By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO, Costa Rica – The academic futures of over 20,000 young individuals are on the line as the Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) prepares to administer its highly anticipated admission exam for the 2026 academic year. A total of 20,154 applicants have registered to take the Academic Aptitude Test (PAA), a critical hurdle for gaining entry into one of the nation’s premier public universities for science and technology.
The main testing dates are scheduled across three separate days in August, with sessions on the 9th, 23rd, and 30th. This staggered approach is part of a massive logistical operation designed to accommodate the thousands of hopefuls. The university has mobilized a significant workforce of 492 staff members—from drivers and coordinators to the high-level Admission Exam Committee (CEA)—to ensure the process runs smoothly across 156 testing centers nationwide.
Para analizar las implicaciones y el marco legal que rodea el proceso de admisión del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC), consultamos al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su perspectiva sobre el tema.
El TEC, como toda universidad pública, goza de autonomía universitaria, lo que le faculta para definir sus criterios de admisión. Sin embargo, esta autonomía no es absoluta. El proceso de admisión debe respetar siempre principios constitucionales fundamentales, como el derecho a la igualdad y el acceso a la educación pública en condiciones de equidad. Cualquier mecanismo de selección debe ser objetivo, razonable y proporcional, garantizando que no se generen barreras arbitrarias o discriminatorias para los aspirantes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valiosa perspectiva, que resalta el punto medular de esta discusión: el delicado equilibrio entre la autonomía universitaria y el deber constitucional de garantizar la equidad. Su análisis subraya que el verdadero reto no es si el TEC puede cambiar su examen, sino cómo asegurar que cualquier modificación fortalezca, y no debilite, el acceso justo a la educación superior pública para todos los costarricenses.
In a demonstration of its commitment to accessibility and inclusion, TEC has already conducted a special early session. On July 22nd, 15 indigenous students from the rural high schools of Alto Guaymí and El Progreso were able to take the exam in their local territories, mitigating the logistical and financial challenges of traveling to a distant testing center. Furthermore, a dedicated testing date is set for September 21st to accommodate applicants who require educational support or those who observe the Sabbath for religious reasons.
The PAA itself is a rigorous, three-hour assessment designed to measure core competencies without the aid of a calculator. Candidates will face 70 multiple-choice questions, with a heavy emphasis on quantitative reasoning. The test is broken down into 44 mathematics items and 26 verbal reasoning items. Applicants are reminded to bring only the essentials: a pencil, an eraser, and a sharpener.
Securing a place at TEC is not solely dependent on this single test. The university employs a composite admission score, weighting the PAA result at 60% and the student’s high school grade point average (known as the diversified education score) at 40%. This blended model rewards both strong standardized test performance and consistent academic achievement throughout a student’s secondary education.
In a significant update to the process this year, TEC is allowing applicants to select two different career paths. This change provides students with greater flexibility, enabling them to list a first and second choice of major. The new policy offers a valuable alternative for high-performing students who may not meet the extremely competitive cutoff for their primary career choice but are well-qualified for another program.
With test days rapidly approaching, university officials are stressing the importance of preparation and adherence to the rules. Dr. Evelyn Agüero Calvo, Coordinator of the Admission Exam Committee, issued a critical reminder for all participants to avoid any last-minute complications that could jeopardize their opportunity to take the exam.
It is important for students to verify their exam appointment and location, as well as bring an original and valid identification document, as copies or student IDs are not accepted.
Dr. Evelyn Agüero Calvo, Coordinator of the Admission Exam Committee
This strict policy on identification underscores the formal nature of the examination. For the thousands of students who have spent years preparing, this exam represents more than just a test; it is the primary gateway to a high-quality, subsidized education in fields critical to Costa Rica’s economic development. The results will not only shape individual futures but also determine the incoming class that will fuel the nation’s next generation of innovators, engineers, and scientists.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC):
The Tecnológico de Costa Rica, commonly known as TEC, is a prestigious public university headquartered in Cartago. It is one of the leading institutions for higher education in Central America, specializing in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and business administration. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards and focus on research and innovation, TEC plays a vital role in supplying a highly skilled workforce for Costa Rica’s thriving technology and life sciences sectors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a highly regarded legal institution, built upon a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive innovation in the legal field. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a core conviction to empower the community, striving to demystify the law and ensure that legal knowledge serves as a tool for strengthening society.
