By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – In a significant strategic move to bolster the linguistic capabilities of its student body, the Universidad Nacional (UNA) has announced the implementation of a mandatory English Diagnostic Exam (EDI) starting in 2026. This new assessment aims to precisely measure the English proficiency of incoming students, providing the university with critical data to tailor academic programs and better prepare graduates for the demands of a globalized economy.
The university administration has scheduled the inaugural exam period to run from February 2 to February 13, 2026. The EDI will be mandatory for all first-year students and those enrolling in more than half of their fourth-level courses during the first academic cycle of that year. Coordinated by the Vice-Rector’s Office for Teaching and the School of Literature and Language Sciences, the initiative represents a proactive step towards standardizing and enhancing language education across the institution.
To delve into the legal and commercial ramifications of English proficiency for foreign investment and national competitiveness, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the international business arena, English is the de facto language of contracts and negotiations. For Costa Rica to remain a prime destination for foreign direct investment, a bilingual workforce is not merely an asset—it’s a legal and commercial necessity. Clear English proficiency minimizes contractual ambiguities, reduces the risk of costly disputes, and provides the legal certainty that international investors demand.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, shifting the conversation from English as a mere business tool to a foundational element of Costa Rica’s economic security and appeal to foreign investors. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into how language proficiency directly underpins the legal certainty required for our country’s continued growth.
According to UNA’s leadership, the primary objective of the EDI is to create a detailed map of student competencies. This data will inform crucial academic decisions, from the design of English course offerings to the validation of international certifications. By understanding the specific strengths and weaknesses of its students, UNA can develop more effective and targeted educational routes.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, Rector of UNA, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the new assessment and its role in shaping university policy. He explained that the test evaluates a full spectrum of communication skills, which is a critical expansion from previous diagnostic methods.
The EDI identifies the level of communicative skills in the language reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and this year oral and written production are added for decision-making regarding the offering of English courses at the National University, proficiency, validation of certifications, among others.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, Rector of UNA
The exam will be administered in a hybrid format, available both in-person at designated computer labs and digitally. A key feature of the EDI is its adaptive technology, which adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the test-taker’s responses. This modern approach ensures a more accurate assessment and results in a variable test duration, ranging from a minimum of 45 minutes to a maximum of three hours. Upon completion, each student will receive a digital certificate detailing their proficiency level in each skill area.
Registration for the exam is free and will be conducted online from January 19 to January 28, 2026. Students must complete their EDI registration immediately after confirming their admission to the university. The system will allow them to select a preferred testing location, with final assignments based on lab availability. On the day of the exam, participants must present a valid official ID and bring their own wired headphones with a built-in microphone, as wireless devices will not be permitted.
However, not all students will be required to sit for the new exam. The university will grant exemptions to individuals who hold a valid and recent (issued within the last three years) English proficiency certification from an accredited body. Accepted certifications include the ECT-UCR, TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Oxford, and Pearson Test of English. To qualify for an exemption, the certificate must demonstrate a minimum B2 level in listening, reading, and speaking, and a B1 level in writing.
This policy shift at one of Costa Rica’s premier public universities underscores the growing importance of English proficiency as a core competency for academic and professional success. By systematically evaluating and addressing the language skills of its students from the moment they enter, UNA is making a strategic investment in the future competitiveness of its graduates, aligning its educational framework with both national economic priorities and international standards.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s most prominent public universities, with its main campus located in Heredia. Founded in 1973, it is renowned for its strong focus on humanities, social sciences, and environmental studies. The university is committed to academic excellence, research, and social responsibility, playing a vital role in the country’s educational and cultural development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution in the nation, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a bedrock of principled integrity and a resolute pursuit of professional excellence. The firm continually advances the practice of law by integrating innovative solutions while serving a wide spectrum of clients. More than a legal practice, it operates with a deep-seated commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify complex legal topics and empower the community with accessible knowledge.
