Lana Oconnell
Chile has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, particularly those from the United States. In 2020, Chile ranked 24th in the world as a destination country for U.S. students, with a 5.6% increase in interest. This trend is likely due to Chile's strong economic growth, making it one of the most affluent countries in Latin America. The country offers a range of educational opportunities, from its 16 public universities to its 43 private institutions. International students in Chile can expect to pay an average of US$5,500 per year in tuition fees at private universities, with slightly higher fees in the capital city of Santiago.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students from Chile in the US | 24 since 2013 |
| Chile's rank as a destination for US students | 24th |
| Chile's rank as a destination country for US students in Latin America and the Caribbean | 2nd most popular |
| Number of international students in the US | 1,075,496 |
| Percentage of international students in US higher education | 5.5% |
| Average monthly cost of living for students in Chile | US$700-1,100 |
| Minimum yearly cost of living for students in Chile | US$8,400 |
| Average yearly tuition fees for international undergraduate students in Chile | US$6,300 |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Chile: living costs and scholarships
Chile is one of the more expensive countries in Latin America when it comes to living costs, but it also has the highest standards of living in the region. On average, international students in Chile spend about US$700–1,100 each month, or at least US$8,400 per year. Living costs are lower outside of big cities, and students can save money by living with a Chilean host family, which costs around US$600 per month with all bills and food included.
Tuition fees in Chile vary depending on the university and programme. Private universities charge an average of US$5,500 per year, while in the capital, Santiago, international undergraduate students pay an average of US$6,300. At the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, fees are US$1,200 per semester (US$2,400 per year), with each credit costing US$120. Students must also pay a matriculation fee upon enrolment, which is US$250 at the Universidad de Chile. Medicine and other courses will cost more.
There are a number of scholarships available for international students looking to study in Chile. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, funded by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), offers undergraduate awards of around US$4,000–5,000, with a possible US$3,000 supplement for studying a language on the Critical Need list. The Fulbright program, also funded by ECA, offers several categories of scholarships for foreign study, including the US Student Program for undergraduates and the Scholar Program for faculty and professionals. The Fulbright awards are highly competitive, and selection is based on research proposals, qualifications, academic records, and language skills.
The Kleinhans Fellowship for Research in Tropical Non-Timber Forest Products, supplied through the Rainforest Alliance, is another option for students looking to undertake environmental studies in Chile. ICambio, a specialty vendor of study-abroad programs in Chile and Argentina, offers a scholarship worth up to US$1,000 through an essay contest. North Carolina State University's Department of Forestry & Environmental Resources guarantees scholarships for its students to participate in the forest resources exchange program in Chile.
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US students in Chile: numbers and motivations
Chile is a popular destination for US students, ranking 24th in the world as a country US students are interested in studying in. In 2020, Chile saw a 5.6% increase in the number of US students interested in studying there. Latin America and the Caribbean remain the second most popular regional destination for US students.
There are several reasons why US students choose to study in Chile. One reason is the opportunity to experience a different education system and culture. Chilean schools have a uniform policy, which is not common in US schools. Chilean schools also have a more relaxed attitude towards mobile phones in class, with teachers often giving students time to chat with friends and take selfies. The relationship between students and teachers is also more casual in Chile, with students often hugging their teachers and asking about their personal lives. The school year in Chile runs from March to December, with senior year ending in October. Students in Chile are not allowed to work, unlike in the US, where it is common for senior students to have jobs. Chilean students also have fewer options when it comes to sports, with one season running from March to December, and fewer tournaments.
US students in Chile also appreciate the opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills and immerse themselves in Chilean culture. They may also be attracted to Chile's natural beauty, including its mountains, beaches, and deserts.
The number of US students in Chile is not currently available, but the increasing popularity of Chile as a study destination suggests that the number of US students choosing to study there is on the rise.
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Education system in Chile: public vs private
Chile's education system is structured similarly to 19th-century French and German models and is highly regarded among Latin American countries. It consists of eight years of free and compulsory primary education, four years of optional secondary or vocational education, and additional years of higher education.
The Chilean state offers an extensive system of education vouchers that covers about 93% of primary and secondary students. The system is based on direct payments to schools based on daily attendance. Schools are either public (typically owned by the municipality of the commune in which the school is located) or private, which may be subsidized by the government. Private schools may be organized as either for-profit or non-profit. To receive public funding, private schools must reserve 15% of seats in each class for "vulnerable" students (based on family income and the mother's level of education). These schools receive extra funding for each "vulnerable" student they enroll.
Compulsory education in Chile previously only covered eight years of primary school. However, a 2003 constitutional reform established free and compulsory secondary education for all Chileans up to 21 years of age, ensuring twelve years of compulsory schooling, a milestone in Latin America at the time.
