The 20 Best Universities in Chile to Study Law in 2026

Universidad de Chile leads the ranking compiled by Impact Lawyers, followed by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.

How the ranking was compiled

Universidad de Chile tops the first edition of the Impact Lawyers ranking of the best Chilean universities for studying Law. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso take second and third place, while Universidad de Concepción, Universidad Diego Portales and Universidad de Valparaíso complete the top six.

The ranking combines the available results from the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law and Legal Studies, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law and the SCImago Institutions Rankings 2026 for Law in Chile.

QS places particular emphasis on academic and employer reputation, citations and research impact. Times Higher Education examines teaching, the research environment, research quality, industry links and international outlook. SCImago offers a broader comparison of research, innovation and societal impact and places Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in the top three national positions for Law in 2026.

International rankings do not cover all Chilean law schools equally. The quantitative comparison has therefore been supplemented by an editorial review of each school's history, curriculum, research, legal clinics, preparation for the degree examination, employability, geographical reach and connections with courts, law firms, businesses, public authorities and civil-society organisations.

A methodology adapted to the Chilean legal system

Studying Law in Chile does not end when a student passes the university courses. Universities award the academic degree of Licenciado or Licenciada en Ciencias Jurídicas, but the professional title of lawyer is granted by the Supreme Court.

This distinctive feature means that the assessment must consider not only research and institutional reputation but also the strength of doctrinal education, support after completion of coursework, preparation for the examen de grado and the programme's ability to guide students through to professional qualification.

The qualitative assessment was organised around five dimensions:

• National and international academic reputation.
• Quality and influence of legal research.
• Breadth, coherence and academic rigour of the curriculum.
• Employability, clinics, practical training and professional connections.
• Internationalisation, public impact and regional contribution.

The final order does not mechanically reproduce any of the three rankings. A faculty with substantial research output may not provide the same professional network as an institution with historical links to the judiciary or private practice. Similarly, size, selectivity and the particular campus can produce different experiences within the same university.

The 20 best universities in Chile to study Law

1. Universidad de Chile, the leading public institution

Universidad de Chile ranks first because of its combination of history, research, academic rigour and influence on the country's institutions.

Its Faculty of Law has educated presidents, ministers, members of Congress, judges, academics and lawyers who have played central roles in shaping the Chilean legal system. It is particularly strong in constitutional, administrative, civil, criminal, international, labour and economic law, as well as Human Rights.

Its Santiago location facilitates contact with the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, government ministries, regulatory bodies, major law firms, companies and civil-society organisations. Its legal clinic and research centres reinforce the relationship between theory, practice and public service.

Its first place is also supported by its national leadership in SCImago 2026 and its presence in the principal international subject rankings. Admission is highly competitive and the qualification process demanding, but its reputation remains exceptional.

2. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, academic and professional excellence

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile ranks second. Its Faculty of Law combines a long doctrinal tradition with research, internationalisation and one of the country's most influential professional networks.

The university is particularly strong in civil, constitutional, administrative, criminal, canon, commercial, tax, labour and competition law. It maintains close connections with law firms, businesses, courts, public bodies and think tanks.

Its education is characterised by academic rigour and a clearly defined Catholic institutional identity. For students interested in major firms, business, public policy, academia or the judiciary, it is one of Chile's most complete options.

The difference between the top two is narrow. Universidad de Chile takes first place because of its balance of research, historical influence and social reach, while the Católica has particularly strong advantages in private-sector networks and internationalisation.

3. PUCV, a legal tradition in Valparaíso

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso ranks third and is the highest-placed regional university.

Its School of Law has one of the country's most respected legal traditions. It is especially noted for doctrinal rigour in civil, constitutional, administrative, procedural, criminal and international law and jurisprudence.

Valparaíso is home to the National Congress, the Court of Appeal and substantial port, maritime and administrative activity. This setting provides opportunities different from those available in Santiago and strengthens education in public law and regulation.

Its third place rests both on its historical prestige and its third national position in the SCImago 2026 Law ranking.

4. Universidad de Concepción, the South's major faculty

Universidad de Concepción ranks fourth. Its Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences is one of the principal institutions outside Santiago and Valparaíso.

