Application

What are the application deadlines?
Application documents for enrollment in the first semester of each year must be submitted between September 1 and October 31. 
For enrollment in the second semester, applications must be received between April 1 and May 31. 

When do classes start and how long is the Master's Program in Economics?
The first semester begins in March and the second one begins in August. The Master's Program in Economics is four semesters (2 years) long.

When does the Graduate Committee notify applicants about admittance?
Those submitting applications for the October 31 deadline will be notified by November 20;  those submitting applications for the May 31 deadline will be notified by June 20.

Are applicants required to have work experience?
It is not necessary but it does strengthen the application.

Will you accept application documents submitted by e-mail?
Yes. Once an applicant is accepted, they must send us the original documents.

Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
We recommend that the letters be written by academics, preferably with graduate degrees. Another options is your direct supervisor (preferably someone with graduate studies).

Do you allow submission of other information not requested on the forms but which supports the application?
Yes, as long as it is related to academic activities.

Can I apply to the Master's Program if I don't have an undergraduate degree in economics?
Yes. In these cases, the Master's Program in Economics requires that students take a series of introductory courses which generally includes Introduction to Microeconomics, Introduction to Macroeconomics, Microeconomics I, Macroeconomics I and II, Econometrics and any other course that the Graduate Committee considers necessary for the successful performance of the student in the Master's Program.

What level of English is required for admission?
Applicants do not need to provide official certification of their knowledge of the English language when applying. However, the courses require reading texts in English and certain classes are taught in English. Therefore, a low level of understanding of the language will affect the student's performance in the Master's Program.

Fees and Healthcare Insurance

What are the payment terms for the Master's Program?
For 2012, the program cost is CLP $ 4,700,000. It can be divided into 10 equal monthly payments of CLP $ 470,000 (four hundred seventy thousand pesos).

Can fees for the two years of the Program be paid at once?
No, because enrollment is renewed every semester according to the student's academic progress in the Program.

Does the university provide a discount when paying for both semesters at the beginning of each year, or if the full semester is paid for at the beginning of the semester?
No, this benefit is only for undergraduate studies.

How can I obtain healthcare insurance if I live overseas?
This insurance is obtained in Chile upon enrollment in the program. The PUC has contracts with healthcare insurance companies to cover students while they are attending the university.  
All students must be covered by healthcare insurance.

Validation of credits

I have obtained a previous master's degree. Can I use those credits toward the Master's Degree in Economics?
This is possible, although validation is not guaranteed.  To request validation, write us a letter explaining that you need to validate a course. You must also attach:
i) The program of the course you want to validate
ii) Transcript showing your grade in that course
iii) Information from the professor who taught the course you want to validate

Studying for the Master's Degree

Can you have two concentrations in the Master's Program in Economics?
Yes. To do this, the student must obtain 48 additional credits that include the minimum required and elective courses specified for the second concentration.

Is it possible to study for the Master's Degree while working?
The Master's Program is a full-time program; it is not given on a part-time basis.  However, some students have chosen to study for the master's degree while working (enrolling in at least 30 credits per semester) and have successfully finished the program. However, it is not easy to study for the master's degree and work at the same time. Frequent problems include exhaustion as well as absence from work in order to attend classes, teaching assistanceships and exams, which take place during class hours.

Does the PUC provide assistance with settling in Santiago and searching for housing?
No. Each student must search for their own housing and get settled, preferably at least 10 days before classes begin. However, other students and the Program Coordinator generally have information about housing close to the San Joaquín Campus.