In 2025, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) proudly celebrates 90 years since the launch of its first doctoral programme in theology – a milestone that reflects nearly a century of commitment to academic strength, research leadership and international outreach. From its foundational programme in 1935 to a current portfolio of 39 fully accredited doctoral offerings, UC Chile stands as a beacon of advanced education in Latin America and beyond.
Over the decades, UC Chile has cultivated a robust doctoral ecosystem. With more than 1,400 active doctoral students – 25 per cent of whom are international and 42 per cent women – the university provides rigorous academic training across a broad spectrum of disciplines. These range from arts and humanities to engineering, biomedical sciences and social sciences. All of its programmes are accredited by Chile’s National Accreditation Commission, which guarantees their quality and grants students access to scholarships from the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID). In 2024, UC Chile saw 178 new doctoral graduates, adding to a proud total of 3,014 graduates since the university’s first doctorate was granted.
The university’s strength lies not only in numbers but also in the depth and breadth of its research infrastructure. More than 750 faculty members are authorised to supervise dissertations, and more than 90 per cent of doctoral candidates receive full scholarships (tuition and living expenses) funded by ANID or through internal UC Chile sources. UC Chile has led the country in ANID scholarship awards for a decade, securing 18 per cent of all such scholarships allocated in 2025.
UC Chile’s doctoral excellence is complemented by its dynamic approach to internationalisation. In the last 13 years, 203 students have graduated jointly with world-renowned universities. These partnerships – including new collaborations in 2024 with institutions such as the University of Ferrara, the University of Groningen, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Colorado Boulder and Australian Catholic University – reinforce UC Chile’s commitment to international collaboration. Moreover, international networks – such as Universitas 21, the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities, and the Organization of Catholic Universities in Latin America and the Caribbean – and participation in high-profile academic forums like the Chile-France and Chile-Japan forums, further integrate UC researchers into the global academic community.
Research at UC Chile is fuelled by a cutting-edge ecosystem that includes 31 centres of scientific excellence and 40 interdisciplinary research centres. These centres play a vital role in generating frontier knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and translating research into societal impact. The RCER national network of regional centres and field stations – from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia – is unique in its kind, providing unparalleled access to Chile’s nine natural laboratories for doctoral candidates and researchers.
As UC Chile marks nine decades of doctoral formation, it continues to pursue its mission to blend academic excellence with a global research vision. By nurturing top-tier talent, fostering cross-border academic ties and advancing research that addresses local and global challenges, UC Chile stands poised to shape the next generation of scholars and innovators.
On 23, 24 and 25 June 2025, the UC Chile’s graduate school will hold its Open House 2025, a free online experience aimed prospective students who are interested in the 39 doctoral programmes offered by the university. The open house will provide information about the research areas being developed at UC Chile and the university’s international outlook, as well the funding options available to students.
The university’s doctoral programmes remain a dynamic and inclusive platform where disciplinary depth meets interdisciplinary breadth, and local knowledge meets international ambition. Through continued investment in people, partnerships and purpose-driven research, UC Chile reaffirms its position as a leader in doctoral education on the global stage.
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