The university provides a strong general legal education in civil, public, criminal, procedural, commercial, labour and international law. Its influence extends throughout Biobío and southern Chile through a broad alumni network in courts, public authorities, companies and private practice.

Its university life, interdisciplinary character and Concepción's economic importance add to its appeal. It is particularly suitable for students seeking a large, comprehensive university with a strong tradition outside the capital.

5. Universidad Diego Portales, research and public debate

Universidad Diego Portales ranks fifth and is one of Chile's most influential private law schools.

Its Faculty of Law has built an identity around research, constitutional debate, Human Rights, criminal law, civil justice and public policy. Its annual Human Rights report is an important reference in national debate.

Its Santiago location and the public engagement of its academics facilitate links with institutions, strategic litigation, civil-society organisations and the media.

The university ranks fifth nationally for Law in SCImago 2026. Its profile is especially attractive to students interested in research, institutional reform and contemporary legal problems.

6. Universidad de Valparaíso, public law and a state vocation

Universidad de Valparaíso ranks sixth. Its School of Law inherits a long public tradition and has a strong presence in the judiciary, public administration and professional practice in the region.

Its proximity to the National Congress, courts and port institutions supports education in constitutional, administrative, international, maritime and commercial law.

Its status as a state university and its regional influence make it a particularly valuable alternative to PUCV. The faculty combines doctrine, research and community engagement in a city with its own distinctive legal identity.

7. Universidad de Talca, research and regional service

Universidad de Talca ranks seventh. Its Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences has developed recognised research activity and a curriculum covering public, private, criminal, labour and economic law.

The university stands out for its contribution to central-southern Chile and an institutional approach combining academic quality, innovation and public service.

Its presence in Talca and Santiago broadens opportunities, although applicants should compare the curriculum, resources and experience at each location carefully. SCImago places it among the Chilean institutions with the greatest legal impact.

8. Universidad Austral de Chile, Law from Valdivia

Universidad Austral de Chile ranks eighth. Its Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences is an essential reference point in southern Chile.

The institution is particularly strong in public, environmental, civil and criminal law and Human Rights. Valdivia's setting encourages an approach connected with territory, natural resources, communities, decentralisation and sustainability.

Its academic community and research reputation offer an experience distinct from that of Santiago's large faculties. It is an especially strong choice for students wishing to practise or conduct research in southern Chile.

9. Universidad de los Andes, private education and professional networks

Universidad de los Andes ranks ninth. Its Faculty of Law combines rigorous doctrinal education with close academic support and strong links to private practice.

It is particularly strong in civil, commercial, constitutional, tax, criminal and business law. Its campus and alumni network facilitate relationships with major firms, companies and private-sector organisations.

The university's Catholic identity shapes its educational project. Its position reflects growing research, strong employability and the coherence of a more selective and concentrated model.

10. Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Law, economics and business

Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez ranks tenth. Its main distinguishing feature is the relationship it creates between Law, economics, business, regulation and innovation.

Its programme is particularly attractive for corporate law, competition, financial markets, entrepreneurship, technology and the economic analysis of law.

Its business network and international outlook are clear advantages. Students seeking a large faculty, a public tradition or extensive involvement in social litigation, however, may find other institutional profiles more suitable.

11. Universidad Alberto Hurtado, social justice and humanistic education

Universidad Alberto Hurtado ranks 11th. Its Faculty of Law has a Jesuit identity associated with social justice, ethics, Human Rights and critical analysis of institutions.

The university works in fields including constitutional, criminal, labour, migration and international law and access to justice. Its Santiago location facilitates collaboration with public bodies and civil-society organisations.

Its size supports a relatively close academic community. It is particularly suitable for students interested in public service, public-interest litigation and the protection of vulnerable groups.

12. Universidad del Desarrollo, professional focus and innovation

Universidad del Desarrollo ranks 12th. With campuses in Santiago and Concepción, it offers an education connected to business, leadership, innovation and professional practice.

Its Faculty of Law maintains relationships with law firms, companies and business networks. Corporate, commercial, regulatory and entrepreneurship-related fields are especially important to its profile.

