Chile is a very popular destination in South America due to the excellent quality of its academic institutions and the large number of universities to choose from. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes and high quality of life.
For those who choose to study in Chile, knowing the best universities in Chile for international students, as well as, reasons why studying in Chile is an icing on the cake there is a good way to go.
Chile has a rich cultural offering and is home to one of the best higher education systems in Latin America. This makes it one of the top study destinations for international students with a taste for adventure and the great outdoors.
Chile is a very beautiful nation with where you can find the driest places on earth. According to top universities, Chile is home to some of the top universities in Latin America, including two within the top 10 of the QS Latin America University Rankings 2023.
So, this article will give you more reasons to choose Chile in order to enjoy these benefits and more. Also, you get vital information on the best universities and colleges in Chile for international students.
Table of contents
- Why Study In Chile?
- How Many Universities And Colleges Are There In Chile?
- Which Universities For Engineering In Chile?
- The List of Public Universities in Chile
- What Are The Best Universities in Chile for International Students 2023?
- #1 University of Chile
- #2 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
- #3 Universidad de Concepción
- #4 Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
- #5 Universidad Austral de Chile
- #6 Universidad del Desarrollo
- #7 Universidad Tecnológica de Chile INACAP
- #8 Universidad Andrés Bello
- #9 Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
- #10 Universidad de Talca
- #11 Universidad Católica del Norte
- #12 Universidad de los Lagos
- #13 Universidad Adolfo Ibañez
- #14 Universidad del Bío-Bío
- #15 Universidad Católica de Temuco
- Conclusion
- Author’s Recommendation
Why Study In Chile?
According to a study performed by the Ministry of Education, called Educational Indicators in Chile, the country has made giant strides over the last decade with a series of policies facilitating access to education in terms of economic resources and scholarship programs.
With a population of over 18 million people, Chile is a safe and progressive Spanish-speaking city in South America with a Mediterranean climate. This is one of the several reasons why you would like this country, asides its rich culture and beautiful tourist attractions.
Employment rates are high for the region, with many skilled jobs available and English speakers sought by the growing number of multinational companies and local technology start-ups. The cost of living is fairly reasonable, and Chile has enjoyed relative political and economic stability in recent years.
Academics
Chile also enjoys several educational advantages. This includes educational alternatives, academic prestige, connectivity, friendly people, active social as well as cultural life. It is a country with a fine literary tradition, two Nobel Prize for Literature laureates, authors whose works have translated and published all over the world.
Also, cities such as Santiago, Valparaiso, 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.
The country’s capital, Santiago, also enjoys rapidly improving transport infrastructure, lower crime rates than most South American capitals and a number of murals, museums, and art galleries, not to mention remarkable architecture.
Here are some other reasons why you should choose Chile as your study abroad destination:
- You will get a more affordable World-class education and college experience altogether.
- Get to study with lower costs of living.
- Some colleges in Chile are also recognized in the US and other parts of the world.
- You will get an International experience.
- You will get to practice or learn Spanish.
- Also, you will learn and know a different culture and country.
- Chile is also known for delicious and affordable food.
This article can also help you; Study in Chile: Admission, Cost of Living, Tuition Fees & Top Universities
How Many Universities And Colleges Are There In Chile?
Chile has begun to establish itself as a study destination. Over time, the higher education system in Chile has experienced rapid growth.
According to Wikipedia, in the Chilean higher education system, there are 61 universities, with over 750,000 students. Of these, 46 are accredited by the Chilean National Accreditation Commission, representing 94% of the total student registration.
Which Universities For Engineering In Chile?
Several universities in Chile now offerprograms for engineering students to both domestic and international students.
According to US News, below are the top colleges for engineering in Chile:
- University of Chile
- Universidad de Talca
- La Universidad de Los Lagos
- Universidad del Bío-Bío
- Universidad de Valparaíso
- La Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- The University of Frontera
- Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana
The List of Public Universities in Chile
In total, there are around 25 public universities in Chile, as well as an additional number of private universities. These universities in Chile offer several programs both at undergraduate and at the master’s level.
Below is a list of some of the best public universities to study in Chile:
- Universidad de Chile
- Universidad de Talca
- La Universidad de los Lagos
- Universidad del Bío-Bío
- Universidad de Valparaíso
- La Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- The University of Frontera
- Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana
- Universidad de Magallanes
- La Universidad de Antofagasta
- Universidad de Tarapacá
- Universidad de La Serena
- La Universidad de Atacama
- Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación
- La Universidad Arturo Prat
- Universidad de O’Higgins
- Universidad de Playa Ancha de Ciencias de la Educacion
- La Universidad de Aysén
Keep reading to learn more about the above-listed schools.
