√Regional Scholarships in South America: A Complete Guide

South America has quickly grown into one of the most exciting regions for higher education. With its cultural richness, affordable living costs, and universities steadily gaining recognition on global rankings, the continent has become a hub for students seeking both quality and opportunity. One of the biggest attractions? Regional scholarships in South America that make studying here more accessible than ever.

Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or professional seeking advanced study, South America offers a variety of scholarships funded by governments, organizations, and universities. This complete guide explores the top regional scholarships, eligibility requirements, benefits, and tips to secure one.

Why Choose South America for Higher Education?

Before we dive into scholarships, it’s worth asking: why South America?

• Affordable Education: Compared to Europe and North America, tuition and living costs in South America are significantly lower.
• Language Opportunities: Students can learn or improve Spanish and Portuguese, two of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
• Strong Regional Programs: Countries like Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia offer robust government and institutional scholarships.
• Growing Academic Prestige: Universities such as the University of São Paulo (Brazil), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidad de Buenos Aires are earning higher places in QS and Times Higher Education rankings.

Top Regional Scholarships in South America

1. OAS Academic Scholarships (Organization of American States)

• Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
• Coverage: Tuition fees, partial living expenses, and in some cases, travel costs.
• Eligibility: Open to citizens of OAS member states (which includes all countries in the Americas).
• Highlights: Promotes educational exchange and regional development, encouraging students to return and contribute to their communities.

2. PEC-G and PEC-PG Programs (Brazil)

• Level:
  • PEC-G: Undergraduate
  • PEC-PG: Master’s and Doctoral
• Coverage: Tuition waiver at Brazilian public universities; in some cases, stipends are available.
• Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries with diplomatic ties to Brazil. Proficiency in Portuguese is often required.
• Highlights: Brazil’s most famous government program aimed at fostering educational and cultural exchange.

3. CONACYT Scholarships (Mexico, with Latin American focus)

While CONACYT is Mexican, it has strong ties with South American students and institutions.

• Level: Master’s and Doctoral
• Coverage: Full tuition, stipends, health insurance, and research support.
• Eligibility: Students accepted into programs partnered with CONACYT. Many South American universities collaborate with Mexico on these programs.

4. Becas Chile (Chilean Government Scholarships)

• Level: Graduate (Master’s, PhD)
• Coverage: Tuition fees, living stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance.
• Eligibility: Open to Chilean students and, in some cases, other Latin American nationals.
• Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and innovation, with many scholars returning to contribute to Chile’s academic and professional sectors.

5. COLFUTURO (Colombia)

• Level: Graduate studies abroad, often including partnerships in South America.
• Coverage: Loan-scholarship model covering tuition and living expenses; up to 80% can be forgiven if students return to Colombia.
• Eligibility: Primarily for Colombian nationals, but partnerships with South American universities expand opportunities for regional students.

6. Santander Universities Scholarships

• Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
• Coverage: Ranges from partial tuition to full coverage, depending on the program.
• Eligibility: Open to students studying at partner institutions across South America.
• Highlights: Focuses on student mobility and exchange programs, encouraging regional collaboration.

7. Carolina Foundation Scholarships (Spain–Latin America Exchange)

• Level: Graduate (Master’s and PhD)
• Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
• Eligibility: Open to Latin American students, including those in South America.
• Highlights: Promotes academic exchange between Spain and South American countries, strengthening historical and cultural ties.

8. University-Specific Regional Scholarships

Many top South American universities offer their own scholarship schemes for both domestic and regional students:

• University of São Paulo (Brazil): Research grants and academic merit awards.
• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile: Financial aid and merit-based scholarships.
• Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina): Affordable tuition plus government-subsidized aid.
• Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico, partnerships in South America): Regional collaboration programs.

How to Apply for Regional Scholarships in South America

1. Check Language Requirements

Most undergraduate programs are taught in Spanish or Portuguese. For graduate studies, some programs may allow English, but language proficiency tests are often required.

2. Gather Essential Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of language proficiency (DELE for Spanish, CELPE-Bras for Portuguese)
• Recommendation letters
• Personal statement or essay
• Passport and identification documents

3. Know the Deadlines

Scholarship deadlines vary. Many government programs open applications 6–12 months before the academic year begins.

4. Demonstrate Regional Commitment

Many scholarships, particularly government-funded ones, prefer applicants who show a strong commitment to returning home or contributing to regional development.

Tips for Success

• Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute; prepare months in advance.
• Highlight leadership: Regional programs value students who will make a social or economic impact.
• Apply to multiple scholarships: Increase your chances by targeting different opportunities.
• Connect with alumni: Reach out to former scholarship holders for advice.

Common Challenges

• Language barrier: Adjusting to Spanish or Portuguese instruction can be tough for non-speakers.
• Limited awareness: Compared to Europe or North America, South American scholarships are less advertised internationally.
• Documentation delays: Bureaucracy in some countries may cause issues, so plan early.

Conclusion

South America is more than just a cultural and natural wonder—it is a growing center for higher education. Through regional scholarships such as the OAS Program, Brazil’s PEC-G/PEC-PG, CONICYT, and Becas Chile, students can access fully or partially funded opportunities. These scholarships not only reduce financial barriers but also promote cultural exchange and regional development.

For undergraduate and graduate students alike, South America provides a unique opportunity to pursue world-class education in an affordable and welcoming environment. By preparing well and applying strategically, you can turn your academic dream into reality with the help of regional scholarships.