The University

The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) was established in 1903, making it one of the oldest universities of the island. Its Rio Piedras campus has an enrollment of nearly 25,000 students. The University of Puerto Rico system has nine campuses throughout the island.

The Program

UPR has ten different schools and departments. It offers a direct enrollment program designed for students with at least an intermediate level of Spanish language. Students in this program are allowed access to all courses offered at the university and will attend courses alongside Puerto Rican and international students.  All courses are taught in Spanish except for those courses indicated in the UPR Catalog that are in other languages, including English. It is possible to take courses in English from UPR’s English department. Courses are available in the following schools and departments as identified by UPR: general studies, business administration, education, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, social work, arts and sciences, Hispanic studies, architecture, public communication, aerospace studies, and military sciences.

The Program Dates

• Fall -mid August to mid December
• Spring - mid January to late May

Admissions Requirments

Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.  Please note that some programs at UPR require a 3.0 GPA.  Applicants must have completed at least four (4) semesters of university level Spanish, or be at an advanced level of language comprehension.

Housing and Meals

International students reside in one of the university residence halls named "Plaza Universitaria" or "Torre del Norte," which is located directly in front of the university’s main entrance. The rooms are double occupancy, with a closet, sink, desk, and twin beds.

There is a kitchen on each floor of the residence hall equipped with a microwave oven, refrigerator, and stove. Students who do not wish to cook their own meals can have their meals in campus cafeterias and nearby restaurants.