Chile is gaining popularity as a destination for international students due to its world-class education, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. A major attraction for pursuing higher education in Chile is the abundance of fully funded scholarship opportunities available.
These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but often include living expenses, making it easier for students to focus on their studies. In this article, we will explore the various scholarship opportunities available in Chile for international students in 2025.
Why Choose Chile for Higher Education?
Chile offers a unique blend of high-quality education and cultural experiences. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, highly qualified professors, and excellent research opportunities, Chilean universities attract students from around the world. Moreover, the financial burden of studying abroad is significantly alleviated by the availability of numerous fully funded scholarships, making Chile an attractive destination for international students.
Language Proficiency Requirement of Chile for International Students
For admissions to Chilean universities, language proficiency in Spanish is generally required. For undergraduate (BS) programs, proficiency can be demonstrated through exams like DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) with a recommended level of B2. For master’s (MS) and doctoral (PhD) programs, a higher level of proficiency, such as DELE C1, is often required.
Additionally, some universities may accept international English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS, particularly for programs taught in English, with scores typically around TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5. Always check specific university requirements as they can vary.
List of Scholarship Offering Bodies in Chile
You can apply for scholarships in Chile offered by following four bodies in 2025:
1# Chilean Government
The Chilean government provides a range of scholarships for international students, primarily aimed at postgraduate studies. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance. Some notable government scholarships include:
- ANID PhD Scholarship: Aimed at high-achieving students to pursue PhD programs in Chile. Applications are open from October to December (Opening November 15, 2024).
- ANID Master’s Degree Scholarship: Supports master’s degree programs, excluding business, finance, and marketing. Applications are open from November to January (Learn Chile).
2# Chilean Universities
Several Chilean universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. The specific scholarships and eligibility requirements vary depending on the university. Some prominent examples include:
- University of Atacama, INCT UDA Fully Funded International PhD Scholarship: Supports PhD studies in astronomy and planetary sciences (Reference).
- Masters Scholarships in Engineering at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile: Available for geotechnical engineering programs (Reference).
3# International Organizations
Various international organizations offer scholarships targeted towards specific fields of study or demographic groups. Some notable organizations include:
- Fulbright Commission: Provides scholarships for master’s and PhD programs
- Organization of American States (OAS): Offers scholarships for various programs in Chile.
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): Scholarships for research and higher education in Chile.
4# Other Scholarships
In addition to government and university scholarships, there are numerous other scholarships offered by private foundations, companies, or individuals. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility requirements and benefits, making it important to research and apply early.
Most Popular Scholarships in Chile for Next Year Are
You can aim for these top 5 Chilean scholarships for next year admissions batch:
1# ANID PhD Scholarship
- Benefits: Partial payment of tuition fees, monthly maintenance allowance.
- Application Period: October 2024 to December 2024
2# ANID Master’s Degree Scholarship
- Benefits: Partial payment of tuition fees, monthly maintenance allowance.
- Application Period: November 2024 to January 2025
3# Juan Gómez Millas Scholarship for Foreign Students (BJGME)
- Benefits: Up to CLP 1,150,000 per year for tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Students from Latin America and the Caribbean with permanent residency in Chile.
- Application Period: Up to November 2024.
4# Nelson Mandela Master’s Degree Programs
- Benefits: Tuition fees, health insurance, maintenance costs.
- Eligibility: Professionals from Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa.
- Application Period: May to October 2024.
5# Pacific Alliance Scholarships
- Benefits: One-semester exchange opportunities, covers airfares, accommodation, maintenance, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students from member countries who have completed at least half of their degree.
- Application Period: Varies depending on the institution.
Study Visa Information for Scholarship Winners for 2025
International students awarded scholarships in Chile can apply for a Student Visa, known as “Visa de Estudiante“. This visa allows students to study full-time in Chile for the duration of their program.
- Validity: Issued for a maximum of one year, renewable annually for the duration of the study program. For shorter courses, the visa is issued for the specific period of study.
- Scholarship Advantage: Student visas for scholarship recipients are often granted for the entire duration of the scholarship.
- Renewal: Can be renewed at the Departamento de Extranjeria y Migracion in Chile before the current visa expires.
- Processing Time: Typically takes 2-6 weeks.
Required Documents for Visa Application
- Passport and three passport-sized photos
- Proof of funds to cover studies and living expenses
- Letter of acceptance from a recognized Chilean educational institution
- Police clearance certificate
- Health insurance
- Birth certificate
- Medical certificate
- Proof of scholarship award (if applicable)
- Paid visa fee receipt
- Return or onward ticket
Conclusion
Chile offers a wealth of opportunities for international students through its extensive range of scholarships. Whether provided by the government, universities, or international organizations, these scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
By choosing Chile for your higher education, you can benefit from world-class education, cultural experiences, and substantial financial support. Start your scholarship search early, prepare a strong application, and take the first step towards an enriching academic journey in Chile.
