Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR)

Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) is the best university in Costa Rica, founded in 1940. By the size of the University of Costa Rica is considered a major higher educational institution. The largest, he ranks first in his country and 590 in the world. The university receives simultaneously more than 35,000 students.

Urban campus is located in the capital city of San Jose. For students there is a library, study rooms, clubs, sports halls, restaurants and cafes.

The main campus of the University of Costa Rica forms the campus of Rodrigo. The headquarters of the university is located in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, in close proximity to the heart of the capital (three kilometers east of the city center of San Jose). The campus is divided into three large sectors:

• The first sector is the oldest. It occupies a total area of 31.5 hectares and unites the buildings of different faculties, schools and administrative offices.
• The second sector is a research campus, which is located northwest of the main campus and extends over 21 hectares.
• The third sector (villa) is a sports area of 25 hectares, where the school of physical education and sports is located, three multi-purpose sports halls, two swimming pools and the Eco stadium. There are also equipped areas for sports such as tennis, beach volleyball, football, basketball and outdoor athletics.

Applicants who wish to study at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) must pass the entrance exams. This is a test for scientifically validated academic qualifications, which includes the elements of thinking, mathematical, speech and communication skills. The test is structured in such a way that it is not specific theoretical knowledge that is tested, but the ability to apply them, as well as logical and creative thinking in solving problems.

Research at Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR)

Government universities in Costa Rica are investing the most in research. The University of Costa Rica is the main research institution in the country and in Central America. This position has been achieved as a result of intensive research over the course of several decades in the field of: engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, health, science, food industry, agronomy (soil fertility research, agricultural biotechnology, biochemistry of organic processes in soil, agricultural microbiology, harvesting technology harvest, the study of natural resources), arts and literature.

Universidad de Costa Rica allocates a significant portion of its budget for building and equipping the infrastructure necessary for conducting research, introducing best practices, and using more modern and innovative methods.

There are six laboratories in the university:

• Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology: began its work in the late 60s and actively began research in the early 70s.
• The laboratory of biochemistry of organic processes was founded in the late 80s to study the decomposition of organic materials in the soil.
• The laboratory of microbiology of agriculture was opened in 1981. Here, strains that are used as bio-fertilizers are evaluated and selected.
• The laboratory of natural resources began its activities since 2000. The purpose of its creation was to study the soil as a natural resource.
• The soil laboratory analyzes soil and water to diagnose the quality of nutrition in production systems.
• Laboratory technology examines the quality of gardening, care after harvest, the identification of diseases of cultivated plants.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision