With its long-established universities, affordable cost of living and rich culture, South America is becoming an increasingly attractive option for students looking for a different study abroad experience. At many public universities in countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, bachelor's degrees are free or very low-cost. The continent's leading universities rank among the best in the world in international rankings.
The language of instruction in South America is mostly Spanish, and Portuguese in Brazil. This means studying on the continent also means learning one of the world's most widely spoken languages to an advanced level. English-taught programs are mostly found at master's and MBA level at private universities.
South America is a continent of 12 independent countries with a population of more than 430 million. Brazil is the continent's largest country, and the others are Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana and Suriname. Portuguese is spoken in Brazil, while Spanish is spoken in most of the other countries.
With the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, Patagonia and long ocean coastlines, South America has some of the most impressive natural scenery in the world. Since most of the continent lies in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of Türkiye's. With its warm-hearted people, music, dance and cuisine, South America offers students an unforgettable cultural experience.
Brazil stands out with the continent's largest economy and its most extensive higher education system. Bachelor's degrees at federal and state universities are free. Argentina is one of the most popular countries among international students, especially for its long-established universities in Buenos Aires and its low-cost education at public universities.
Chile has one of the most stable economies on the continent and strong research universities. Colombia attracts students with its rapidly developing education system and high-quality private universities. Uruguay and Peru also offer students different options with their affordable cost of living and long-established universities.
Higher education in South American countries is divided into public and private universities. Public universities are usually free or low-cost and strong in research. Private universities charge tuition fees but often offer smaller classes, more international programs and stronger links with industry.
Bachelor's programs last between four and six years, depending on the country and program. In some countries, a bachelor's degree also grants a professional title. In most countries in the Southern Hemisphere, the academic year starts in February or March. Some countries, such as Colombia, have two intakes a year.
South America's leading universities have strong research traditions, especially in agricultural sciences, biology, environmental sciences, medicine and the social sciences. Unique ecosystems such as the Amazon and the Andes offer world-class research opportunities in the natural sciences. The continent's universities have produced Nobel Prize-winning scientists and writers.
The quality of education varies depending on the country and university. That is why, when choosing a school, you should carefully review the institution's accreditation, its position in international rankings and the academic strength of the relevant program. Many universities on the continent run joint programs and exchange agreements with universities in Europe and North America.
The University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) in Argentina and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile have ranked among the world's top 100 universities in the QS rankings in recent years. The State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in Brazil, as well as the University of Chile, are also among the continent's most prestigious institutions.
The University of the Andes (Universidad de los Andes) and the National University of Colombia, the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and the University of the Republic in Uruguay are also important universities with strong programs.
Thanks to South America's natural wealth, agricultural sciences, biology, environmental sciences and sustainability are fields that stand out. International relations, Latin American studies, political science and economics also attract students who want to understand the continent's political and economic dynamics up close.
Business and MBA programs are especially popular in economic centers such as São Paulo, Santiago and Buenos Aires. Medicine, architecture, engineering, tourism and the arts are also popular choices. Studying on the continent is also a major advantage for students who want to use Spanish or Portuguese in their careers.
Buenos Aires stands out as Latin America's best student city in international student city rankings. With its rich cultural life, long-established universities and affordable cost of living, it is one of students' top choices. Brazil's largest city, São Paulo, stands out for its job opportunities, while Rio de Janeiro is known for its universities and lively city life.
Chile's capital, Santiago, stands out for its modern character and strong universities, while Colombia's capital, Bogotá, and Medellín are known for their rapidly growing student life. Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, and Peru's capital, Lima, also offer students a different and enjoyable way of life.
Admission requirements vary greatly from country to country in South America. Most public universities in Argentina have no entrance exam, and students start their programs after completing a preparatory period. In Brazil, students usually need to take the universities' entrance exams (vestibular) or the national exam (ENEM). Universities in Chile and Colombia have special application processes for international students.
Your high school diploma and transcript must have an apostille and be translated, and in most countries they must also go through a recognition process. A language certificate such as DELE or SIELE may be required for Spanish-taught programs, and Celpe-Bras in Brazil. Master's applications require a bachelor's degree in a related field, a transcript, a motivation letter and letters of recommendation.
In most South American countries, the academic year starts in February or March, and the second semester starts in July or August. This means applications are usually made in the last months of the previous year. In countries with two intakes a year, such as Colombia, students can apply for both the January and July intakes.
Since apostilles, translations, recognition procedures and the student visa all take time, it is recommended that you start preparing at least a year in advance. Exact application deadlines vary by country and university.
Tuition fees in South America vary greatly depending on the country and type of university. Bachelor's degrees are free at federal and state universities in Brazil and at the public university in Uruguay. Public universities in Argentina have also offered international students free or very low-cost education for many years.
In Chile, Colombia and Peru, private universities play a larger role in higher education and charge tuition fees. However, these fees are more affordable than in many countries in North America and Western Europe. When planning your budget, you should also take into account accommodation, health insurance, visa and living expenses in addition to tuition.
The cost of living in South America is generally lower than in Europe and North America. Accommodation, food and transportation costs vary depending on the country and city. Big cities such as Santiago and São Paulo are more expensive, while cities in Colombia and Peru offer more affordable options.
In some countries, high inflation and exchange rate fluctuations can cause local prices to change quickly. Since there are safety risks in some areas of large cities, students are advised to choose safe areas when looking for accommodation and to follow basic safety precautions.
Turkish citizens can travel visa-free to many South American countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, for short tourist visits. However, long-term study requires each country's own student visa or residence permit. Applications are made to the relevant country's embassy or consulate in Türkiye.
The application usually requires a letter of admission, a passport, an apostilled criminal record certificate, proof of funds and health insurance. In some countries, students must also register with the local immigration authority within a set period after arrival.
International students' right to work while studying varies from country to country. In some countries, it is possible to work part-time on a student visa under certain conditions, while others require additional permission. That is why it is important to check the current rules of your destination country before you start working.
Studying in South America is a major advantage for those who want to build a career at international companies operating on the continent or in trade relations between Türkiye and Latin America. Knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese and a close understanding of the region give graduates a strong edge in their careers.
The biggest financial advantage in South America is that public universities in countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are free or low-cost. In addition, private universities may offer tuition fee reductions and scholarships to high-achieving international students.
For master's and doctoral students, some governments and research institutions run scholarship programs. The Erasmus+ program also offers students short-term study opportunities through exchange agreements between some universities in Türkiye and universities in South America. At NGGlobal, we work with you to find the right country and university for your goals and support you every step of the way, from your application to your visa.
Bachelor's degrees are free at federal and state universities in Brazil and at the public university in Uruguay. Public universities in Argentina also offer low-cost education. In Chile, Colombia and Peru, private universities play a larger role and charge tuition fees.
Most bachelor's programs are taught in Spanish, and in Portuguese in Brazil, so language skills are very important. English-taught programs are mostly found at master's and MBA level at private universities.
If you are looking for free education, Brazil and Argentina may be good options; if you want strong research universities and a stable economy, Chile; and if you are looking for an affordable cost of living and high-quality private universities, Colombia. You can talk to your NGGlobal advisor to find the country that suits you best.
Turkish citizens can travel visa-free to many South American countries for short visits. However, long-term study requires a student visa or residence permit from the destination country.
The recognition of degrees obtained abroad in Türkiye depends on the recognition assessment of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). That is why it is recommended that you check the accreditation status of the university and program before choosing a school.
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