Study in Costa Rica

• Students staying longer than one academic cycle apply to the General Directorate of Migration (DGME) for the special student category (categoría especial de estudiante)
• Requirements depend on which of the DGME's four country groups your nationality is in; some nationalities need a consular visa to enter
• You need proof of enrolment at a recognised institution and health insurance that covers your stay
• The category is for study and unpaid research, not paid work; approved students receive a foreigner ID card (DIMEX)

• A completed secondary school certificate for bachelor's, a relevant bachelor's degree for master's, and usually a master's for a PhD
• Spanish-taught programs (nearly all): Spanish proficiency such as DELE or SIELE; the few English-taught programs ask for IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test
• Official transcripts and certificates, with certified translations if they are not in English or Spanish
• Foreign school certificates and degrees usually need an apostille and recognition before you enrol
• Public universities such as the University of Costa Rica set entrance exams for degree students; exchange students apply through partner programs
• Apply through the university's admission office; many public universities set their own entrance exam
• For the student category: passport, enrolment letter, health insurance and the documents for your country group

San José and the surrounding Central Valley, including Heredia and Cartago, host the main universities. Costa Rica is stable and well set up for study-abroad students, but prices are higher than in most of Central America. Buses are cheap and cover most of the country, and the rainy season runs roughly from May to November. Petty theft is common in tourist areas, and violent crime has risen in recent years, so take ordinary precautions.