Chile: destination for research, innovation and global development
Octubre 4, 2021
As one of the safest, emerging, and most innovative countries in Latin America, Chile is the ideal destination to take the next step in your professional training. Research has become one of the main engines of economic development worldwide, which is why the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile has focused all its efforts on creating academic environments that facilitate the development of first-rate research.
The quality of UC education has prevailed since its founding in 1888 and is currently reflected in the 39 doctoral programs offered by the university across 18 faculties in all areas of knowledge.
Achieving the highest academic degree abroad can bring numerous benefits to your academic, personal and professional life. You will be able to become an expert in the subject or area of your choice. You will have multiple opportunities to establish networks of contacts and the possibility of publishing in specialized media. Here, we will tell you some of the reasons why the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile could be an excellent option to carry out your doctorate abroad.
Would you like to study for a doctorate in Chile? Contact a UC representative directly through the following form.
Research and development with UC
The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile has been classified as one of the best universities in Latin America according to the QS Latin American University Rankings 2020. It has stood out within the international academic community for its active participation in research practices. In 2019 had 2,466 research articles were published in journals indexed in Web of Science (WoS) and 2,574 publications in Scopus.
The university constantly encourages Ph.D. students to participate in these publications that span disciplines from the arts to neuroscience. As a result, in 2012-2018, its graduates participated in 5,173 articles published in journals indexed in WoS and 5,480 publications in Scopus. In addition, UC offers different resources and infrastructure to develop research with a high global impact.
Students at UC Biological Sciences Laboratory
UC Regional Centers and Stations Network (RCER)
UC has a network of six regional research centers and stations located throughout the country. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and the strategic location of each of the centers allow the study of ecosystems, natural resources and climate changes in the country, as well as opportunities for the development of local Chilean communities.
Atacama Station RCER_UC
On the other hand, the university has an Innovation Center, which focuses on promoting the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship both in its academic community and in the country in general. In this center, students have the opportunity to develop R&D projects – research and development – together with 100 Chilean companies committed to the nation’s progress.
UC Innovation Center
In addition, UC is associated with 22 scientific centers of excellence in different disciplines such as biomedicine, environment, astronomy, society, energy, and technology, among others. There, spaces are created that promote knowledge, generate debates, and contribute to the development of the country with a community of more than 1,740 researchers and professionals.
Scholarships and financing alternatives
The university is home to about 1,300 doctoral students, of which 29% are international students from different countries around the world.
The UC offers its students (local and international without distinction) different external financing alternatives, mainly from ANID – the National Research and Development Agency- , as well as internal scholarship opportunities granted by the Vice-Rector’s Office for Research,”VRI Scholarship ”.
Currently, more than 90% of doctoral students at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile obtain a full scholarship from one of the aforementioned (covering tuition fees and living expenses for around USD 1000 per month). For this, the UC has a Support Program for the application of ANID Scholarships, which is implemented year after year to support all national and international applicants of its programs to maximize the possibilities of awarding applicants to the UC.
Further training
Considering the integral development of its students and career development, UC offers a transversal skills program that includes different workshops aimed exclusively at doctoral students to prepare them to function in professional and academic environments. Among the most prominent topics are:
- English and Spanish Programs
- Technology transfer and intellectual property
- Development of teaching skills
- Academic writing in English and Spanish
- Academic Presentations in English
- Ethics and integrity in research
Students at UC Libraries
Internationalization opportunities
The doctoral programs at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile are carefully designed to guide you towards a professional career focused on internationalization. They include internships abroad as a graduation requirement, in addition to attending international conferences, inviting international researchers, organizing seminars, all sponsored by UC, allowing you to establish academic and professional links with research communities from different parts of the world.
UC also offers the possibility of obtaining a double degree or a joint degree with another university abroad. Thus, in the last ten years, more than 120 of its graduates have got a double degree with institutions of excellence around the world. These opportunities will undoubtedly enrich your academic experience and professional resume, preparing you for an increasingly competitive job market.
Do not miss the opportunity to access all the benefits that the university offers its doctoral students, embark on an academic journey that will fill you with unforgettable experiences in a prosperous country with invaluable cultural and natural wealth.
Dare to be part of an ever-growing intellectual community and become a world-class researcher with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
