Scholarships for Costa Rica: Eligibility Criteria & How to Apply

Scholarships for Costa Rica can help you study in one of the happiest and greenest countries in the world. Costa Rica is known for its peaceful life, kind people, and strong education system. Many students choose it to learn new things and live close to nature. In this blog, you will learn about the best scholarships in Costa Rica, who can apply, and how to get them in 2026. If you dream of studying abroad but want a safe and friendly place, Costa Rica can be a beautiful start for your journey.

Top Scholarships for Costa Rica Universities

Many Costa Rican universities and global groups offer financial help to bright international students. These scholarships support students who wish to grow through higher education but need help with costs like tuition, housing, or travel. The main goal of these programs is to build global learning, cultural exchange, and future leaders who care about the world. Here, you will find the top scholarships for 2026 that truly help international and Indian students study in Costa Rica.

EARTH University: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

EARTH University in Costa Rica offers a prestigious scholarship in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This program helps talented students from underprivileged backgrounds who want to become leaders in agriculture, sustainability, and responsible business. The goal is to give young people from rural or low-income communities the chance to study at an international university and later return home to make a positive difference.

The scholarship supports most of the costs related to studying and living in Costa Rica. It focuses on developing students into changemakers who can use education to create sustainable progress in their home countries.

Host University	EARTH University, Costa Rica
Coverage	Tuition, housing, meals, insurance, and partial living expenses
Estimated Annual Cost	Around USD 35,600 per year
Typical Scholarship Amount	Up to full tuition and living costs, depending on financial need and academic merit
Eligibility	International students from underprivileged backgrounds with leadership potential and strong academic records
Deadline (Expected)	Not yet announced for 2026 (previous cycles opened around January)
Purpose	To support future leaders in sustainable agriculture, community development, and environmental change

University for International Cooperation (UCI): OAS Partnership Scholarships

The University for International Cooperation (UCI) in Costa Rica partners with the Organization of American States (OAS) to offer partial scholarships for postgraduate and professional programs. These scholarships focus on sustainability, climate leadership, project management, and global development.

The UCI–OAS program aims to make higher education more accessible across the Americas by providing tuition discounts for both online and blended programs. It connects students from different countries to build networks of professionals working toward sustainable global solutions.

Host University	University for International Cooperation (UCI), Costa Rica
Partner Organization	Organization of American States (OAS)
Coverage	Tuition discounts ranging from 30% to 90%
Estimated Tuition Before Discount	Between USD 8,000 and USD 15,000 for full programs
Typical Scholarship Amount	Tuition reduction, access to online or hybrid programs, and an international learning experience
Benefits	2026 calls are likely between February and May
Eligibility	Students who meet the academic and program requirements; preference for applicants from OAS member countries
Deadline (Expected)	2026 calls likely between February and May
Fields of Study	Sustainability Management, Project Management, Environmental Studies, Climate Leadership
Purpose	To build international cooperation and leadership in sustainable development

Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR): Institutional and Partner Scholarships

The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is one of the leading public universities in Central America. It offers various scholarships and research grants through institutional and international partnerships. UCR works with organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to promote regional and global academic collaboration.

The scholarships aim to build research capacity in areas like science, social studies, agriculture, and technology. They support postgraduate students who want to contribute to sustainable development and innovation within their regions.

Host University	Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), San José, Costa Rica
Partner Organization	German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Coverage	Full or partial scholarships depending on the program
Estimated Scholarship Value	Between USD 8,000 and USD 20,000 per year
Benefits	Tuition support, monthly stipend, health insurance, and research funding
Eligibility	Postgraduate students enrolled in UCR programs; eligibility varies by partnership
Deadline (Expected)	Usually opens between February and April each year
Fields of Study	Science, Technology, Agriculture, Education, Social Sciences, Public Health
Purpose	To strengthen academic research and promote sustainable development in higher education

Also Read: Cost of Living in Costa Rica: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

How to Apply for a Scholarship in Costa Rica

Every university follows its own process, yet the general steps remain the same for most 2026 intakes. Let’s understand.

Step 1: Choose the Right University and Scholarship

An international student must first shortlist Costa Rican universities that accept global applicants, like the University of Costa Rica (UCR) or EARTH University. Each university has its own set of scholarships. Some are for academic merit, while others are for financial need. A student should always check if the scholarship is open to non-residents or only locals.

Step 2: Check the Eligibility Criteria Carefully

Each scholarship comes with its own rules. A student should read the eligibility section twice to be sure. Most Costa Rican scholarships require a valid passport, academic transcripts, and proof of English or Spanish proficiency. Some programs may also ask for a letter of intent explaining why the student wants to study in Costa Rica.

