Latin American scholarships open doors to top-tier education, immersive cultural experiences, and cutting-edge research environments. From Mexico to Chile, these universities provide excellent academics and generous financial aid to international students.
In this guide, you’ll discover 20 leading Latin American universities offering scholarships at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.
Top 20 Latin American Universities Offering Scholarships for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD International Students
1. University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP), Brazil
Website: https://www5.usp.br
Scholarship: USP International Scholarship Program
About: Brazil’s largest and highest-ranked university, USP is renowned for research and academic output.
Scholarship Description: Offers scholarships to international graduate students and exchange programs.
Eligibility: Varies by faculty; strong academic record required
Deadline: Varies
Other Info: USP offers research and teaching assistantships for graduate students.
2. National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico
Website: https://www.unam.mx
Scholarship: UNAM Mobility Program & CONACYT Scholarships
About: One of the largest universities in Latin America, UNAM is a cultural and academic powerhouse.
Scholarship Description: Offers support for graduate research and exchange students through national and university-based scholarships.
Eligibility: Enrolled or admitted international students; varies by program
Deadline: Varies
Other Info: Many graduate programs are tuition-free for international students.
3. University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina
Website: https://www.uba.ar
Scholarship: UBA Exchange and Graduate Scholarship Programs
About: UBA is a top-ranked public institution known for its accessibility and research output.
Scholarship Description: Offers limited scholarships for master’s and PhD programs, especially in collaboration with foreign institutions.
Eligibility: Academic excellence; research proposal required for graduate programs
Deadline: Varies
Other Info: No tuition fees for international students at most levels.
4. Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (PUC Chile)
Website: https://www.uc.cl
Scholarship: UC Chile International Scholarships
About: One of the most prestigious private universities in Latin America, with strong programs in science and engineering
Scholarship Description: Full and partial scholarships for graduate students and exchange opportunities for undergraduates.
Eligibility: Competitive GPA; language proficiency in Spanish or English
Deadline: April/October (depending on semester)
Other Info: Many graduate programs offer teaching assistantships.
5. University of the Andes (Uniandes), Colombia
Website: https://uniandes.edu.co
Scholarship: International Talent Scholarship Program
About: A leading private research university with strong global connections.
Scholarship Description: Offers tuition discounts and need-based aid for international students.
Eligibility: Academic merit and demonstrated need
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Other Info: Graduate programs offer full tuition waivers and stipends in select departments.
6. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
Website: https://ufrj.br
Scholarship: CAPES & CNPq-Funded Graduate Scholarships
About: UFRJ is one of Brazil’s oldest and most respected public universities.
Scholarship Description: Offers fully funded research positions for master’s and PhD students through national funding agencies.
Eligibility: Graduate admission and research proposal
Deadline: Varies by program
Other Info: Scholarships cover living costs and research expenses.
7. TecnolĂłgico de Monterrey (ITESM), Mexico
Website: https://tec.mx
Scholarship: Leaders of Tomorrow, CONACYT Graduate Scholarships
About: A prestigious private university with innovation-driven programs in business, engineering, and technology.
Scholarship Description: Offers full scholarships for high-performing undergraduates and funded graduate research positions.
Eligibility: Exceptional academic profile and leadership potential
Deadline: March (undergraduate); varies for graduate
Other Info: English-taught programs available at graduate level.
8. University of Chile, Chile
Website: https://www.uchile.cl
Scholarship: UChile Scholarships for International Postgraduates
About: Chile’s oldest and most comprehensive public university.
Scholarship Description: Offers need-based and merit-based aid for master’s and PhD students.
Eligibility: Research plan and academic credentials required
Deadline: July–November (graduate)
Other Info: Scholarships often include housing and living expenses.
9. Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP)
Website: https://www.pucp.edu.pe
Scholarship: PUCP International Aid Program
About: A top-ranked private university in Peru with a strong liberal arts foundation.
Scholarship Description: Offers partial scholarships and tuition reductions to undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Eligibility: Financial need and academic achievement
Deadline: December/June
Other Info: PUCP offers dual degree programs with European universities.
10. University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil
Website: https://www.unicamp.br
Scholarship: UNICAMP Graduate Fellowships
About: Known for excellence in science, technology, and innovation.
Scholarship Description: Fully funded master’s and doctoral positions supported by national agencies.
Eligibility: Admission to a graduate program; research proposal
Deadline: Varies by department
Other Info: Most programs are research-intensive with English-taught components.
11. University of the Republic (Udelar), Uruguay
Website: https://udelar.edu.uy
Scholarship: Udelar International Exchange and Graduate Support
About: Uruguay’s largest public university with free tuition and open access policies.
Scholarship Description: Funding for mobility and research-based graduate programs.
Eligibility: Research topic alignment and departmental nomination
Deadline: Varies
Other Info: No tuition fees for international students.
