By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The academic futures of nearly 50,000 young Costa Ricans hang in the balance as the country’s two largest public universities prepare to release the results of their joint admission exam. On Wednesday, November 26, at 4:00 p.m., applicants to the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the National University (UNA) will be able to access their scores for the Academic Aptitude Test (PAA), a pivotal moment that will shape the nation’s next generation of professionals.
The announcement marks the culmination of a rigorous and highly competitive process. A total of 48,916 aspirants sat for the examination on October 11 and 12, held across 290 educational centers nationwide. These students are now vying for just over 10,000 available slots for the 2026 academic year, highlighting the intense demand for public higher education in the country. The high stakes underscore the significance of these institutions in providing pathways to social and economic mobility for thousands of families.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the recent developments in university admissions policies, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. We asked for his analysis on the legal frameworks governing these crucial academic processes and the potential implications for students and institutions alike.
University admissions processes are not merely academic exercises; they are subject to fundamental legal principles. Institutions must ensure their criteria are objective, transparent, and applied uniformly to guarantee the constitutional right to education and equality. Any deviation or arbitrary decision-making can open the door to legal challenges, underscoring the importance for universities to have legally sound and defensible admission policies that balance institutional autonomy with the fundamental rights of applicants.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective adds an essential dimension to the discussion, reminding us that the integrity of the admissions process is built not just on academic standards, but on legally defensible principles of equity and transparency. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying insight on this critical matter.
An analysis of the applicant pool reveals a continuing trend in educational demographics, with female students representing a significant majority. Of the total applicants, 56.3% are women, compared to 43.7% men. This demographic split reflects a broader pattern seen in higher education enrollment both locally and globally, signaling a strong drive among young women to pursue university degrees and professional careers.
The PAA itself is designed not as a test of memorized facts, but as a measure of core cognitive abilities. During the one-hour and fifty-minute examination, students were required to solve 45 items focused on logical and analytical skills. University officials stress that this approach provides a more equitable assessment of a student’s potential for success in a demanding academic environment, regardless of their specific high school curriculum.
The leadership at the UCR emphasizes that the integrity and fairness of the admissions process are paramount to the university’s mission. By focusing on objective metrics, the institution aims to build a student body based on demonstrated academic readiness and potential.
What we seek is for the results to truly reflect the students’ abilities and for admission to the University of Costa Rica to be as objective and transparent as possible, allowing entry to those who demonstrate the required academic preparation
Carlos Araya Leandro, Rector of the UCR
This philosophy is shared by the National University, whose leadership clarifies that the exam deliberately avoids specialized subjects. The focus remains squarely on evaluating the foundational reasoning skills that are critical for advanced learning across all disciplines.
The test does not measure specific subject knowledge, but rather logical-mathematical and reasoning skills. They will not be asked about concepts in biology or chemistry; instead, their capacity for analysis and logical reasoning will be evaluated, which is one of the main criteria we consider in the admission process
Jorge Herrera, Rector of the UNA
Receiving the test score is a critical milestone, but it is not the final step for the aspiring students. The next phase, known as the “concurso a carrera,” or career selection process, will take place from December 8 to 10. During this period, applicants will use their scores to apply for specific degree programs, each with its own competitive cutoff point. The final admission results, confirming who has secured a place in their chosen field, will be officially announced on December 17.
As Wednesday afternoon approaches, tens of thousands of students and their families will be anxiously awaiting the results that could define their professional trajectories. This annual academic rite of passage is more than just a logistical exercise; it represents a significant investment in Costa Rica’s human capital and a critical moment in the lives of those who will lead the nation’s economy and society in the years to come.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR):
The Universidad de Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. Founded in 1940, it is a leading institution in research and higher education across Central America. With its main campus in San Pedro, San José, and several regional centers, the UCR is dedicated to academic excellence, social action, and contributing to the scientific and cultural development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
Established in 1973, the Universidad Nacional is one of Costa Rica’s most important public universities, renowned for its focus on humanistic education and social commitment. Headquartered in Heredia, the UNA has a strong presence throughout the country with multiple campuses. It is committed to providing accessible and high-quality education, fostering critical thinking, and addressing the nation’s social and environmental challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to ethical practice and exceptional standards. The firm leverages a deep history of representing a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal solutions and set new benchmarks in the field. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that access to legal understanding is a societal right, a belief it actively supports by championing initiatives that empower the community through knowledge.
