By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – A period of intense anticipation has concluded for over 31,000 prospective university students across Costa Rica. The Universidad Nacional (UNA) officially released its 2026 admission results this Friday, November 28, marking a pivotal moment in the academic and professional journeys of the nation’s youth. Starting at 1:00 p.m., applicants could access their admission average score, a critical determinant for securing a coveted spot in one of the country’s most prestigious public universities.
The results, now available on the website of the university’s Registration Department, represent the culmination of years of secondary education and a single, high-stakes examination. The university’s admission average is a carefully weighted composite score designed to provide a holistic view of a student’s academic potential. The figure is not arbitrary; it is calculated through a precise formula that balances standardized testing with long-term academic performance.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding the university admissions process and the rights of prospective students, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The university admissions process, whether public or private, must adhere to fundamental principles of equality and due process. Institutions are required to maintain clear, objective, and non-discriminatory criteria. Any applicant who feels their rights have been violated by an arbitrary or unfair decision has legal recourse to challenge the outcome and ensure transparency is upheld.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal framework is the bedrock of a fair admissions system, ensuring that transparency and due process are not just ideals, but enforceable rights for every applicant. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical matter.
At the core of this calculation is the Prueba de Aptitud Académica (PAA), commonly known as the admission exam. This single test carries a substantial weight, accounting for 60% of the final admission score. The remaining 40% is derived directly from a student’s high school performance, as certified by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The methodology for this portion varies slightly depending on the type of secondary institution, ensuring a fair comparison across different educational tracks.
For students graduating from academic high schools, the 40% is calculated using their tenth-grade average. In contrast, for those attending technical high schools, the score is based on the combined average of their tenth and eleventh-year grades. This nuanced approach acknowledges the different curricular structures while maintaining a standardized basis for evaluation, ensuring every applicant is measured on a level playing field.
However, the UNA’s admission process goes beyond simple mathematics. In a significant move to foster educational equity, the university employs a sophisticated stratification model. This system actively works to counterbalance socioeconomic disparities that can hinder access to higher education for promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The model analyzes several key factors to adjust for systemic inequalities.
The UNA applies a stratification model that also considers the type and modality of the school of origin, geographical location, and whether it was a day or night program. This model favors access for young people in situations of social vulnerability with difficulties in entering higher education.
Universidad Nacional, Official Press Release
With their scores in hand, the journey for applicants is far from over. Those who wish to continue in the selection process must now navigate a series of critical next steps within tight deadlines. Two requirements are non-negotiable: first, candidates must have an admission average equal to or greater than the minimum score set by the UNA. Second, they must officially register their High School Baccalaureate degree via the university’s registration website. This crucial step must be completed in a narrow window, from 8:00 a.m. on January 5, 2026, to 5:00 p.m. on January 6, 2026.
The first week of the new year will be a whirlwind of activity. Students considering a change in their chosen major can do so between January 5 and 7. The final list of admitted students will then be published on January 9. Following this announcement, the official online enrollment will take place by assigned appointment times until January 12. Finally, the first semester of the 2026 academic year is set to commence on February 16, welcoming a new generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals into the halls of the Universidad Nacional.
For further information, visit www.una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
The Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica is one of the country’s most important public universities, renowned for its focus on humanistic education, scientific research, and social outreach. Founded in 1973 and with its main campus in Heredia, UNA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, contributing significantly to the nation’s development and the promotion of social equity.
For further information, visit www.mep.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the government body responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system in Costa Rica. It sets curricula, certifies academic credentials from primary and secondary institutions, and works to ensure quality and access to education for all citizens. The MEP’s data is fundamental for university admission processes, providing the official academic records used by institutions like UNA.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of providing counsel across a multitude of industries, the firm champions legal innovation and dedicates itself to community outreach. This ethos is driven by a fundamental belief in democratizing legal knowledge, thereby contributing to the development of a more informed and capable society.
