Costa Rican universities and business schools provide high-quality education with programs that are recognized internationally. Institutions like INCAE Business School are renowned for their business programs.
Many universities offer programs in both English and Spanish, catering to international students and enhancing global business communication skills.
Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage and diverse environment offer a unique and enriching experience. Students can immerse themselves in a new culture while pursuing their studies.
Costa Rica’s location in Central America provides strategic access to both North and South American markets, making it a great place for students interested in international business.
Costa Rica is a leader in sustainability and environmental innovation. Business programs often integrate these themes, preparing students for the growing field of sustainable business practices.
Costa Rica has a stable economy and is considered one of the most politically stable countries in Latin America, providing a secure environment for studying.
Studying in Costa Rica offers opportunities to network with professionals, companies, and alumni who are active in Latin America and beyond.
Compared to many Western countries, the cost of education in Costa Rica is relatively affordable. Additionally, there are various scholarship opportunities for international students.
Costa Rica is known for its high quality of life, beautiful landscapes, and emphasis on health and well-being, contributing to a pleasant and conducive study environment.
Many programs offer internships and practical experiences with local and international businesses, providing valuable real-world experience and enhancing employability.
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
MBA |
Sustainable Development, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Strategy & Leadership |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Business Management |
Entrepreneurship, Marketing, International Business |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Economics |
Business Economics, Financial Economics, International Economics |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management |
|
Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources |
|
Universidad Veritas |
MBA |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Business |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Operations Management, Marketing, Finance |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Master in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations |
University |
Program Name |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
MBA |
English, Spanish |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Business Management |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Economics |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Spanish |
|
Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Veritas |
MBA |
English |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Master in Business Administration |
Spanish |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Business Management |
Entrepreneurship, Marketing, International Business |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Economics |
Business Economics, Financial Economics, International Economics |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management |
Spanish |
|
Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Operations Management, Marketing, Finance |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations |
Spanish |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
MBA |
Sustainable Development, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Strategy & Leadership |
English, Spanish |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Master in Business Administration |
Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Master in Business Management |
Strategic Management, Marketing, International Business |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Master in Business Administration |
Business Economics, Financial Economics, International Economics |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Master in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Veritas |
MBA |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Business |
English |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Master in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations |
Spanish |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
PhD in Management |
Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Entrepreneurship |
English |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
PhD in Economic Sciences |
Economic Theory, Applied Economics, International Economics |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
PhD in Business Administration |
Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, International Business |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
PhD in Business Economics |
Business Economics, Financial Economics, International Economics |
Spanish |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Diploma in Business Administration |
General Business, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Diploma in Management |
Strategic Management, Marketing, International Business |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Diploma in Economics |
Business Economics, Financial Economics, International Economics |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Diploma in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Diploma in Business Administration |
Operations Management, Marketing, Finance |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Diploma in Business Administration |
Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations |
Spanish |
|
University/Institution |
Program Name |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
Executive Education Programs |
1 week to 3 months |
English, Spanish |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Certificate in Business Administration |
3 months |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Certificate in Management |
3 to 6 months |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Short Course in Marketing Management |
2 months |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Certificate in Financial Management |
3 months |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Certificate in Sustainable Business |
1 month |
English |
|
LEAD University |
Short Course in International Business |
1 to 2 months |
English, Spanish |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Certificate in Human Resource Management |
2 to 3 months |
Spanish |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Certificate in Operations Management |
3 months |
Spanish |
University |
Course Programs |
|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
MBA, PhD in Management, Executive Education Programs |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Business Administration, PhD in Economic Sciences, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Business Administration |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Business Management, Master in Business Management, PhD in Business Administration, Diploma in Management, Certificate in Management |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Economics, Master in Business Administration, PhD in Business Economics, Diploma in Economics, Short Course in Marketing Management |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Business Administration, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Financial Management |
|
Universidad Veritas |
MBA, Certificate in Sustainable Business |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Human Resource Management |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Business Administration, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Operations Management |
University |
Program Name |
Typical Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
MBA, PhD in Management, Executive Education Programs |
January, May, September |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Business Administration, PhD in Economic Sciences, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Business Administration |
February, August |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Business Management, Master in Business Management, PhD in Business Administration, Diploma in Management, Certificate in Management |
