🇨🇱 Chile · Study Abroad
How to study in Chile as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Chile you apply to the university, then, once admitted, apply for a student visa (temporary residence for study) at the Chilean consulate or online, and register after arrival. Most teaching is in Spanish. Explore the university sites and apply by the deadline.
Chile hosts international students at public and private universities; students enrol directly and then obtain a student visa. Foreign qualifications may need recognition.
- International students apply to the institution first, then request a student visa.
- Tuition applies at most universities; some scholarships are open to foreigners.
- Recognition or revalidation of foreign degrees may be required.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the university; most teaching is in Spanish. Explore the university sites.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
Apply for a student visa (temporary residence for study) at the Chilean consulate or online, then register after arrival.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Ministerio de Educación
Ministry of Education — higher-education institutions.
- Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
Student visas for international students.
Frequently asked questions
What visa do I need for Chile?
A student visa (temporary residence for study), applied for at the Chilean consulate or online, with registration after arrival.
Do I need Spanish?
Usually — most teaching is in Spanish, though some graduate programs offer English; check the language of instruction.
Can I work while studying in Chile?
Student-residence holders can generally work within set conditions; check the current rules before relying on it.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.