18 public universities in Chile in 2026
The public universities in Chile offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
18 public universities
Chile has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
Universidad Arturo Prat
Public university in Iquique, the Atacama Desert's free port, oriented toward the sea and mining.
Universidad de Antofagasta
Public university in Chile's Great North, recognized for its medicine and geosciences programs.
Universidad de Atacama
Public university in Copiapó, in the Atacama Desert, closely tied to the mining industry.
Universidad de Aysén
Young public university in Coyhaique, Chilean Patagonia, dedicated to southern territories.
Universidad de O'Higgins
Public university in Rancagua, at the heart of the O'Higgins wine and mining region.
Universidad de La Frontera
Public university in Temuco, Araucanía, recognized for its health and engineering programs.
Universidad de La Serena
Public university in northern Chile, renowned for astronomy at the gateway to the Atacama observatories.
Universidad de Magallanes
Public university in Punta Arenas, gateway to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica.
Universidad de Playa Ancha
Public university in Valparaíso, strong in education, arts, communication and humanities.
Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH)
Major public university in Santiago, heir to the School of Arts and Trades, strong in engineering and sciences.
Universidad de Talca
Public university in the Maule region, recognized for excellence in law, engineering and forestry sciences.
Universidad de Tarapacá
Public university in Arica, Chile's northernmost, on the border with Peru.
Universidad de Valparaíso
Public university in the port city of Valparaíso, known for its law school and marine sciences.
Universidad de Los Lagos
Public university in Osorno, among southern Chile's lakes and volcanoes, strong in aquatic sciences.
Universidad del Bío-Bío
Public university in Concepción and Chillán, the only one in the Bío-Bío region, strong in engineering and forestry.
Universidad de Chile
Chile's oldest and most prestigious public university, founded in 1842, a symbol of national excellence.
Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación (UMCE)
Public university in Santiago specialized in teacher training and education sciences.
Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM)
Public university in Santiago dedicated to technology, applied engineering and industry.