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Scholarship in Chile: Learn all the requirements
Knowing which is the best scholarship to study in Chile in 2025 will help you to better plan your academic future.
Chile isn’t just one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America — it’s also one of the most attractive education destinations in the region. Along with its strong academic reputation, Chile offers a vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, making it an irresistible place for both local and international students. However, since the cost of living in Chile can be relatively high, receiving a scholarship that covers tuition, study materials or living expenses can be a huge relief. That’s why today we’re bringing you a detailed guide to the 4 best scholarships to study in Chile.
You’ll find step-by-step information on: How to apply, the requirements you need to meet, the benefits each programme offers, the best universities in the country and why studying in Chile is such a smart choice. As the academic year approaches, Chile’s education landscape looks extremely promising. A wide range of funding opportunities is available for international and local students alike — all aiming to support access to world-class programmes at renowned universities.
And the best part? You’re still on time to apply for many of them. So, if you’re ready to take your next big step and live a top-tier academic adventure, keep reading!
Types of scholarships to study in Chile
Before we dive into the best scholarships available in Chile, let’s first explore why studying in this country is such a great opportunity. To begin with, Chile is home to world-renowned universities, cutting-edge research programmes and a multicultural environment that enriches the academic experience.
From science to the arts, the country offers a diverse and inclusive educational portfolio. Chile is also a regional leader in technological innovation and industrial development, making it a top choice for engineering degrees. Fields like mining engineering, software development and renewable energy are in high demand, driven by the country’s digital transformation. Of course, more traditional fields are also well-represented, such as medicine, occupational therapy, agronomy, business administration and marketing. Did you know that Chile has some of the clearest skies in the world? That’s why studying Astronomy here is a truly unique and enriching experience. In short, the range of undergraduate programmes, courses and technical degrees is remarkably broad.
To access these academic opportunities, you’ll find a variety of scholarships available, each one designed for specific study levels and student profiles. It’s worth noting that every scholarship has its own set of requirements and benefits — so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your academic background and goals.
- Undergraduate scholarships: These are aimed at students who are about to begin a university degree or a technical programme in Chile. For example, the Juan Gómez Millas Scholarship for foreigners.
- Master’s and PhD scholarships: Funded by institutions such as the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID). They typically cover tuition, living expenses and study materials.
- International mobility scholarships: Offered by organisations like AGCID, these allow students from specific countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Chile.
- Tuition fee scholarships: These scholarships cover part or all of the tuition fees for accredited study programmes.
The best scholarships to study in Chile in 2025
In Chile, you’ll not only find a wide range of academic programmes, but also easy access to scholarship opportunities. For 2025, access to scholarships is more diverse than ever, with funding available from the government, private institutions and international organisations. Moreover, simplified application processes and digital platforms make it easier to search and apply for scholarships.
Now, let’s explore the best scholarships available to study in Chile in 2025.
1. Juan Gómez Millas Scholarship for foreigners
This scholarship is aimed at international students (from Latin America or the Caribbean, with no age limit) who want to pursue an undergraduate degree in Chile. For 2025, 150 places are available at higher education institutions accredited as of 31 December 2024.
Here’s a table with more details about this scholarship:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application requirements | |
| Nationality | Be a citizen of any Latin American or Caribbean country. |
| Residency | Hold permanent residency in Chile. |
| Academic Level | Have completed and/or validated secondary education in Chile. |
| Academic Performance | Maintain a minimum average of 5.0 (Chilean grading scale). |
| Income Level | Belong to the lowest 70% income bracket of the population. |
| Application Form | Submit the application form correctly within the specified deadlines. |
| Enrolment | Enrol in the first year of an undergraduate programme at an accredited institution in Chile. |
| Coverage and Benefits | |
| Funding | Covers up to $1,150,000 CLP per year (approx. $1,172 US) towards tuition fees. |
| Exclusions | Doesn’t include living expenses, transport, or accommodation. |
Juan Gómez Millas Scholarship for Foreign Students – Requirements and benefits
How to apply
All foreign students must:
- Complete the FUAS (Single Socioeconomic Accreditation Form) between 13 February and 13 March 2025 (second application period, as the first one has already ended). You can download the form from the official website of the Chilean Ministry of Education – Undersecretary of Higher Education.
- You’ll also need to enrol in a Higher Education institution and, if required, provide proof of your financial situation at that institution.
- Final scholarship results will be published on 28 May 2025.
Can Chilean nationals apply?
Yes, this scholarship is also available to Chilean citizens from the lowest 70% income bracket who wish to pursue studies in a Higher Education institution. Eligible candidates include secondary school graduates with strong academic records, as well as current university students.
