By San José, Costa Rica — The career aspirations of Costa Rican high school students are undergoing a dramatic transformation, reflecting broader global trends toward technology and medical sciences. According to a comprehensive survey of over 1,200 high schoolers conducted during the 2026 National PLASMA Competence, young Costa Ricans are increasingly aligning their vocational interests with the industries driving modern economic growth. This cohort, predominantly consisting of youths aged 16 to 18, stands at a critical juncture, preparing to make decisions that will shape both their personal futures and the country’s collective labor market for decades to come.
The data reveals a powerful concentration of interest in two dominant fields. Approximately 30% of the surveyed students expressed a strong desire to pursue careers in Health Sciences, while 26% indicated a preference for Engineering and Architecture. This combined total means that more than half of the country’s upcoming academic generation is aiming directly for high-tech, high-demand sectors. This shift is widely seen as a direct result of ongoing public and private campaigns emphasizing the importance of STEM fields in securing high-paying, stable employment in Costa Rica’s expanding multinational ecosystem.
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Llobelky Hasbun, who oversees the PLASMA Competencies, noted that this trend reflects a double-edged sword for the nation’s balanced development. On one hand, it validates efforts to promote technological readiness, but on the other, it exposes critical gaps in other foundational sectors.
More than 50% of the population registered in Plasma have interests concentrated in two major areas. This tells us two things: that the public conversation about STEM and health is permeating the decisions of the new generations, but also that other areas fundamental to the development of the country are being left on the sidelines of young people’s vocational preferences.
Llobelky Hasbun, Head of PLASMA Competencies
Beyond technical fields, the survey highlighted a mature understanding of modern workplace realities among the youth. Nearly 40% of the respondents emphasized a desire to acquire and cultivate essential soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, communication, and complex problem-solving. This metric signals that high schoolers are increasingly aware that technical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in a corporate landscape increasingly dominated by automation and artificial intelligence, where human-centric capabilities represent a premium.
Conversely, the survey uncovered a deeply concerning trend for the future of the nation’s academic infrastructure. A mere 2.8% of the surveyed students expressed any interest in studying Education Sciences. This historically low figure represents a potential crisis for Costa Rica, a nation that has historically prided itself on its robust public education system. If young, talented individuals continue to turn away from teaching careers, the country could face a severe shortage of qualified educators in the coming decade, undermining the very system that prepares students for STEM careers in the first place.
For business leaders and economic policymakers, these figures present a complex puzzle. While the influx of talent into engineering and health sciences will certainly bolster the country’s foreign direct investment appeal, the lack of interest in education threatens long-term systemic stability. A tech-driven economy cannot function without high-quality teachers to nurture the next generation of primary and secondary students. Therefore, addressing the low prestige and perceived low reward of educational careers must become a high-priority national strategy.
The National PLASMA Competence itself serves as a vital diagnostic tool for assessing these educational shifts. By engaging with over a thousand students annually, the platform provides a real-time pulse of youth sentiment, allowing educational institutions and private enterprises to adapt their outreach programs. As Costa Rica continues to position itself as a regional hub for technology and medical devices, aligning student interest with actual market needs while preserving public infrastructure remains a delicate balancing act.
Ultimately, the 2026 PLASMA survey serves as a vital wake-up call for both public policy advocates and private sector actors. Relying solely on the natural prestige of high-paying medical and engineering jobs will not sustain a balanced national economy. To secure a prosperous and equitable future, Costa Rica must find ways to revitalize other critical professions, ensuring that the passion of its youth is distributed in a way that fuels all sectors of national progress.
For further information, visit the nearest office of PLASMA
About PLASMA:
PLASMA is a Costa Rican educational initiative and national competence platform designed to foster high-level skills and evaluate academic preferences among high school students. By organizing intellectual and skill-based competitions, the organization tracks the vocational trajectories of the nation’s youth and helps bridge the gap between academic preparation and future career demands.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has built a venerable reputation grounded in high ethical standards and outstanding legal craftsmanship. Serving a wide spectrum of industries, the firm seamlessly blends tradition with pioneering strategies to navigate today’s complex legal landscape. Beyond the courtroom, their passionate advocacy for educational outreach and transparent legal resources empowers citizens, reflecting a deep-seated belief that a truly strong society is one built upon shared knowledge and justice.