February, August |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Economics, Master in Business Administration, PhD in Business Economics, Diploma in Economics, Short Course in Marketing Management |
February, August |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Business Administration, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Financial Management |
February, August |
|
Universidad Veritas |
MBA, Certificate in Sustainable Business |
January, July |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Human Resource Management |
February, August |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Business Administration, Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Operations Management |
February, August |
University |
Program Name |
Approximate Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School |
MBA |
$30,000 - $40,000 |
|
|
PhD in Management |
$15,000 - $20,000 |
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Master in Business Administration |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
|
PhD in Economic Sciences |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
|
Diploma in Business Administration |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Business Administration |
$500 - $1,000 |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Business Management |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Master in Business Management |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
|
PhD in Business Administration |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
|
Diploma in Management |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Management |
$500 - $1,000 |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Economics |
$3,000 - $4,000 |
|
|
Master in Business Administration |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
|
PhD in Business Economics |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Economics |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Short Course in Marketing Management |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
|
Universidad Internacional de las Américas |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
$2,500 - $3,500 |
|
|
Master in Business Administration |
$3,500 - $4,500 |
|
|
Diploma in Business Administration |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Financial Management |
$500 - $1,000 |
|
Universidad Veritas |
MBA |
$10,000 - $12,000 |
|
|
Certificate in Sustainable Business |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Diploma in Business Administration |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Human Resource Management |
$500 - $1,000 |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor in Business Administration |
$2,500 - $3,500 |
|
|
Master in Business Administration |
$3,500 - $4,500 |
|
|
Diploma in Business Administration |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Operations Management |
$500 - $1,000 |
Program Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor's Degree |
High school diploma or equivalent |
|
|
Proof of Spanish proficiency (DELE or equivalent) if the program is in Spanish |
|
|
Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews |
|
Master's Degree |
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field |
|
|
Proof of Spanish or English proficiency (DELE, TOEFL, or IELTS) depending on the language of instruction |
|
|
Relevant work experience may be required for some MBA programs |
|
|
Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume/CV |
|
|
Some programs may require standardized test scores (GMAT/GRE) |
|
PhD Programs |
Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field |
|
|
Proof of Spanish or English proficiency (DELE, TOEFL, or IELTS) depending on the language of instruction |
|
|
Research proposal outlining the intended area of study |
|
|
Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume/CV |
|
|
Some programs may require an interview |
|
Diploma Programs |
High school diploma or equivalent |
|
|
Proof of Spanish proficiency (DELE or equivalent) if the program is in Spanish |
|
|
Some programs may require additional qualifications or work experience |
|
Short-term Courses |
High school diploma or equivalent |
|
|
Proof of Spanish or English proficiency (DELE, TOEFL, or IELTS) depending on the language of instruction |
|
|
Some courses may have specific prerequisites or professional experience requirements |
Scholarship Name |
Offered By |
Eligible Programs |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
INCAE Business School Scholarships |
INCAE Business School |
MBA, PhD in Management |
Academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
UCR Scholarships |
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Certificate programs |
Academic merit, financial need, specific criteria for each scholarship |
Partial to full tuition coverage, living expenses, books, and supplies |
|
UNA Scholarships |
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Certificate programs |
Academic performance, financial need |
Tuition fee waivers, living stipends |
|
FUNDEVI Scholarships |
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Various programs |
Financial need, academic excellence, research projects |
Varies: can include tuition, living expenses, and research funding |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica Scholarships |
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma programs |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
Costa Rican Government Scholarships |
Costa Rican Government |
Various programs |
Academic merit, financial need, country-specific criteria |
Varies: can include tuition, living expenses, travel expenses |
|
Organization of American States (OAS) Scholarships |
Organization of American States (OAS) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD programs |
Academic excellence, leadership potential |
Tuition fees, living expenses, travel expenses |
|
Colfuturo Scholarships |
Colfuturo Foundation |
Graduate programs |
Colombian students, academic excellence, leadership potential |
Partial to full tuition coverage, living expenses |
|
DAAD Scholarships |
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
Various programs |
For students from Germany and partner countries, academic excellence |
Tuition fees, living expenses, travel expenses, insurance |
Job Title |
Average Salary (per year) |
Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Analyst |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
Analyzing business processes, identifying improvement opportunities, data analysis |
|
Marketing Manager |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
Developing marketing strategies, managing campaigns, market research |
|
Financial Analyst |
$22,000 - $40,000 |
Financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, investment analysis |
|
Human Resources Manager |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
Managing recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training programs |
|
Operations Manager |
$28,000 - $48,000 |
Overseeing daily operations, process improvement, supply chain management |
|
Entrepreneur |
Varies widely |
Starting and managing new business ventures, business planning, resource management |
|
Project Manager |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
Planning, executing, and closing projects, managing teams, stakeholder communication |
|
Economist |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
Economic research, policy analysis, data interpretation, economic forecasting |
|
Management Consultant |
$35,000 - $60,000 |
Advising organizations on business strategies, improving efficiency, problem-solving |
|
Accountant |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
Financial reporting, tax preparation, auditing, budget management |
|
Sales Manager |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
Leading sales teams, developing sales strategies, client relationship management |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
$28,000 - $50,000 |
Managing supply chain processes, logistics, inventory control, vendor relations |
|
Banking and Finance Manager |
$30,000 - $55,000 |
Managing financial operations, investment strategies, risk management |
|
Public Relations Manager |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
Managing public image, media relations, communication strategies |
|
Investment Banker |
$40,000 - $70,000 |
Facilitating mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, financial advising |