2- Master’s Scholarships – ANID
The National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) offers scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies in Chile. These are open to international students with strong academic records, regardless of whether they hold permanent residency in Chile. Below, you’ll find the key requirements and benefits of the ANID Master’s Scholarships.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application requirements | |
| Nationality | You must be a citizen of a South American or Central American country, or a CARICOM member state (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, or Trinidad and Tobago). |
| Academic Degree | Applicants must hold a professional or undergraduate degree. |
| Academic Performance | A strong academic record is required. |
| Health insurance | You must have valid health insurance that covers your stay in Chile. (Check out the best international insurance options available.) |
| Coverage and Benefits | |
| Fees and Qualifications | Full tuition coverage, including graduation fees. |
| Monthly stipend | to cover living expenses. |
| Exclusions | The scholarship doesn’t include travel expenses to and from Chile, local relocation costs, or visa application fees. |
Requirements and benefits of the Master’s Scholarships – ANID
How to apply
You must apply through the Focal Point of your home country. AGCID doesn’t accept individual applications — only those submitted officially by the national Focal Point.
Your application must include all required documents, including proof of your academic degree and a letter of acceptance from a Chilean university. If you’re from a non-Spanish-speaking country, you must also demonstrate a good command of Spanish, as the scholarship doesn’t include a language course.
Who is it aimed at?
This scholarship is mainly aimed at professionals working in the public sector, NGOs, or higher education institutions in their home countries. Applicants must also show prior work experience relevant to the field of study they intend to pursue.
3- Tuition and Maintenance Scholarship for Master’s Programmes – University of Santiago de Chile (USACH)
USACH offers tuition and maintenance scholarships for both Chilean and international students residing in Chile who plan to begin a master’s degree in the first semester of 2025. If you’re interested in applying, don’t wait — the deadline is 20 December 2024, and selected candidates will be notified by 13 January 2025.
Here’s a table with more details about this scholarship:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Requirements | |
| Academic Performance | Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 5.0 on the Chilean scale (1 to 7) from undergraduate and/or postgraduate studies. |
| Academic Excellence | You must demonstrate academic excellence relevant to the master’s programme you’re applying to. |
| Admission Requirement | Applicants must be officially accepted into a Master’s programme at the University of Santiago de Chile. |
| External Scholarship Participation | Applicants must prove participation in the ANID National Master’s Scholarship competition or in other external scholarships not affiliated with USACH. |
| Permanent Residency | Foreign applicants must submit a Certificate of Permanent Residency in Chile issued by the National Migration Service, or present a Chilean ID indicating permanent residency status. |
| Coverage and Benefits | |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Covers between 50%, 75%, or 100% of the annual tuition fee, depending on the individual case. |
| Annual Maintenance Grant | Provides up to $2,000,000 CLP per year (around $2,038 US) to support living expenses. |
| Maximum Total Benefit | The total support during the programme may not exceed $4,000,000 CLP (approx. $4,077 US), or $5,000,000 CLP (approx. $5,097 US) for pregnant students. |
| Exclusions | The benefits don’t cover the enrolment fee, which amounts to $160,000 CLP (around $160 US, based on 2024 rates). |
Requirements and benefits
4. Excellence Scholarship for Foreigners – University of Santiago de Chile (USACH)
It’s another scholarship offered by the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH). This programme targets foreign applicants who are not residents in Chile and wish to begin PhD studies at USACH in the first semester of the upcoming year. Its aim is to promote international and inter-university cooperation, allowing selected candidates to pursue their doctoral education at a prestigious institution with a solid academic track record.
If you’re interested in this scholarship, don’t wait—applications are closing soon. Here’s a table with more information:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Requirements | |
| Nationality | Be a foreigner, without Chilean nationality, and not reside in Chile. |
| Residency | If you’re a resident, you’ll need to have a Temporary Residence Permit in Chile, renewable every 2 years. |
| Academic Performance | Have a grade point average of no less than 5.0 (Chilean scale of 1 to 7) at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level. |
| Academic Excellence | Demonstrate academic excellence relevant to the doctoral programme. |
| Admission Requirement | Have been accepted into a PhD programme at the University of Santiago de Chile. |
| Obligation to apply for other scholarships | For first-year students, applying for the ANID National Doctorate Scholarship or other external programmes is optional. From the second year onwards, it becomes mandatory. |
| BEE Scholarship benefits | |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Covers 100% of the annual tuition fee. |
| Annual Maintenance Grant | Provides $7,700,000 CLP (around $7,850 US) per year. |
| Relocation Support | A one-time payment of $500,000 CLP (approx. $509 US) to help with initial costs. This applies only if the student holds a Temporary Residence Permit. |
| Exclusions | This scholarship doesn’t cover the registration fee, which is $160,000 CLP ($ 170 US) as of 2024. |
Eligibility and benefits of the USACH International Excellence Scholarship
How to apply
Applicants must visit the official Postgraduate Application Website of the Universidad de Santiago de Chile. Required documents (online submission and originals on arrival):
- Certified copies of all academic degrees and professional qualifications.
- Transcripts for each academic qualification.
- Certificate of undergraduate study duration.
- Postgraduate degree certificates (if applicable).
- Postgraduate transcripts (if applicable).
- Updated CV.
- Letter of motivation explaining your interest in postgraduate studies.
- Two academic recommendation letters.
- Undergraduate graduation ranking certificate issued by your home university
or a ranking certificate for accepted candidates.
