is provided but students are free to purchase cover from any provider.

Travel insurance:  

If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Rebecca, Philosophy, Year Abroad, 2025/26

"Whilst on my semester abroad at PUC, Chile, I was able to study a variety of courses including Philosophy, Film and Photography. The ability to select such a range of courses is something that has opened up an abundance of doors academically. "

Scarlett, Language and Linguistic Science, Semester Abroad, 2025/26

"I studied at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in Santiago for approximately 4 months, and I consider it to be an experience that I will never forget. It has truly been so eye-opening and I think it has made me a better person because of it. I also think it has made me really think about what I want to do in the future, what I want to study, where I want to live etc, and I think it has given me the confidence to actually consider living and working in another country, I would even consider coming back to Chile to do so. I dont think there is anything more I wish I knew prior to coming to Chile, as I was fortunate enough to have been in contact with many others who has done the exact same thing as I did, so I was able to ask all my questions and feel more at ease before arriving. "

Elizabeth,  Language and Linguistic Science, Semester Abroad, 2025/26

"During my placement, I studied for a semester at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and stayed in a house with other international students (we were 11 in total!). I studied four modules, an Italian course, a German course, a course about fashion and gender constructions and lastly one about politics, gender and society in Chile, all taught in Spanish. As well as studying, I did a lot of travelling with my friends, mainly in Chile but also to Argentina and Peru (which was my favourite). My time in Chile has had a huge impact on me. I feel like I have really matured and have new ideas for my future career and I really consider doing a master's abroad because of it. When speaking to other international students, they were able to help me and recommend good courses. I achieved making a lot of friends from all over the world and now I have friends for life from whom I have learnt so much, and I am still in touch with them. The whole process of moving abroad has been so useful for me, as it will be easier once I graduate to work abroad as I now know the process and have contacts which will help me too. I wish I had known not to worry so much and that even though it feels impossible when there are so many obstacles to overcome and new things to learn, everything will work itself out, and you will be fine."

• PUC

• Fact Sheet 2026/2027

• PUC International Office

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College D/A/023

Drop in: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 11-1pm

Follow us on Instagram: @GoGlobalUOY

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors

Rebecca, Philosophy, year abroad, 2025/26

"My first impression of Chile has incredible. In Santiago I have had the luxury of meeting an abundance of likeminded individuals, with the same desire to experience and explore everything that Chile has to offer."

Annabel, History, year abroad, 2024/25

"Throughout my time here I have learnt so much and made friends from all over the world that I’m sure I will have forever. It was difficult adapting to language and customs here but after a month or so it became much easier. I wish I would have known how easy it will be to make friends - the international community is so lovely."

Charlie, History, Study Abroad 2018/19

Santiago is unlike any European capital city I have visited. The various turbulent periods of recent Chilean history are still controversial among many sectors of society and this is clear in conflicting depictions of Colonialists, early Presidents of Chile, and more recent dictators, throughout Santiago and the country in general. Despite Santiago being South America's most developed city, it is clear that this is still very much a developing city, though the infrastructure is always changing and I am sure that the city will be a different place in 10 years. 

The Chilean dialect is something that I was constantly warned about before my trip, but it was only when I started chatting to Chileans in a more casual and social environment that I realised just how commonplace certain phrases are. You rarely get through a sentence without hearing one of 'weón' (mate), bacán (cool/great), or 'cachai?' (do you get me?).  

The single most annoying thing about Chile is how bureaucratic the society is, and this constantly affects everyday life. The immigration process was very drawn out during the first month here and needed several trips to various civil registries, including one 5 hour queue. It's also necessary to have your national insurance number every time you want to a) use the equivalent of your Tesco clubcard, b) take a bus an hour outside of the city. 

The university made it very easy to settle in. The orientation day was very useful for meeting fellow international students, and there are often events to encourage international involvement in the university, and communication between Chileans and international students.