Bolivia is ranked 50th globally for the quality of its education, with local universities offering a diverse range of majors and high-quality education, often at affordable rates compared to other South American countries.
For international students aspiring to study in Bolivia, the process is relatively straightforward. To embark on this educational journey, it’s essential to understand the enrollment and study campaign features, visa requirements, document submissions, payment systems, and meet specific criteria. Further details on this topic are covered in the article.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what prospective students need to do to study in Bolivia:
Choose an Educational Institution
Foreigners should start by selecting an educational institution. The following universities are considered among the best in Bolivia:
Greater University of San Simon
Bolivian Catholic University
San Francisco Xavier University
Private University of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Gabriel ReneĢ Moreno Autonomous University
Bolivian Private University
Valle Private University
Select Major and Program:
Once an institution is chosen, select the right major, program, and course. Popular subjects in Bolivian educational institutions include Business and Finance, Engineering, Pharmacy, Health, Technology, Management, Psychology, IT, Law and jurisprudence, Arts, Economy, Mass media and PR, Architecture, Humanities, etc.
Contact the University
Each university has its website with information and contacts. Reach out to the administration for details on admission requirements, necessary documents, and other relevant information.
Use Consultation Services
If there are doubts or insufficient information, consider using consultation services on studying abroad or checklists covering the nuances of entering Bolivia.
Student Visa Requirements
Foreign students must obtain a student visa for Bolivia, valid for 60 days, which allows them to apply for a temporary residence permit lasting up to three years, extendable until graduation. The two types of student visas are exchange visas with a government agreement or without a government contract.
Application Period
The application period for Bolivian universities typically runs from January 20 to February 17.
Conditions and Requirements
As each educational institution sets its own requirements, it’s crucial to check in advance:
Required admission documents
Necessity for insurance
Available courses and programs
Entrance exam details
Language of instruction (mostly Spanish)
Language Skills
Given that most instruction is in Spanish, it’s advisable to have at least basic language skills. Some institutions may request proof of sufficient Spanish language proficiency.
Document Submission
To obtain a student visa, foreigners must submit various documents, including a completed application, a valid foreign passport, vaccination certificates, educational documents, a letter of admission, criminal record certification, and proof of visa fee payment.
Embassy Application
Learn the specific details of the document package and requirements at the embassy before submitting the application.
For bachelor’s degree applicants, additional documents such as high school diploma, completed online application, foreign passport or travel document, and a medical certificate are required.
In summary, by following these steps and being diligent in meeting the necessary requirements, foreign students can pursue quality education in Bolivia.
People who want to do a master’s degree need certain documents:
A bachelor’s diploma
Academic certificates from the bachelor’s course
A foreign passport or travel document
A medical certificate
If someone is doing a PhD degree program, they need:
A foreign passport or travel document
A master’s diploma
A bachelor’s diploma
Transcripts from the master’s course
Transcripts from the bachelor’s course
Biography/CV
Students also have to attend an interview. The admissions committee and university faculty will evaluate this interview.
Studying Costs
Every educational institution has a different pricing policy. Less expensive universities might cost around $1,000 per year. More prestigious ones can range from $2,000 to $5,500 per year. The cost depends on the institution, discipline, chosen course, program, and other factors.
Universities usually accept payment by cash and card. In Bolivia, there are also loan programs like the CLAR system for students to make installment payments.
Free Education Opportunities
Bolivian citizens can study for free, but foreign students have to pay. However, there are ways to save money: Use discounts offered by universities
Join an international student exchange program
Apply for a scholarship
Students working at the university can get a discount
Preparatory Courses
In Bolivia, studies are in Spanish. Foreign students should know the language well. They can take online courses or learn before arriving. Universities often offer preparatory courses where students interact with native speakers and learn basic and complex vocabulary.
University Education System
Bolivia has 39 universities with 828 degree programs. They offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Bachelor programs usually last 3-4 years, master programs 1-2 years, and PhD programs 2-4 years. The academic year is two semesters: from mid-February to early July and from late July to late November.
Take home note
Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries with low living costs. Local educational institutions provide high-quality education. Bolivia attracts many foreign students due to affordable education, a simple admission process, and a chance to experience a multicultural environment.