Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability, agricultural sciences and conflict resolution. International students applying for the 2026–2027 academic year may be eligible for competitive full-ride fellowships and select tuition waivers, especially in the fields of environmental and peace studies.
1. EARTH” University: Mastercard Foundation Scholars
EARTH University is one of the most unique institutions in the world, dedicated exclusively to sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.
- The Award: 100 percent of tuition, room and board, airfare, textbooks and a monthly stipend.
- The target is young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean with financial barriers.
- Fields: Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Sciences.
- 2027 Intake Schedule: * Deadline: The 2026 deadline was January 31, 2026.
- • 2027 Prep: Students aspiring to apply should prepare their portfolios for the January 2027 cutoff.
- Criteria: Leadership potential, commitment to community service, and academic grit.
2. University for Peace (UPEACE)
UPEACE was established by the UN General Assemboffersrovides Master’s programmes for those interested in building careers in diplomacy and human rights.
- Automatic Tuition Waivers (30%)
- The Award 30% off tuition (approx. $5,850 off the $19,500 total cost).
- Who’s eligible: Automatically awarded to students from many partner countries or with certain academic qualifications.
- DAAD – UPEACE Master Scholarships:
- Award: Fully funded Master’s scholarship.
- Benefits: Tuition, health insurance, €750/month stipend, €460 study allowance.
- Areas: Environment, Development, Peace and Conflict Resolution
- • Deadline: April 30, 2026 (Today) Note: The portal closes at 11:00 AM (local time).
- • Merit-Based Waivers (50%): * Offered to a limited number of outstanding Masters applicants
3. INCAE Graduate School of Business
As the premier business school in Latin America, INCAE supports the next generation of regional leaders.
- Numerix Scholarship for Women in Finance
- Award Partial funding for female nationals on finance-related MBAs.
- Due date: 4th May, 2026.
- Education Future International Scholarship:
- The Prize: $2,500 – $25,000.
- Requirement: Academic excellence and a solid professional background.
- Nehru Study Abroad Scholarship: *Partial funding for foreign students at INCAE.
4. University of Costa Rica (UCR) & International Funds
Because UCR is the nation’s top public university, it is a major host of international government fellowships.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Programme:
- The Award: Full funding for research or an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Costa Rica.
- Deadline: October 2026 (for the 2027-2028 cycle).
- OAS Academic Scholarship Programme:
- The Award: Maximum of $15,000 per academic year.
- Status: The 2026-27 cycle closed in March 2026; the 2027 cycle generally opens in Jan 2027.
- Erasmus+ Funding:
- It promotes the mobility of students from partner EU universities for one semester at UCR.
How to Get a Costa Rica Scholarship in 2025
- The Narrative of “Sustainability”: Costa Rica’s Academic Identity is Constructed on “Greenness.” Whether you’re applying to UPEACE or EARTH, show your passion for biodiversity, climate resilience or social justice.
- Quantify your impact: Concentrate on your professional outcomes for INCAE or UPEACE. General statements like “I reduced waste by 20%” are less fundable than “I led a project that reduced waste by 20%”.
- Spanish Vs English: EARTH and UPEACE do have programmes in English, but public universities like UCR usually require a B2 level of Spanish for undergraduate studies.
- Prepare for the Interview: Many merit-based waivers in Costa Rica require a virtual interview. Be prepared to discuss your long-term plan to contribute to the development of your home country.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Nature
Costa Rica provides an education that deeply connects to the future of the planet.
Fast Action Plan 2026:
- Finance professionals: Apply for the INCAE Women in Finance programme by May 4, 2026.
- US researchers should start your Fulbright proposal now for the October 2026 deadline.
- Linguists: If you missed the UPEACE deadline of April 30th, take a look at the Fulbright ETA options for 2027.
