Paraguay is a landlocked country in central South America, bordering Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. For students considering Latin America, it can be useful to compare Paraguayan universities because tuition, admissions requirements, and program availability vary by institution. In this article, we will look at affordable universities in Paraguay that prospective international students may wish to consider.
Paraguay is a pluricultural and bilingual country. Spanish and Guaraní are its official languages. According to Paraguay’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), among people age 5 and older covered by its 2025 annual household survey, 38.7% spoke both Guaraní and Spanish most of the time at home, 30.9% spoke Spanish, and 27.9% spoke Guaraní.
This bilingual setting is one aspect of Paraguay’s culture that international students may encounter while studying there.
Affordable Schools in Paraguay for International Students
1. Polytechnic and Artistic University of Paraguay (UPAP)
- Tuition Fee: UPAP does not publish one fixed fee schedule for all programs on its main website.
Created in 1996, the Polytechnic and Artistic University of Paraguay (UPAP) offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs in areas including art and technology, business, humanities, health, and law.
UPAP also offers distance-education options. Prospective students should confirm the currently available programs and delivery formats with the university before applying.
UPAP has a Center for Innovation and Research. Its Hospital Universitario San Lorenzo is operating, while a second university hospital in Ciudad del Este is under construction.
2. The Private University of the East (UPE)
- Tuition Fee: ₲490,000 for matriculation plus ₲470,000 monthly for Education to ₲1,345,000 for matriculation plus ₲1,345,000 monthly for Odontology
Founded in 1992, the Private University of the East (UPE) describes itself as the first private university in the interior of Paraguay.
UPE has seven campuses: Presidente Franco, Ciudad del Este, Hernandarias, Asunción, Minga Guazú, Fernando de la Mora, and Santa Rita. Its main campus is in Presidente Franco.
The university’s current website lists 12 faculties and 16 degree programs. Program availability and fees can vary by campus.
3. María Auxiliadora University (UMAX)
- Tuition Fee: ₲498,000 for matriculation plus ₲549,000 monthly for Business Administration, ₲590,000 for matriculation plus ₲590,000 monthly for Nursing, and ₲1,950,000 for matriculation plus ₲1,950,000 monthly for Medicine
María Auxiliadora University (UMAX) is a private university created by Law No. 3501/08. Its official website highlights its health programs and newer offerings in business administration and information technology.
Its undergraduate offerings include Medicine, Nursing, Business Administration, and Informatics Engineering. Its enabled graduate offerings include a specialization in Management of Educational Institutions and master’s programs in Management of Educational Institutions and Hospital Management.
4. National University of Canindeyú (UNICAN)
- Tuition Fee: For one Faculty of Agricultural Sciences admission page, the listed fees are ₲660,000 for ordinary registration, ₲760,000 for extraordinary registration, and ₲55,000 for legalization of the high-school diploma. Fees vary by department
The National University of Canindeyú (UNICAN) is a public university created by Law No. 3985/10 in 2010.
UNICAN has campuses in Salto del Guairá, Curuguaty, and Katueté. It is organized into six faculties: Economic and Business Sciences; Legal and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; Health Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; and Veterinary Sciences. It also has a postgraduate school.
FAQS About Studying in Paraguay
How are Universities in Paraguay?
Paraguay’s higher education system includes public and private universities. The National Council of Higher Education (CONES) maintains records of legally enabled institutions and approved academic programs. Before applying, confirm that both the university and your intended program appear in the official CONES records.
Program length varies by university and field of study. Review the official curriculum for the specific degree before applying. For example, UPAP’s Medicine page lists a duration of six years under its modular system or six years and six months under its semester-based system.
What is the Admissions Process at Paraguayan Universities?
Admissions requirements depend on the university, campus, program, and applicant’s educational background. Institutions typically require applicants to submit academic and identity documents, while some programs may also have entrance or leveling requirements.
International applicants should contact the university directly to confirm the current document requirements, admissions process, deadlines, and any program-specific conditions.
Do I Need to Know Spanish to Study at a Paraguayan University?
Spanish and Guaraní are the official languages of Paraguay. The universities listed in this article publish their program information primarily in Spanish.
The language of instruction and any language-proficiency requirements can vary by institution and program. International applicants should ask the admissions office to confirm whether their chosen program requires Spanish proficiency or any additional language documentation.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in Paraguay was helpful. Feel free to check out Available Programs for International Students and learn more about studying abroad.