At the tertiary level, there are 16 public universities and 43 private universities in Chile. All public universities and 23 private ones use a single admission system called PSU (Prueba de Selección Universitaria, or "University Selection Test"), which consists of mandatory exams in Mathematics and Language. Additionally, specific undergraduate programs may require additional exams in the Sciences (including Chemistry, Physics, and Biology) and History. The cumulative grade point average achieved during secondary school is also considered in the final admission score.
In terms of enrollment, the private sector has been experiencing growing enrollment rates at the primary and secondary levels, with over 55% of Chilean students attending private schools, many of which are subsidized by the government and operated by the Catholic Church. This trend continues at the tertiary level, with 80% of students enrolled in private institutions, according to government data published by the UNESCO Institute of Statistics. Chilean universities are among the most expensive in the world relative to per capita income, contributing to a high dropout rate.
Regarding international students, Chile has one of the smallest proportions of international or foreign students enrolled in tertiary education among OECD and partner countries with available data (1.4%, ranking 39th out of 44 countries in 2022).
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University admissions in Chile: the PSU exam
Chile has a total of 60 universities, comprising 16 public universities and 43 private institutions. All 16 public universities and 23 of the private universities use a single admissions system called PSU (Prueba de Selección Universitaria, or "University Selection Test"). The PSU is a set of four separate tests, two of which are mandatory and cover Reading Comprehension and Mathematics. The other two are optional, but students must choose one of them. The optional tests cover the Sciences (including Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) and History. The tests are taken over two days, and each test has a maximum score of 850 points and a minimum of 150 points. The University of Chile designs and evaluates the PSU exams.
In addition to the PSU, the cumulative grade point average achieved during secondary school is also considered in the final admission score, as well as the student's relative position in their class. Every university assigns different weightings to the results of the various exams for the various programs offered.
Students wishing to attend a government-funded university, and some private universities, must sit for the PSU examination. However, the secondary graduation certificate is adequate for entry into many private universities. The private sector has been growing in enrolments at the primary and secondary levels, with over 55% of Chilean students attending private schools, most of which are subsidized by the government. This has led to a situation where students from wealthy families gain state-subsidized university places by attending top-quality private secondary schools, while publicly educated secondary students attend lower-quality private institutions of higher education.
Primary and secondary education is mandatory for all Chileans. The Chilean state provides an extensive system of education vouchers that covers about 93% of primary and secondary students (the other 7% attend non-subsidized private schools). The system is based on direct payment to schools based on daily attendance. Schools are either public (nearly all owned by the municipality in which the school is located) or private, which may receive government subsidies. Private schools may be organized as either for-profit or non-profit. To receive public funding, private schools must reserve 15% of seats in each class for "vulnerable" students (based on family income and mother's level of education).
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Studying abroad in Chile: a student's perspective
Chile is a popular destination for international students, with its ranking as a study destination for US students climbing to 24th in the world. The country has one of the best higher education systems in Latin America, with top-notch universities in many urban and rural settings. The University of Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, and Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria are some of the best universities in the country.
As an international student in Chile, you will have the opportunity to improve your Spanish skills. Chilean Spanish is known for its difficulty, even for native Spanish speakers, so you will definitely continue to improve your language abilities while living there. The country also offers a unique cultural experience, with a diverse mix of students, artists, musicians, writers, academics, and revolutionaries. The cities of Santiago and Valparaíso have thriving art and social scenes, so student life is always exciting.
Chile has a community-centered public health system, which international students can observe and experience firsthand. The country also has a unique landscape, with exciting urban centers and neighboring areas to explore, such as the seaside paradise of Viña and the historic city of Valparaíso. Santiago, the capital, is the largest city in Chile, with a population of over 5 million people. It is known for its Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters.
There are hundreds of programs for studying abroad in Chile, offering various durations such as a semester, summer, or year. These programs provide opportunities to study a range of fields, including health, politics, social justice, Spanish, and more. Students can also gain practical experience through internships and community volunteering. The cost of studying abroad in Chile varies depending on the specific program and duration of the stay.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2020, Chile ranked 24th in the world as a destination country for U.S. students interested in studying abroad. Since 2013, 24 Chilean students from public or private subsidized high schools have pursued undergraduate studies in prestigious U.S. universities.
Primary and secondary school education is mandatory for all Chileans. The net enrollment ratio in 2009 was 93.19% in primary and 70.70% in secondary education. There are public and private schools, with the latter gathering less than 1% of students. Private schools are mostly subsidized by the government and many are operated by the Catholic Church.
International undergraduate students pay an average of US$6,300 per year in the capital, Santiago, and about US$5,500 per year elsewhere. International students cannot legally work while studying in Chile. Students generally need about US$700-1,100 each month, or at least US$8,400 per year.