The experience may differ between campuses, so applicants should compare teaching staff, electives, clinics and placement opportunities. It is a relevant alternative for students seeking market-oriented private education.

13. Universidad Católica del Norte and the legal realities of northern Chile

Universidad Católica del Norte ranks 13th. Its principal strength is its connection with the legal needs of Antofagasta, Coquimbo and the country's mining regions.

Its programme covers mining, environmental, administrative, labour, commercial and natural-resources law alongside the profession's foundational subjects.

Proximity to extractive industries, regional authorities, courts and communities makes the university a strategic option for developing a career in northern Chile.

14. Universidad Andrés Bello, scale and geographical reach

Universidad Andrés Bello ranks 14th. It is one of the country's largest and most visible private universities.

Its Law degree combines general legal education, clinics and specialisations connected with professional practice. Its extensive institutional network broadens mobility and access to alumni.

Its size makes it essential to check the conditions at each campus, including the composition of the teaching staff, available electives and support for the degree examination. Its research presence also explains its inclusion in SCImago 2026.

15. Universidad Autónoma de Chile

Universidad Autónoma de Chile ranks 15th. Its presence in Santiago, Talca and Temuco gives it a significant geographical dimension.

Its legal education addresses foundational subjects, practice, employability and regional issues. The university has increased its research presence and appears among the top ten Chilean institutions for Law in SCImago 2026.

The difference between its scientific position and its final place reflects the additional weight given to tradition, selectivity, professional networks and the historical outcomes of other faculties.

16. Universidad San Sebastián

Universidad San Sebastián ranks 16th. Its provision in several cities broadens access to legal education beyond the traditional centres.

The programme combines private, public, criminal, procedural, labour and commercial law with practical activities. Its national scale supports a broad network of students and graduates.

As with other multi-campus universities, applicants should assess the particular experience offered at their chosen location rather than relying exclusively on the institution's overall reputation.

17. Universidad Católica de Temuco

Universidad Católica de Temuco ranks 17th. Its Faculty of Legal, Economic and Administrative Sciences has an especially close relationship with La Araucanía.

The university is relevant to the study of legal pluralism, Indigenous peoples, territory, the environment, Human Rights and regional government.

Its local influence and regional public mission compensate for more limited international visibility. It is an important option for students wishing to study and practise in southern Chile.

18. Universidad Santo Tomás

Universidad Santo Tomás ranks 18th. Its principal strengths are the geographical accessibility of its network and an applied professional orientation.

The degree covers the essential branches of Law and provides opportunities for students who need to study outside Santiago.

Its inclusion does not mean that every campus provides an identical experience. Applicants should review institutional accreditation, continuity of the degree, teaching staff, resources and qualification outcomes at the specific campus.

19. Universidad Central de Chile

Universidad Central de Chile ranks 19th. It has an established tradition within private legal education and a favourable location in Santiago.

Its Faculty of Law and Humanities offers a general legal education with attention to public, private, criminal and social law. Connections with the professional environment and its legal clinic strengthen its practical dimension.

It may appeal to students seeking a private university of manageable size with direct access to the capital's legal market.

20. Universidad Finis Terrae

Universidad Finis Terrae completes the ranking in 20th place. Its Faculty of Law offers a private environment, a relatively concentrated community and education oriented towards professional practice.

Its Santiago location facilitates contact with law firms, companies and courts. Its educational project has a Catholic and humanistic identity.

The university finishes narrowly ahead of other regional and private candidates. Its place should be understood as part of a final group in which campus, cost, qualification outcomes and student profile may matter more than a small difference in ranking position.

How to obtain the professional title of lawyer in Chile

Law faculties award the academic degree of Licenciado or Licenciada en Ciencias Jurídicas. The professional title of lawyer, however, is granted by the Supreme Court after it verifies compliance with the legal requirements.

The Judiciary's Office of Degrees and Titles requires applicants opening a qualification file to provide, among other documents, their degree certificate, academic transcript, university conduct certificate and professional-practice certificate.

The Supreme Court instructions explain that universities award the Licenciatura, while the Supreme Court grants the professional title under Articles 521 and following of the Organic Code of Courts.

This distinction is essential: finishing the university courses, or even obtaining the Licenciatura, does not yet mean that the graduate holds the professional title of lawyer.

