In recent years, Chile has become an important destination for students from around the world who want to continue or further their education in a Spanish-speaking country. This includes exchange students, postgraduate students and others.
This number of students from a wide variety of countries increases every year as there are multiple, reliable educational experiences because Chile is a safe, efficient, modern and well-connected country.
The student visa in Chile
Studying in Chile requires a student visa. This type of visa allows a foreigner to study at any state-approved educational institution for up to one year and can be renewed until the studies are completed even if you have to change institutions. You are not allowed to work on this type of visa though permission can be obtained to practise your profession as part of your studies or if you can show proof of the need of funds to pay for your studies. The rules and a link to the application form are provided here.
Cities such as Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción and Valdivia, among others, are home to a wide range of top-quality universities. Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile are renowned throughout the region for their prestige and academic excellence. Additionally, they were ranked among the best 300 universities in the world by QS Top Universities World University Rankings in 2019. Catolica was ranked 132 and U de Chile ranked at 208.
Tech schools are becoming increasingly popular in Chile as more jobs are opening up in these crucial areas of construction, engineering, mining, energy, and healthcare. INACAP is one of the most popular tech schools with locations throughout the country. As the growing economy needs people with technical skills, INACAP graduates have an 89% employment rate in the first year after graduation.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Católica is the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile located in Santiago. Nearly 1,500 international students studied at Católica in 2018. The school has over 26,000 undergraduate students in 104 programs, more than 3,000 masters students in 97 programs, and over 1,000 PhD students in 35 programs. Annual tuition is around 5,000,000 CLP, but this does not include housing and a meal plan like a typical American university.
Universidad de Chile
The University of Chile had more than 300 international students in 2017. The University of Chile has an enrollment of more than 42,000 full-time undergraduate students and graduate students. Something to consider is that the University of Chile does not offer scholarships or financial aid to international visiting students. Students must provide their financial support for round-trip transportation, tuition fees, housing, meals and personal expenses.
Costs of studies consist of a matriculation fee (non-refundable) of USD 250 per semester, in addition to a variable tuition fee depending on the number of courses and hours a week of attendance. Students must pay those fees in full when registration of courses is completed and within the first month of academic activities.
The University of Chile has no dormitories or housing facilities for visiting students. The Student Mobility Program offers information for lodging at private homes. The average monthly cost for accommodation and meals is around USD 600.
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