Rafael A. Díaz Porras studied in Universidad de Costa Rica. In 1978 obtained a bachelor's degree in economics, and improved his degree level two years later. In the year 1988, he earned a master’s degree in Economic Policy from the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. Has a PhD in Economics from Tilburg University, Netherlands.

Currently, he performs as a professor at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica in where he develops courses such as Theory and Macroeconomic Policy, International Management, International Trade, and development theories. Besides, he has developed research in agro-industrial value chains, sectoral policies, and climate change adaptation.