The degree examination and the programme's real duration

University curricula are generally structured over ten semesters, but the formal programme length does not necessarily reflect the actual time required to qualify.

After passing their courses, many students must prepare for a demanding examen de grado, complete professional practice and process their file before the Supreme Court. Depending on the university and the student's personal circumstances, these stages can significantly extend the process.

Before enrolling, applicants should request information on retention, completion of coursework, degree-examination pass rates, average time to the Licenciatura and final professional qualification. A prestigious faculty may impose an especially demanding process, while a more flexible institution may produce markedly different results from one campus to another.

Professional practice

Professional practice is one of the central requirements on the path to qualification. It has traditionally been completed through the Corporación de Asistencia Judicial, Chile's public legal-aid corporation, or another authorised institution, and gives candidates experience working on real cases under supervision.

The placement brings future lawyers into contact with people who need legal assistance and develops interviewing, drafting, case-management and advocacy skills that cannot always be acquired in the classroom.

Candidates should check the current rules, allocation procedures and any recognised alternative arrangements when they begin this stage.

Santiago and the opportunities of Chile's leading legal market

Santiago is home to the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, government ministries, regulators, major companies, banks, domestic and international law firms and civil-society organisations.

Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Diego Portales, Universidad de los Andes, Adolfo Ibáñez, Alberto Hurtado and Universidad del Desarrollo benefit particularly from this proximity.

The capital offers more placement and networking opportunities, but it also has a higher cost of living, substantial commuting times and intense professional competition.

The strength of regional law schools

Studying outside Santiago does not require giving up a first-rate legal education. PUCV, Universidad de Valparaíso, Universidad de Concepción, Universidad de Talca and Universidad Austral have long traditions, strong research and deep influence in their respective territories.

Regional universities may provide closer links with courts, authorities, businesses and local communities. They also offer fields connected to their surroundings: ports and public administration in Valparaíso; industry and forestry in Concepción; agriculture in Maule; the environment and territory in Valdivia; and mining and natural resources in northern Chile.

For students who intend to practise in a particular region, the local alumni network may be more valuable than a slightly higher position held by a Santiago university.

Public or private university

Chile has state universities, traditional private universities and more recently established private institutions. The university's legal status does not by itself determine the quality of its law school.

Public and traditional universities often stand out for their history, pluralism, research and institutional influence. Some private universities offer smaller groups, infrastructure, business networks or particularly defined educational and professional approaches.

The comparison should include tuition fees, scholarships, tuition-free eligibility where applicable, accreditation, campus, selectivity, class size, academic support and the cost of remaining in education for additional years while completing the examination and professional qualification.

There is no perfect university for everyone

Universidad de Chile is the most balanced option for research, prestige and public influence. Pontificia Universidad Católica combines academic excellence with an extraordinary professional network. PUCV, Universidad de Concepción and Universidad de Valparaíso are regional alternatives with exceptional traditions.

Diego Portales stands out in research, Human Rights and institutional debate. Universidad de los Andes, Adolfo Ibáñez and Universidad del Desarrollo have especially strong connections with business and private practice. Universidad Alberto Hurtado offers a distinct social and humanistic profile.

Talca, Austral, Católica del Norte and Católica de Temuco are particularly relevant to careers connected with their territories. The final decision should consider where the student wishes to practise, total cost, specialisation, the degree examination, clinics, professional practice, the professional network and the specific experience at the chosen campus.

A university-based legal system with a long tradition

The study's principal conclusion is that Chile has one of Latin America's most diverse and influential systems of legal education.

Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica form a leading group that is extremely difficult to challenge. PUCV, Universidad de Concepción, Diego Portales, Universidad de Valparaíso, Talca and Austral demonstrate that academic quality is not confined to the capital.

The system also presents challenges. The actual duration of legal studies can substantially exceed the formal programme length, the degree examination requires intensive preparation and the professional title depends on a subsequent procedure before the Supreme Court.

Combining QS, Times Higher Education and SCImago with analysis of programmes, faculty history and routes to professional qualification produces a broader, more critical and more useful ranking for choosing where to study Law in Chile in 2026.