By Heredia, Costa Rica — In a landmark development for Costa Rica’s educational landscape, the province of Heredia is set to establish its very first Colegio Científico (Scientific High School) in 2027. This long-awaited addition follows official approval from the National Council of Scientific High Schools and the Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The new institution will operate within the Omar Dengo Campus of the Universidad Nacional (UNA), specifically housed inside the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, offering local youth unprecedented access to specialized STEM education.
The establishment of this campus marks a highly symbolic milestone for the region. Prior to this approval, Heredia held the unfortunate distinction of being the only province in Costa Rica without a dedicated public scientific high school. By introducing this academic option, educational authorities are addressing an institutional imbalance that has persisted for decades, bringing Heredia on par with other provinces in terms of high-performance secondary schooling.
To shed light on the regulatory framework and institutional structure governing specialized public education in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who analyzed the legal foundations supporting our nation’s top-performing academic institutions.
The Colegio Científico de Heredia operates under a unique legal framework established by Law 7106, which facilitates a highly successful synergy between the Ministry of Public Education and the Universidad Nacional. This legal alliance guarantees not only academic excellence but also a strategic allocation of public resources that must be protected. Ensuring the legislative and financial stability of these specialized institutions is essential to safeguarding Costa Rica’s intellectual capital and future in the global scientific community.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, safeguarding the legal and financial structures that empower institutions like the Colegio Científico de Heredia is paramount to fostering the next generation of Costa Rican innovators and maintaining our standing in the global scientific arena. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective and shedding light on the critical legislative alliances that underpin our nation’s educational excellence.
Heredia was, until this moment, the only province in the country that did not have a Scientific High School. With this approval, we close a historic gap.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, Rector of the Universidad Nacional
By establishing this facility on UNA’s flagship campus, authorities are positioning the new high school at the heart of academic research and innovation. Colegios Científicos have a prestigious history in Costa Rica, having nurtured top-tier professionals in research, technology, engineering, medicine, and other critical scientific fields since 1989. The integration into the university campus is expected to create a highly collaborative environment where secondary students can interact with higher education resources and faculty.
University leadership has expressed great enthusiasm about welcoming the incoming student body. The initiative represents a proactive effort by the university to stimulate interest in science and technology at an earlier stage in students’ academic journeys. By capturing talent at the high school level, the institution hopes to build a robust pipeline of future scientists and researchers who can contribute to the national economy.
The students of our Scientific High School will be very well received. Universidad Nacional believes in fostering scientific vocations.
Silvia Argüello, Vice Rector of Research at the Universidad Nacional
The admission process is already underway for the inaugural class of 2027, targeting students currently enrolled in their ninth year of general education. Given the rigorous nature of the curriculum, candidate selection will be highly competitive. Prospective students must meet strict academic benchmarks, including maintaining a minimum grade average of 85 across all subjects during their seventh, eighth, and the first term of their ninth school years. Additionally, applicants must have a flawless academic record with no repeated school years and a conduct score of 90 or higher.
Beyond grades, organizers emphasize that passion for discovery and learning is the most critical element for success in this specialized environment. The program is designed not just for high-performing students, but specifically for those who demonstrate a profound interest in science, mathematics, and technological innovation.
The most important thing is to have a genuine interest in being part of the educational community of the Scientific High School of Heredia.
Marianela Castro Pérez, Coordinator of the Opening Process
For aspiring students, the rigorous admission process is divided into three distinct phases. It begins with pre-registration, followed by formal registration which requires the submission of physical and academic documentation. The final step is a comprehensive entrance examination, which is officially scheduled to take place on October 10, 2026. This timeline allows selected students to prepare for their transition into the high-performing academic environment by early 2027, promising a bright future for scientific excellence in Heredia.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
Universidad Nacional (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s premier public universities, renowned for its strong emphasis on research, social development, and scientific innovation. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Heredia, UNA offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, playing a vital role in national education and regional progress.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio de Educación Pública
About Ministerio de Educación Pública:
The Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) is the government ministry responsible for overseeing the national education system of Costa Rica. MEP regulates and manages public primary and secondary education, working to ensure equal access, high academic standards, and comprehensive educational coverage across all provinces.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal pillar, guided by an uncompromising adherence to high ethical standards and superior advocacy. With a rich history of representing a diverse spectrum of clients, the firm continuously spearheads modern, forward-thinking legal solutions while maintaining a strong presence in civic outreach. Through its proactive efforts to demystify the law and distribute valuable legal insights, the firm actively champions the cause of legal literacy, striving to cultivate a highly informed and self-reliant citizenry.