Step 3: Prepare All Documents in Advance

A smart student starts collecting all papers before the official call opens. Commonly needed files are:

• Passport copy
  
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  
• Proof of language skill (IELTS, TOEFL, or DELE for Spanish)
  
• Letter of motivation or statement of purpose
  
• Recommendation letters from teachers or professors
  
• Financial documents or proof of income 

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form Online

Most universities in Costa Rica now accept online submissions. A student can create a personal account on the university website and fill in the scholarship form there. Make sure all details match the passport and academic records. A small spelling error can cause rejection.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Each university in Costa Rica follows a strict calendar. Deadlines usually fall between December 2025 and March 2026 for scholarships that begin in mid-2026. Submitting early shows seriousness and helps the file move faster through internal checks.

Step 6: Wait for the Interview or Result Email

After submission, some scholarships may invite the student for an online interview. The interview usually focuses on motivation, background, and future goals. A polite and honest answer always works better than a memorized speech.

Step 7: Accept the Offer and Apply for the Student Visa

Once a student receives a scholarship confirmation, the next step is applying for a Costa Rican student visa. The university usually provides a letter of acceptance, which is required by the Costa Rican embassy. A student should start the visa process at least two months before the start of the semester.

Also Read: Education in Spain for International Students: Courses, Costs, and Scholarships

Language and Academic Requirements for Scholarships 

A university in Costa Rica always checks two main things before offering a scholarship. Your language skills and your academic background. These two parts show how ready you are to study and adjust in a new classroom. Every international student should focus on both because a missing score or a weak transcript can easily delay the offer letter.

Language Requirements

A Costa Rican classroom uses both Spanish and English, depending on the course. Most local programs are in Spanish, but many international or science programs are now taught in English. A student must check the exact teaching language on the university’s program page before applying. 

If the course is taught in Spanish, the student usually needs a DELE or SIELE certificate to prove fluency. If the course is taught in English, the student can submit IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test scores.

Language Test	Minimum Score Requirement	Accepted For
IELTS	6.0 – 6.5	English-taught programs
TOEFL iBT	80 – 90	English-taught programs
Duolingo English Test	105+	English-taught programs
DELE (Spanish)	B2 Level	Spanish-taught programs
SIELE	B2 or above	Spanish-taught programs

Note: A few private universities in Costa Rica may allow conditional admission if you agree to take an extra language bridge course before the semester starts. This helps new students adjust without stress.

Academic Requirements

A Costa Rican scholarship usually checks your academic record from the last completed degree. Universities prefer students who have been consistent rather than those with only one strong semester. Here’s how it generally works:

• A bachelor’s program needs a high school completion certificate with at least 80% average or equivalent.
  
• A master’s program needs a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
  
• Some research-based programs may ask for previous thesis work, internships, or published papers.

Note: Many universities also appreciate community involvement. Volunteering, leadership in school clubs, or social work can make your profile stronger even if your grades are average.

Why Study in Costa Rica? 

The country is small but every course here blends science with sustainability, and that mix makes Costa Rica stand out quietly in a world full of loud, mainstream study spots. The entire country runs on clean energy, which gives a student the sense that they are learning and helping the planet at the same time.

• A Country Without an Army: Costa Rica has no military. The government spends that money on education and health instead. Students live in a safe, calm environment where learning matters more than conflict.
  
• 100% Clean Electricity: The entire country runs almost completely on renewable energy. This makes Costa Rica one of the greenest study destinations in the world, perfect for students interested in sustainability, climate science, or environmental policy.
  
• Affordable Yet Global: Tuition fees and living costs stay lower than in most North American or European countries, but the universities follow international standards. A student saves money without losing global exposure.
  
• Bilingual Learning System: Many universities teach in both English and Spanish. A student can earn a degree while also picking up a second language that opens doors across Latin America and Europe.
  
• Top Ranking in Happiness Index: Costa Rica regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world. The local culture values balance, kindness, and slow living, things that make studying there mentally refreshing.
  
• Hands-On Environmental Research: Universities like EARTH University and the University of Costa Rica use the country’s forests, rivers, and farms as open-air labs. A student doesn’t just read about sustainability; they live it.
  
• Strong Focus on Community Impact: Most universities push students to link their projects with real-life social needs, like rural farming or local health awareness. A student leaves with not just a degree but also a sense of contribution.
  
• Simple Lifestyle with High Life Quality: The culture moves at a slow, peaceful pace. Public transport works fine, healthcare is reliable, and local food is fresh. A student can study without the rush that often burns people out abroad.

Also Read: Living The “Pura Vida”: Your Essential Costa Rica Student Packing Guide

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This was everything you needed to know about scholarships for Costa Rica. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.