About the University of Saint Thomas - Chile

The University of Saint Thomas Chile is present in 13 cities throughout the country with over 15,000 students. It was established in 1988 obtaining academic and administrative autonomy from the Higher Education Council in 2003. At present, it represents one of the fastest growing universities in the country with recognized academic excellence nation-wide.

The UST´s vision consists of becoming a higher education institution inspired by the realism and universality of Saint Thomas of Aquinas. Its mission is based on educating people to the highest possible professional and value-based level, allowing them to perform efficiently, creatively and with social responsibility in any chosen field and in this manner enabling them to contribute to regional and national development in different production and service-based sectors.

The UST´s different branches are spread throughout Chile in Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Copiapó, La Serena, Viña del Mar, Santiago, Talca, Concepción, Los Ángeles, Temuco, Osorno and Puerto Montt. All together they comprise over 100,000 m2 of constructed surface area. In all, the University lectures in 19 Minors and 25 Bachelor degree courses in  administration, drama, communications & design, law, education, medicine, veterinary studies, natural resources and health.

The UST´s academic year is divided into two five-month semesters. The first semester begins in March and the second in August. All courses are offered in Spanish from the following faculties:

• Faculty of Administration
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Communication & Design
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Faculty of Natural Resources
• Faculty of Health
• Drama School

International Council of Universities of Saint Thomas Aquinas (IC-USTA)

The international network of universities inspired by Thomist philosophy was first established in 1993 to promote cooperation and academic exchange among students, professors and researchers.

Since its inception, its Honorary Advisory Council has been integrated by such illustrious figures as venerable Mother Theresa of Calcutta, the Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Desmond Tutu of South Africa and Poland’s former President, Lech Walesa.

Chile’s University of Saint Thomas is a member of this global network, which comprises 32 universities and more than 500,000 students across five continents. Thanks to this network, students are able to meet other pupils and academics from all around the World and to enrich their learning experience.

In parallel, the UST has subscribed to a number of bilateral Memoranda of Understanding with other prestigious international universities. Learn more about the International Exchange Program (IEP) and the necessary requirements and conditions in order for enrolling into this important personal and professional opportunity representing a gateway to the World.

International Exchange Program

Discover the World

By participating in the International Exchange Program (IEP) you will be able to live in Chile and learn more about our culture. Each year, students from all around the world study in different countries and enrich their lives as students and individuals. You can also benefit!

Exchange programs generally last an entire semester after which students are expected to return to their home university in order to finish studying their degree. UST Chile has currently signed 20 bi-lateral agreements with sister-universities specifically focused at promoting student exchanges within and beyond IC-USTA. A list of the 2007 agreements is provided below:

Australia
Australia Catholic University

Canada
Saint Thomas University, New Brunswick

Colombia
Santo Tomás, Bogotá

China
Guang Dong University

Spain
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Universidad Católica de San Antonio de Murcia

Universidad San Pablo-CEU
La Rioja (exclusively for Commercial Engineering)

United States of America
University of Saint Thomas, Houston

Philippines
University of Santo Tomás

Korea
Sogang University

Mexico
Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla

Mozambique
Universidad Santo Tomas de Mozambique

Peru
Universidad de San Martín de Porres del Perú

Puerto Rico
Universidad del Este
Universidad de Turabo
Universidad Metropolitana

Taiwán
Providence University
Ling Tung University Taiwán

Visit Chile!

Chile is the southern-most country in Latin America. It borders with Argentina, Peru and Bolivia and is bound by the Pacific Ocean along its Eastern fringe. Chile’s geography is diverse and far reaching, encompassing both the arid Atacama Desert as well as the glaciers of Patagonia.

The country’s Central Region concentrates important agricultural and commercial activities and it is also here where the capital, Santiago, is located. Santiago is an attractive, modern and cosmopolitan city of 6 million inhabitants. It offers all the basic and also most sophisticated services associated with a major city. Santiago is also located both near the Andes Cordillera and the beach.  This city represents a wonderful destination for living, studying and working alike.

Student Exchange Program with the UST Chile

The UST offers a number of services to exchange program students, including:

• Reception at the airport
• Support in finding accommodation
• Learning Center with one-to-one tutorial sessions
• Computing Labs
• Chapel

Basic living expenses associated with accommodation, food, travel, study materials and entertainment for a foreign student wishing to study in Santiago range between USD500- 800 per month.

Signed agreements ensure that student exchanges should not pay fees in the host university. Instead, students will continue paying for their studies at their home university.

It is the student’s responsibility to cover airfare, visa, medical insurance and any other related expenses associated with the trip. The student’s stay abroad should be self-financed.

Requirements for Foreign Students:

1. Your university must have a signed agreement with UST Chile.
2. You must have an acceptable level of Spanish in the event that this language is not your mother tongue.
3. You must return to your home university upon completion of the exchange program in Chile

Download PDF Format: Registration Form
Download Word Format: Registration Form
Download PDF Format: Academic Calendar

If you are a foreign student and are interested in studying at the UST Chile you must first contact your International Relations office.

For more information please contact: intercambio@santotomas.cl

International Exchange Program
Av. Ejército 146
Barrio Universitario
Santiago
Fax: +56 (2) 360 1376