12. National University of San Marcos (UNMSM), Peru
Website: https://www.unmsm.edu.pe
Scholarship: UNMSM Exchange Scholarships
About: The oldest university in the Americas, offering a wide range of academic disciplines.
Scholarship Description: Offers limited support for international master’s and doctoral students.
Eligibility: Excellent academic standing and research interest
Deadline: Depends on program
Other Info: Partnered with several regional scholarship schemes.
13. University of Antioquia, Colombia
Website: https://www.udea.edu.co
Scholarship: UdeA Graduate Research Scholarships
About: A major public university with strong research in health and social sciences.
Scholarship Description: Research assistantships and merit-based grants for postgraduates.
Eligibility: Graduate program admission; academic and research profile
Deadline: Varies by school
Other Info: Scholarships include tuition waivers and monthly stipends.
14. Universidad Austral, Argentina
Website: https://www.austral.edu.ar
Scholarship: Excellence Scholarships for International Students
About: A private institution with top programs in business, law, and medicine.
Scholarship Description: Offers competitive tuition discounts and fellowships.
Eligibility: Based on merit and potential contribution
Deadline: November (for March intake)
Other Info: Graduate business programs taught in English.
15. University of BrasĂlia (UnB), Brazil
Website: https://www.unb.br
Scholarship: UnB Graduate Funding & Mobility Programs
About: Brazil’s capital university known for public policy and international studies.
Scholarship Description: Fully funded graduate programs with research grants.
Eligibility: Graduate admission and research proposal
Deadline: Varies by faculty
Other Info: Offers Portuguese language support for non-native speakers.
16. FLACSO (Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences)
Website: https://www.flacso.org
Scholarship: FLACSO Academic Scholarships
About: A regional organization offering postgraduate education in social sciences.
Scholarship Description: Tuition waivers and stipends for master’s and doctoral programs.
Eligibility: Interest in public policy, sociology, and related fields
Deadline: March–May (varies by country office)
Other Info: Programs available in multiple Latin American countries.
17. Pontifical Xavierian University, Colombia
Website: https://www.javeriana.edu.co
Scholarship: International Merit-Based Scholarships
About: A Jesuit university with a strong commitment to ethics and interdisciplinary research.
Scholarship Description: Scholarships for international undergraduates and full graduate fellowships.
Eligibility: Academic excellence; leadership potential
Deadline: January/July
Other Info: Many programs incorporate social engagement components.
18. Adolfo Ibáñez University, Chile
Website: https://www.uai.cl
Scholarship: UAI Global Scholarships
About: Known for innovation in business and design education.
Scholarship Description: Full and partial scholarships for international master’s students.
Eligibility: Excellent GPA and English/Spanish proficiency
Deadline: Varies
Other Info: Offers international dual-degree options.
19. University of Costa Rica (UCR)
Website: https://www.ucr.ac.cr
Scholarship: UCR Financial Aid for International Students
About: A leading public institution in Central America.
Scholarship Description: Limited scholarships for graduate students and exchange mobility support.
Eligibility: Academic performance and country of origin
Deadline: Varies
Other Info: Most programs are taught in Spanish.
20. EAFIT University, Colombia
Website: https://www.eafit.edu.co
Scholarship: EAFIT International Scholarship
About: A private institution with international accreditations and modern facilities.
Scholarship Description: Tuition discounts and full scholarships for graduate programs.
Eligibility: Academic merit and program of study
Deadline: Varies
Other Info: English-taught programs available in business and engineering.
Why Study in Latin American Universities on a Scholarship?
Studying in Latin America provides not just academic growth but also a deep cultural and linguistic experience. Moreover, scholarships help reduce financial barriers and give students the opportunity to succeed in dynamic, globally connected settings.
Benefits of Studying in Latin America
- Affordable or Free Tuition: Many top public universities charge low or no tuition, especially for graduate programs.
- Cultural and Linguistic Exchange: Students can gain fluency in Spanish or Portuguese while experiencing diverse cultures.
- Quality Education: Several Latin American universities rank among the best in science, health, and social sciences.
- Government-Funded Opportunities: Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile offer strong national scholarship programs for graduate students.
- International Collaboration: Many programs partner with European or U.S. universities and offer dual degrees.
In short, these schools offer quality education, cultural exposure, and financial support.
Final Thoughts
With the right preparation, international students can access excellent scholarship-funded programs in Latin America. These universities provide not only academic excellence but also meaningful Latin American scholarships for students worldwide.
To make the most of these opportunities:
- Research language requirements and programs in advance.
- Prepare strong academic records and research proposals.
- Apply early—deadlines vary by institution.
- Contact the university’s international office for guidance.
Ultimately, Latin America could be your path to academic achievement and cross-cultural growth.