Several bodies offer scholarships for international students. See the numerous International Scholarships available on our platform.
What Are The Best Universities in Chile for International Students 2023?
To effectively rank the best universities in Chile for international students, we used the following factors.
If you are an exceptional social entrepreneur or nonprofit leader engaged in building sustainable solutions to poverty and injustice globally, then see Cordes Fellowship in Cancun Mexico
For your degree to count, it’s of the essence you attend an accredited college or university. In line with this, the accreditation of each Chilean university counts in making it one of the best or top schools you should attend.
This looks at how many students each academic staff can take if the total students are shared among the total academic staff.
#1 University of Chile
The University of Chile, located in the capital city of Santiago, is the oldest in the country, and one of the most prestigious in the region.
Through its research, teaching, and innovation across sciences and arts, the university aims to tackle national and regional issues in society. It was founded with a view to promot\e democracy, science and technological development, and social mobility.
Five campuses contain many research centers, museums, health centers, and sports facilities.
The health facilities include a clinical hospital and research laboratories, serving the public as well as pioneering medical research and providing opportunities for students.
On the campus, sports facilities are available both to students and staff. Interfaculty sports competitions take place all through the year.
Among the notable alumni are two Nobel laureates – poets Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral – and 20 presidents of Chile.
The university is organized into 14 faculties and 4 interdisciplinary institutes, offering a total of 66 undergraduate programs, 36 doctoral programs, 119 master’s programs, and other specialized courses.
In addition to an exam for applicants, the university also offers separate admission routes to outstanding athletes, blind students, and other specified groups.
#2 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile is regarded as one of the best universities in South America.
Established in 1888 by the then archbishop of Santiago and receiving the blessing of Pope Leo XIII a year later, UC is one of six private Catholic institutions in the country.
With four of its campuses based in Santiago and the fifth located in Villarrica next to the city’s eponymous lake, UC hosts an increasing number of international students and develops a significant proportion of the nation’s research.
UC’s growth and success in some ways epitomize Chile’s rise since its 18 years of military dictatorship came to an end in 1990.
Now attracting more applicants than any of the country’s other universities, UC has even topped South American league tables as well as performing outstandingly in subject rankings for mathematics, physics and economics and management.
Latin America Ranking: 1st
World Ranking: 501-600th
#3 Universidad de Concepción
Founded in 1920, Universidad de Concepción (University of Concepción) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Concepción. It is the third oldest university in Chile.
The University of Concepción has long been one of the South American country’s most well-known institutes of higher education.
Its large, green campus has many highlights, including the House of Art, a widely-visited gallery which contains arguably the most complete collection of Chilean art in the country, as well as the famous Presence of Latin America mural by Mexican painter Jorge González Camarena, and the Clock Tower, built in 1943.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#4 Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Founded in 1928, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized city of Valparaíso.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
PUCV has 9 faculties and more than 100 Undergraduate, Graduate and Specialization Programs. It has also accreditation in the standard of excellence that only 6 universities have in Chile, being the Chilean university with the highest number of certified undergraduate programs in the country.
Today PUCV has exchange students, scientific and graduate cooperation agreements with more than 200 Higher Education Institutions in 35 countries.
- Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#5 Universidad Austral de Chile
Founded in 1954, Universidad Austral de Chile (Austral University of Chile) is a research university based in the city of Valdivia, Chile, with its main campus on Isla Teja.
It also has campuses elsewhere in Southern Chile, in Puerto Montt and Coyhaique. Currently ranked 701+ globally, the Austral University of Chile also features in the global top 150 for agriculture and the top 500 for medicine.
It is also one of the eight Chilean Traditional Universities founded before the 1980s. Universidad Austral de Chile offers scholarships for students who have achieved a high Weighted Selection Score and current students with a high-grade point average.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile, officially accredits this university.
#6 Universidad del Desarrollo
Founded in 1990, Universidad del Desarrollo (University for Development) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Santiago.
UDD offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Even as a young university, UDD also seeks to generate awareness in the students regarding their role in society, and the professional and personal contributions they can make in public and private settings.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#7 Universidad Tecnológica de Chile INACAP
Founded in 1992, Universidad Tecnológica de Chile INACAP (University of Technology of Chile) is a private higher education institution located in the metropolis of Santiago.
Universidad Tecnológica de Chile INACAP (UTC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.
