Paraguay, located in the heart of South America, is a multicultural country with a diversified geography and welcoming people. Because of its low living costs and accessible universities, it is also a popular location for international students. We’ll talk about cheap universities in Paraguay in this article. But first, let’s take a closer look at the details.
Everything you need to know about universities in Paraguay
How is the higher education system in Paraguay?
Paraguay has 54 universities, eight of them 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, a time when education was ignored and there weren’t many higher education institutions.
Bachelor degree programs last for four years, master degree programs last two years, and the duration of doctorate degree programs depend on the discipline and the university. Undergraduate programs in the field of health sciences usually last for six years.
As for admissions of international students, most universities (especially public ones) prioritize the admission of people that come from countries that have diplomatic affiliations with Paraguay. This could also increase your chances of getting a scholarship, so check the status of your country regarding international relations.
The good news is that there are many affordable universities in Paraguay for international students! Compared to universities in USA and Canada, the tuition fees in Paraguay is very affordable.
Is it possible to study in English at Paraguayan universities?
Along with Spanish, Guaraní is one of the official languages of Paraguay and is largely spoken throughout the country, by 87% of Paraguayans. This is why you’ll notice that many universities offer programs in Guaraní.
However, finding a program in English will be harder. Some private universities offer bilingual programs, but the chances of finding a fully English-taught program are really low. So, take advantage of this and learn a new language!
How expensive are Paraguayan universities?
Tuition fees at private universities usually go from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 per academic year. Other fees might slightly increase your study costs since they are usually more expensive for international students. Tuition fees at public universities are below USD 1,500 per academic year.
Cheap Universities in Paraguay
1. National University of Canindeyú (UNICAN)
Estimated Tuition Fee: Up to USD 1,000 per academic year.
The National University of Canindeyú (UNICAN) was created only 10 years ago, in 2010. It was opened to give the region its own autonomous university since there weren’t any.
UNICAN is located in the department of Canindeyú where it has two campuses. It currently has five faculties of legal and social sciences, business and economic sciences, health sciences, agro-livestock and environmental sciences, and sciences and technology. They offer seven undergraduate programs and a few short courses.
2. Autonomous University of Paraguay (UAP)
Estimated Tuition Fee: Between USD 1,000 and USD 3,000 per academic year.
Founded in 1992, the Autonomous University of Paraguay (UAP) is a private higher institution that is best known for its health programs, especially the ones in dentistry. It currently has 1,500 students approx.
This cheap university in Paraguay offers 10 undergraduate programs in phonoaudiology, marketing, and advertising, physiotherapy and podiatry, business administration and accountancy, optometry, and psychology. As for graduate programs, there are 10 specializations, one master’s degree program, and one doctorate degree program with different focuses.
Besides the academic buildings, the university has different social clinics that offer low-cost health services to local communities. Students have the opportunity to complete their practices here. The university also has research laboratories and scientific publications.
3. Polytechnic and Artistic University of Paraguay (UPAP)
Estimated Tuition Fee: Between USD 1,000 and USD 3,000 per academic year.
The Polytechnic and Artistic University of Paraguay (UPAP) started as a Superior 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 specializations, five master’s degree programs, and one doctorate degree programs. Also, there are multiple short courses, workshops, and certificates.
UPAP has a distance education division that offers seven bachelor degree programs, one specialization, and one master’s degree program. Additionally, UPAP has multiple laboratories, a university hospital, and 50 cooperation programs with other universities, companies, and NGOs.
4. Private University of the East (UPE)
Tuition Fee: Between USD 1,500 and USD 2,000 per academic year.
Next in our list of cheapest universities in Paraguay is the Private University of the East (UPE), a private higher education institution with a focus on scientific and technological research. It was founded in 1992 and it currently has 5,000 students.
UPE has is divided into 11 faculties that offer 17 undergraduate programs. The university is best known for its programs in medicine, business administration, and engineering. These faculties are located on six campuses that have up-to-date facilities, modern laboratories, and research centers.
To get information about tuition fees, you’ll need to visit the page of each undergraduate degree program because prices are different for each major.
5. San Ignacio de Loyola University (USIL)
Estimated Tuition Fee: Between USD 1,500 and USD 3,000 per academic year.
San Ignacio de Loyola University (USIL) is a private university that was founded in 2006. Education provided at USIL is business-oriented, and they expect to have bilingual students by the end of their programs.
USIL has eight undergraduate degree programs in law, international business, marketing, business administration, and informatics. The university is affiliated to San Ignacio University, located in the U.S. Through this cooperation program, USIL offers double-degree programs in marketing, business administration, and international business. Multiple one-year certificates and short courses are also available.
6. Maria Auxiliadora University (UMAX)
Estimated Tuition Fee: Between USD 2,000 and USD 3,000 per academic year.
Maria Auxiliadora University (UMAX) has been educating professionals for 27 years and was granted university status in 2008. The university specializes in the areas of health, with two undergraduate programs in medicine and nursery. It also has a program in computer engineering and two graduate programs in education and pedagogy.
This affordable university in Paraguay is research-oriented and has modern facilities with up-to-date laboratories and libraries.
7. Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University (UPTP)
Estimated Tuition Fee: USD 3,000 per academic year.
The Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University (UPTP) is a new university that came to life in 2018. It was created after the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. The university specializes in science and technology.
So far, UPTP offers four undergraduate programs in civil engineering, computer engineering, electromechanical engineering, and industrial engineering. UPTP’s programs include courses of Chinese and English during the first two years. Additionally, the entrance exams are in English.
I hope that this article on the cheapest universities in Paraguay for international students was helpful.
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