Guide to studying in Paraguay in terms of costs, universities and visas
Located in central South America, Paraguay is a multicultural country with diverse geography and warm people. It is also a great destination for international students due to its low costs of living and affordable universities. In this article, we will cover cheap universities in Paraguay! But before we get started, let's look at a few more details.
Study system in Paraguay
Paraguay has 54 universities, eight of which are public and the rest are private. Most of them were created after 1990 when important educational reforms were made. This happened after the end of the dictatorship in the country, at a time when education was ignored and there were not many institutions of higher education.
Study in Paraguay for a bachelor's degree lasts four years, study in Paraguay for a master's degree lasts for two years, and the duration of doctoral degree programs depends on the specialty and university. Bachelor's programs in the field of health sciences usually last for six years.
As for accepting international students in order to study in Paraguay, most universities (especially public universities) give priority to accepting people coming from countries that have diplomatic connections with Paraguay. This may also increase your chances of getting a scholarship, so check your country's status regarding international relations.
The good news is that there are many affordable universities in Paraguay for international students! Compared to universities in the USA and Canada, tuition fees in Paraguay are very affordable.
Is it possible to study in English at Paraguayan universities?
Along with Spanish, Guarani is one of the official languages of Paraguay and is spoken by 87% of the Paraguayan population largely throughout the country. This is why you will notice that many universities offer programs in the Guarani language.
However, finding a program in English will be more difficult. Some private universities offer dual language programs, but the chances of finding a program taught entirely in English are really low. So, take advantage of this and learn a new language!
What are the prices for studying in Paraguay?
Tuition fees at private universities typically range from US$1 to US$000 per academic year. Other fees may increase your tuition costs slightly as they are usually more expensive for international students. Tuition fees at public universities are less than $3 per academic year.
Obtaining university admission in Paraguay
Admission depends on each university. Some only require submission of documents and others include admission tests and/or interviews.
There are other universities that have compulsory pre-university courses that every student must take and pass in order to be accepted and start studying. These usually last for a few months.
As mentioned above, Guarani and Spanish are the official languages of Paraguay. Spanish is the language used in media, education, and government matters. Therefore, the majority of programs are taught in Spanish.
Finding programs in English will be very difficult. Studying in Paraguay is the ideal destination for those who want to learn or improve the Spanish language. As an international student, universities will ask you to demonstrate language proficiency, take a Spanish language test, or take one of their language courses.
What about the cost of living in Paraguay?
Renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost between $250 and $350 per month depending on the area. For transportation, you will spend about $25 USD on public transportation. This will be for buses as there is no metro in Asuncion, the capital.
Eating at a local restaurant will cost US$5. If you go to a mid-range restaurant, a meal for two will cost around $24 USD.
Read also: Comprehensive study guide in Brazil
Cheap universities in Paraguay
Estimated Tuition Fee: Up to $1 USD per academic year.
The National University of Canindio (UNICAN) was created only 10 years ago, in 2010. It was opened to give the region its own independent university where there was none.
Unican is located in Kanindyo District where it has two campuses. It currently includes five faculties of legal and social sciences, economic and commercial sciences, health sciences, agricultural livestock and environmental sciences, and science and technology. They offer seven undergraduate programs and some short courses.
Estimated tuition fees: between US$1 and US$000 per academic year.
Founded in 1992, the Autonomous University of Paraguay (UAP) is a private higher institution known for its health programs, especially those related to dentistry. It currently has approximately 1500 students.
This cheap university in Paraguay offers 10 undergraduate programs in The science of sound Marketing, Advertising, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Business Administration, Accounting, Optometry and Psychology. As for graduate programs, there are 10 specializations, one master's degree program, and one doctoral degree program with different specializations.
Estimated tuition fees: between US$1 and US$000 per academic year.
The Polytechnic and Technical College of Paraguay (UPAP) began as a graduate school in 1976 and became a university in 1996. It is divided into five faculties of health sciences, economic sciences, humanities and social sciences, arts and technology, and legal sciences.
There are 44 undergraduate programs, two majors, five master's degree programs, and one doctoral degree program. Also, there are many short courses, workshops and certificates.
UPAP has a distance education department that offers seven bachelor's degree programmes, one major and one master's degree programme. In addition, UPAP has multiple laboratories, a university hospital and 50 cooperation programs with other universities, companies and NGOs.
- Al Sharq Private University (UPE)
- Tuition fees: between US$1500 and US$2000 per academic year.
UPE is divided into 11 faculties offering 17 undergraduate programmes. The university is known for its programs in medicine, business administration and engineering. These colleges are located across six campuses with state-of-the-art facilities, modern laboratories and research centres.
For information about tuition fees, you will need to visit each undergraduate degree program's page because prices vary depending on each major.
- University of San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL)
Estimated tuition fees: between US$1500 and US$3000 per academic year.
The University of San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) is a private university founded in 2006. The education offered at USIL is business-oriented, and they expect to have bilingual students by the end of their programs.
San Ignacio de Loyola University has eight bachelor's degree programs in law, international business, marketing, business administration, and informatics. The university is affiliated with the University of San Ignacio located in the U.S. Through this cooperation program, the University of San Ignacio de Loyola offers dual degree programs in Marketing, Business Administration and International Business. Multiple one-year certificates and short courses are also available.
Study visa in Paraguay
Students who plan to study in Paraguay will need to obtain a student visa. You will need the following documents:
- Claim letter from the university.
- Demonstrate financial ability to pay tuition fees
- You need a passport valid for at least six months
- Proof of residential address in Paraguay
- Fill out the visa application on the embassy’s website
Summary of the study in Paraguay:
Over 95% of Paraguay's population is of mixed race and this is one of the few countries in the world that still has an indigenous language as one of its official languages. Spanish and Guaraní are the official languages of Paraguay. In fact, 90% of Paraguayans speak the Guarani language while 87% speak Spanish.