Through 20 undergraduate study programs distributed in seven Academic Areas, they provide undergraduate training relevant to the needs of the productive sector of the nation’s economy. They also teach postgraduate programs in online mode.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#8 Universidad Andrés Bello
The Andrés Bello National University (UNAB) was founded in 1988 and is spread across three campuses in three areas: Santiago, the capital of Chile, the coastal city of Viña del Mar and the southern city of Concepción.
UNAB was the first non-traditional private university in Chile to receive accreditation in research, it is also renowned for its accredited doctoral and health sciences programmes, medical school and Millennium Research Centre.
Students can choose to study undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture and design, business administration, communication, ecology and natural resources, education, engineering and information technology, health sciences, hospitality, human sciences, law and maritime studies. There are health, legal, dental and psychology clinics for all affiliated staff and students.
The Marine Research Centre at UNAB (based in Quintay) is Chile’s leading provider of sea urchin seeds, which are collected to grow in captivity with the potential of selling these services to the private sector. Experts say this industry could become equivalent to salmon farming in its success levels.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
he Federico Santa María Technical University (USM) was founded in 1926 in Valparaiso, a city on the Chilean coast.
The university is named after its founder, who left his fortune to be used to build a university in his hometown of Valparaiso. Over the years since its founding the number of campuses has grown and today there are five campuses in 4 of the main cities of Chile, Valparaiso, Santiago, Concepción and Viña del Mar.
The university was recognized in 2017 has the first place in Latin America in Engineering and Technology, and in 2018 in second place in the region ( Times Higher World University Ranking by Subject) and has the biggest engineering school in Chile.
Besides being known as one of the best Engineering Schools in Chile and Latin America, its Valparaiso Campus was awarded as the second most beautiful university campus in Latin America.
USM prides itself on attracting students from some of the poorest areas of Latin America. However, it is one of the most highly selective colleges in Latin America, participating in degree courses that are among some of the most rigorous in the region.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#10 Universidad de Talca
The University of Talca has ranked among the leading universities in Chile and performs well compared to other universities in Latin America.
It is a public university split between the Chilean cities of Talca, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Linares, and Curicó.
Established in 1981 after a merger between the University of Chile and State Technical University. Historically, most UT students have been the first in their families to go to university, and it has outreach centers in three of its cities.
Also, UT’s Santiago campus is a hub for postgraduate students. But, they also teach undergraduate law, political science and public administration, business engineering, and control management engineering.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#11 Universidad Católica del Norte
The Universidad Católica del Norte is a Catholic and pluralistic university. Founded in 1956, it was the third Catholic university to be established in Chile. This university is the eighth oldest university in Chile.
The university’s strategic objectives emphasize educating the student as a complete person.
UCN has two campuses: the main campus in Antofagasta, and the Guayacan Campus in the city of Coquimbo.
Students may only take classes from one campus, due to the large distance between the two. Coquimbo is particularly well-suited for marine sciences, health sciences, and philosophy students. Antofagasta is particularly well-suited for students interested in architecture, physical sciences, and engineering.
#12 Universidad de los Lagos
Founded in 1964, Universidad de los Lagos (University of Los Lagos) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Osorno.
ULA offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#13 Universidad Adolfo Ibañez
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) is a private university in Chile founded in 1988.
In the Chilean higher educational scheme, UAI is a private university accredited by the Comisión Nacional de Acreditación (CNA) and internationally by AACSB and AMBA.
The Adolfo Ibañez University is ranked 1° Private University in Chile according to América Economía, and the CSIC (Spanish institution for University research)
#14 Universidad del Bío-Bío
Universidad del Bío-Bío is the heir of the tradition of public higher education in the Bío Bío Region. Its roots go back to the Technical University of the State (TUS) creation on April 9, 1947, and to the Ñuble Campus of the University of Chile.
It offers 35 undergraduate degrees and two bachelor programs, with over 10.000 students and almost 70 percent of its professors hold masters or PhD grade. It has explored continuous education and graduate studies, contributing to developing advanced human capital in regions.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile
#15 Universidad Católica de Temuco
Founded in 1959, Universidad Católica de Temuco is a private higher education institution in Temuco’s small city.
UCTemuco offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study for international students.
Comisión Nacional de Acreditación
Conclusion
Recently, Chile has become one of the top choices of international students who want to study abroad. However, most of them find it difficult to decide which school to attend out of the numerous universities in Chile.
Therefore, to make it easier for international students, we have compiled the 15 best universities in Chile with the necessary information to help them.