These are the top four scholarships to study in Chile; however, there are others worth exploring. Therefore, take the first step by deciding what you want to study in this beautiful country and checking whether you’re eligible for financial support.
Which are the best universities in Chile?
When thinking about different scholarship options for studying in Chile, the first thing you will probably ask yourself is which university to apply to. To help you choose the best one, we share with you the ranking proposed by QS World University Rankings 2024, which postulates these 10 universities as the best in the country:
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile – Santiago
- Universidad de Chile – Santiago
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez – Santiago
- Universidad de Concepción – Concepción
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso – Valparaíso
- Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María – Valparaíso
- Universidad Diego Portales – Santiago
- Universidad de los Andes – Santiago
- Universidad Andrés Bello – Santiago
Among them, Universidad de Chile stands out for international students. Its strong global focus and wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes make it a top choice. Moreover, the university also offers scholarships and financial support for international students, making it an excellent destination for those looking to study in Chile.
Scholarships to study in Chile 2025: What are the best degrees to choose?
It’s not just about choosing the right scholarship – picking the right degree or course is just as important. Education is evolving, and new, promising careers are emerging all the time. Therefore, choose wisely for your future by carefully considering current trends, in-demand skills, and, of course, your personal interests.
Below is a list of top career choices in Chile with high employability, competitive salaries, and strong relevance in growing sectors:
1. Mining Engineering:
- Why choose it: Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, and mining drives the national economy.
- Career options: Project management, geological consulting, sustainable mining practices.
- Top universities: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
2. Renewable Energy Engineering
- Why choose it: The country is investing heavily in solar, wind and green hydrogen.
- Career options: Renewable energy projects, energy efficiency consultancy, energy systems design.
- Top universities: Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Universidad de Concepción.
3. Medicine
- Why choose it: There’s a growing need for specialists due to an ageing population and greater health investment.
- Career options: Hospitals, medical research, public health institutions.
- Top universities: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Chile.
4. Software Engineering and Technology
- Why choose it: Digital transformation is increasing the demand for tech professionals.
- Career options: Software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence.
- Top universities: Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.
5. Nursing
- Why choose it: Health systems need more professionals in preventative care and specialisations.
- Career options: Hospital care, geriatric services, public health management.
- Top universities: Universidad de Concepción, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
6. Environmental Engineering
- Why choose it: Sustainability is a national and global priority, especially in mining and agriculture.
- Career options: Environmental consultancy, resource management, environmental audits
- Top universities: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Universidad de Chile.
7. Astronomy
- Why choose it: Chile hosts some of the world’s most advanced observatories.
- Career options: Astronomical research, space data analysis, academic teaching.
- Top universities: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
8. Business Administration
- Why choose it: Chile’s global economy offers great opportunities in international business.
- Career options: Consulting, HR management, entrepreneurship.
- Top universities: Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
9. Agricultural and Food Sciences
- Why choose it: Chile is a key food exporter, increasing demand for agricultural innovation.
- Career options: Food export management, agritech, biotechnology research.
- Top universities: Universidad de Concepción, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.
10. Psychology
- Why choose it: Greater awareness of mental health has boosted the need for qualified professionals.
- Career options: Therapy, educational psychology, HR consultancy.
- Top universities: Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Scholarships to study in Chile: Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your visa type and the conditions of your scholarship. Most student visas in Chile allow part-time work, up to 20 hours per week. However, studying must remain your primary activity during your stay in the country.
Some postgraduate and research scholarships allow work related to your academic field. But you’ll usually need prior authorisation from your institution or scholarship provider.
Always check your visa’s specific regulations and your university’s rules before working in Chile.
The process may vary by institution, but here are the common steps:
Research available scholarships: Look for those that suit your level and study area.
Check eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet all the academic and residency criteria.
Prepare your documents: This includes academic certificates, passport copies, admission letters and motivation letters.
Register on official platforms: Some scholarships, like those from ANID, require registration on their online system.
Submit your application: Complete the form and upload all documents before the deadline.
Track your application status: Keep an eye on updates from the official scholarship website. Each scholarship has different opening and closing dates, so planning ahead is essential.
The benefits vary depending on the scholarship, but commonly include:
Tuition coverage: Partial or full payment of tuition and academic fees.
Living allowance: Monthly funds for food, transport, and housing.
Health insurance: Coverage during the length of your studies.
Relocation support: Some include a one-time payment to help with initial expenses.
Extra funding: For research, academic materials or internship expenses.
However, not all scholarships cover visa processing, flights, or registration fees, so plan your budget carefully.
Although criteria differ, most scholarships request:
Residency or nationality conditions: Some are open to Chilean citizens, permanent residents or nationals from specific countries.
Strong academic performance: A minimum GPA is often required (e.g. 5.0 out of 7 in Chilean grading).
University admission: You must have an acceptance letter or be enrolled in a recognised Chilean institution.
Supporting documents: You’ll need motivation letters, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of financial means.
Always review the specific criteria for each scholarship before submitting your application.
