Chile is rapidly emerging as one of Latin America’s most attractive destinations for international students. With world-class universities, a vibrant cultural scene, and breathtaking landscapes ranging from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, Chile offers a unique academic experience. What makes it especially appealing is the availability of numerous fully funded and partially funded Chilian scholarships for 2026-2027 intakes that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even research costs.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, Chilean government agencies, universities, and international organisations are offering a wide range of scholarship programmes for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from around the world. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of every major opportunity available.

Why Choose Chile for Higher Education?

Chile consistently ranks among the top countries in Latin America for quality of education. Its universities feature modern research infrastructure, highly qualified faculty, and strong international partnerships. The country’s commitment to innovation is reflected in priority research areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, sustainable development, and astronomy—fields where Chilean institutions lead globally.

Beyond academics, Chile’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to North American and European destinations. Major cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción offer excellent public transport, a thriving food scene, and a welcoming environment for international students. The Chilean higher education system has continued to expand its international partnerships through 2026, attracting global talent across all disciplines.

Language Proficiency Requirements at Universities of Chile

Most programmes at Chilean universities are taught in Spanish, so language proficiency is generally required for admission. However, an increasing number of graduate programmes are now offered in English, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels.

Note: Requirements vary by university and programme. Always check the specific admission criteria for your chosen institution. Some ANID scholarships also fund pre-programme language studies.

Scholarship Offering Bodies in Chile

Scholarships in Chile for the 2026–2027 academic year are offered by four main categories of bodies:

1# Chilean Government Scholarships

The Chilean government, primarily through ANID (Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo) and AGCID (Chilean International Cooperation Agency for Development), provides a range of scholarships for international students. These are mainly aimed at postgraduate studies and typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.

ANID National PhD Scholarship: Open to Chilean and foreign students (with or without permanent residency) for doctoral programmes accredited by the National Accreditation Commission (CNA-Chile). Covers up to four years of funding. For the 2027 academic year, applications opened on 25 September 2026, with a submission deadline of 18 November 2026.

ANID Master’s Degree Scholarship (Ref): Supports master’s degree programmes (excluding business, finance, and marketing) at CNA-accredited institutions for up to two years. Open to Chilean and foreign students with permanent residency. Application period typically runs from November to January.

AGCID Diploma Scholarships (Ref): Offered for various diploma programmes across Latin America and the Caribbean. Covers airfares, maintenance, and tuition. Applications must be submitted through the applicant’s home country government.

2# Chilean University Scholarships

Several Chilean universities offer their own institutional scholarships for international students. These may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both, and eligibility varies by institution.

University of Atacama – INCT UDA Fully Funded International PhD Scholarship: Supports doctoral research in astronomy and planetary sciences, leveraging Chile’s world-renowned observatories.

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile – Master’s Scholarships in Engineering: Available for geotechnical engineering and other engineering programmes.

University of Chile – Graduate Scholarships: The University of Chile offers a limited number of scholarships covering part of tuition costs after successful completion of the first semester, along with thesis support funding.

3# International Organization Scholarships

Various international bodies offer scholarships targeted at specific fields or demographic groups for study in Chile:

• Fulbright Commission – Scholarships for master’s and PhD programmes at Chilean institutions
• Organization of American States (OAS) – Partners with ANID to provide installation benefits for doctoral students from OAS member states studying in Chile
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – Scholarships for research and higher education in Chile
• AGCID Cooperation Scholarships – For students from specific Latin American and Caribbean countries, supporting undergraduate exchanges and postgraduate study

4# Private Foundations & Other Scholarships

In addition to government and university scholarships, numerous private foundations, companies, and individuals offer scholarships with varying eligibility requirements and benefits. Early research and timely applications are essential, as these opportunities often have limited slots and rolling deadlines.

Top 5 Scholarships in Chile for 2026–2027 for Overseas Students

The following are the most popular and widely available scholarships for the upcoming admissions cycle:

1# ANID National PhD Scholarship

2# ANID Master’s Degree Scholarship

3# Juan Gómez Millas Scholarship for Foreign Students (BJGME)

4# Nelson Mandela Master’s Degree Programmes

5# Pacific Alliance Scholarships

Conclusion

Chile offers a wealth of opportunities for international students through its extensive range of scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. Whether provided by the government through ANID, by universities directly, or through international organizations like the OAS and Fulbright Commission, these scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

By choosing Chile for your higher education, you gain access to world-class research facilities, a rich cultural environment, and substantial financial support. Begin your scholarship search early, prepare a thorough application, and take the first step towards an enriching academic journey in Chile.