- New programs and more than 2.500 vacancies available through special admissions channels at the University of Chile for the 2026 process.
- An in-person event on August 2 will provide a detailed look at all special entry options and their requirements.
- Access routes consider criteria such as gender, socioeconomic status, indigenous peoples, and disability.
- Personalized participation and guidance seek to provide information to applicants, their families, and teachers.
The University of Chile is strengthening its alternative admissions systems in preparation for the upcoming Special Admissions cycle , increasing the number of available places, offering new entry options, and providing greater opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. These pathways have become a fundamental tool for expanding student diversity and advancing equity and inclusion within Chilean higher education.
In this context, the institution is preparing an in-person workshop to guide thousands of young people, families, and counselors on the various options available, how each system works, and the new features of the upcoming admissions process. This strategy aims to ensure that no one is left out due to lack of information and that everyone can find the best way to join the university community.
More than 2.500 places and a dozen different pathways are part of the offering announced for the 2026 academic year at the University of Chile through its special admissions programs. These mechanisms consider not only traditional academic performance, but also factors such as gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, and outstanding athletic and scientific achievements . The initiative began in 2010 with pilot programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences and was strengthened in 2012 with the creation of SIPEE, allowing more than 13.000 young people to gain admission to the University of Chile since then.
Next Saturday, August 2nd, between 10:00 a.m. and 16:00 p.m., the School of Economics and Business will host the official launch of the application and dissemination campaign. During the event, attendees will be able to learn about the various programs and majors, receive advice on financing and academic support, and participate in both in-person and hybrid discussions with experts to answer questions.
New opportunities: careers and programs that expand access
Among the key announcements for the 2026 admissions process, the University of Chile confirms the addition of Nursing and Accounting as new degree programs available to graduates of technical-vocational high schools. These join existing options such as Early Childhood Education, Agronomic Engineering, Renewable Natural Resources Engineering, Forestry Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering, thus opening up greater opportunities for young people throughout the country.
The Priority Admission Program for Public Schools (PIPEP) is also expanding its reach, now including Business Engineering and Information and Management Control Engineering , in addition to the Common Engineering and Sciences Plan. This demonstrates the commitment to reducing access gaps and bringing university education closer to the most diverse sectors of society.
Another important development is that the Dentistry degree program joins the Priority Admission for Gender Equity program with special quotas for men in predominantly female careers, following the lead of Social Work, Early Childhood Education, and Obstetrics and Childcare.
Information day: guidance for applicants and their families
The event on August 2nd is not just a career fair: it's designed as an opportunity to address concerns and ensure that all interested parties understand the requirements and details of each special pathway . Likewise, it aims to foster the involvement of families, faculty, and counselors, who are invited to participate and engage in direct dialogue with staff and students who have already entered through these alternative routes.
During the day, visitors will be able to access interactive booths for each career, experiment with application simulators , learn about scholarships and academic support, and take advantage of hybrid talks to learn about both the technical aspects of the process and the experiences of those who are already part of the university.
The University of Chile is committed to ensuring that no interested person is excluded due to a lack of information or adequate support . Furthermore, ongoing advising is provided throughout the year via various digital platforms.
The event is open to students, families, and the wider educational community, with free admission . The address is Diagonal Paraguay 205, Santiago, and those interested in more details can visit the official website: https://admisionuchile.cl/jornada-ingresos-especiales/.
The University of Chile thus demonstrates its commitment to inclusion, equity and the strengthening of a fairer and more diverse education , inviting the entire community to learn about and be an active part of this process that seeks to expand real opportunities for those who wish to begin their university journey.
