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Study in Bolivia
Spanish-taught degrees at universities such as Higher University of San Andrés (UMSA) and Higher University of San Simón – with guidance on applications, student visas, costs and student life in Bolivia.
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- Region
- South America
- Capital
- Sucre (constitutional); La Paz (seat of government)
- Currency
- BOB
- Language
- Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní and other Indigenous languages
Why Study in Bolivia?
Planning to study in Bolivia?
Explore universities, courses and scholarships, then start your journey with Application Abroad.
Start My Journey →Reasons international students consider Bolivia:
- Historic universities – San Francisco Xavier dates back to 1624.
- Learn Spanish – Study in Spanish.
- Andes and Amazon – High plateaus, salt flats and rainforest.
- Indigenous cultures – Living Quechua and Aymara traditions.
Bolivia is a landlocked country in the Andes and the Amazon, with Spanish and many Indigenous official languages. Its public universities include UMSA in La Paz and the historic University of San Francisco Xavier in Sucre, founded in 1624.
This guide covers the education system, how to apply, student visas, the costs to plan for and student life in Bolivia. Fees, visa rules and entry requirements change, so always confirm the latest details with the university and official government sources.
Reasons to Study in Bolivia
- 01
Historic universities
San Francisco Xavier dates back to 1624.
- 02
Learn Spanish
Study in Spanish.
- 03
Andes and Amazon
High plateaus, salt flats and rainforest.
- 04
Indigenous cultures
Living Quechua and Aymara traditions.
Process to Study in Bolivia
From counselling to your first day at university
International students usually apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. You will normally need your previous certificates and transcripts (with certified translations into Spanish if issued in another language), a copy of your passport and, for some programmes, an entrance exam, interview or portfolio. Foreign qualifications may need to be recognised as equivalent before or after admission.
Choose a programme and university
Compare programmes at universities in Bolivia such as Higher University of San Andrés (UMSA) and Higher University of San Simón. Check the teaching language and that the institution is recognised.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the academic and language requirements, any entrance exams, and whether your qualifications need to be recognised.
Prepare your documents
Gather certificates, transcripts and your passport, with certified translations into Spanish where required.
Apply to the university
Apply through the university’s admissions office, online portal or the national application system before the deadline.
Receive your admission letter
Keep your official admission letter – you will need it for your visa or study permit.
Apply for your visa or study permit
Apply at the embassy or consulate of Bolivia responsible for you, or through the official immigration authority.
Plan funds and accommodation
Arrange your finances, health insurance and accommodation, and check vaccination requirements.
Travel and register
Travel to Bolivia, complete university registration and any residence formalities after arrival.
Required Documents to Study in Bolivia
Documents can vary by university, course and application route. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant institution.
Academic certificates and transcriptsUsually required
School-leaving certificate and, for postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts.
Certified copies and translations into Spanish may be required.
Valid passportUsually required
Needed for your application, visa and registration.
Ideally valid for your whole stay.
Admission letterUsually required
The official offer or admission letter from your university.
Needed for the visa or study permit.
Proof of financial meansCommonly requested
Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or a scholarship award letter.
The authorities decide what is accepted.
Language certificateDepends on your situation
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Depends on the programme and your previous education.
Health insuranceCommonly requested
Proof of health insurance valid for your stay.
Some countries or universities require a specific scheme.
Recognition of qualificationsDepends on your situation
Confirmation that your foreign qualifications are equivalent to local ones.
Your university will tell you if this is needed.
Passport photosCommonly requested
Recent photos in the required format.
Popular Cities in Bolivia
Explore cities with universities in Bolivia.
La Paz
The seat of government.
Sucre
The constitutional capital.
Cochabamba
A central university city.
End-to-End Admissions Guidance
Application Abroad helps you plan every step of studying in Bolivia:
Admission and visa decisions are made by universities and the authorities – we never guarantee an outcome.
- Shortlisting universities and programmes, including Higher University of San Andrés (UMSA) and Higher University of San Simón
- Checking entry, language and qualification-recognition requirements
- Preparing certificates, translations and application documents
- Submitting applications and following up with admissions offices
- Preparing your student visa or study permit documents
- Pre-departure planning: accommodation, health insurance and travel
Free Counselling
In person or online, to understand your goals, budget and options.
Country, University & Course Selection
Shortlist universities and courses in Bolivia that fit your profile.
Standardized Test Preparation
Guidance on the English and admissions tests your courses ask for.
Application & Admission Assistance
Help preparing, submitting and tracking your applications.
SOP, LOR & Documentation
Support with statements of purpose, recommendation letters and documents.
Scholarship & Internship Assistance
Help exploring scholarships, funding and internship options.
Overseas Education Loan Assistance
Guidance on education loan options and paperwork.
Visa Processing
Help preparing your student visa application and documents.
Remittance, Forex & Accommodation
Support with money transfers, currency exchange and finding a place to live.
Pre-departure Guidance
Briefings on travel, arrival and settling in Bolivia.
Language and Exams for Bolivia
Language tests and admissions exams that may be relevant for Bolivia.
For Spanish-taught programmes, applicants who do not speak Spanish may need to show proficiency – for example with a DELE or SIELE certificate. Some programmes also have their own entrance exams or aptitude tests.
Exam preparation
Coaching institutes can help you prepare for the language tests and entrance exams that universities in Bolivia may ask for.
Why Choose Bolivia as an International Student?
Bolivia suits international students looking for historic universities, learn Spanish and andes and Amazon. Its public universities include UMSA in La Paz and the historic University of San Francisco Xavier in Sucre, founded in 1624.
Student life
Student life centres on campus clubs, sports teams, cultural and faith associations and student unions. Popular student cities include La Paz, Sucre and Cochabamba. Living Quechua and Aymara traditions.
Support for international students
Contact the university’s international or admissions office for help with admission letters, visa documents, registration and accommodation. Many universities have international student associations, and your country’s embassy can also help.
Before travelling, arrange health insurance, check vaccination requirements and read your government’s travel advice for Bolivia.
Working while studying
Whether you can work while studying depends on the conditions of your student visa or permit – in many cases a separate work permit is needed. Check what your permit allows with the immigration authority before taking any job. On-campus roles, research assistance and internships linked to your programme are common ways to gain experience.
After graduation
Staying in Bolivia after graduation usually requires changing to a work permit or another residence permit, normally with a job offer from an employer. Check the current options with the immigration authority. A degree from Bolivia can also lead to further study or careers across South America and internationally.
Costs of Studying and Living in Bolivia
Tuition fees
Set by each university per year
Often differ for national, regional and international students.
Application and registration fees
Set by each university one-time
Check the university’s admissions page.
Student visa or study permit
Set by the government per application
Confirm with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Varies by city and housing type per month
On-campus places are limited.
Living costs
Varies by city and lifestyle per month
La Paz is usually the most expensive city.
Health insurance
Varies by provider per year
Some universities or permits require it.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students. Students from member states of the Andean Community may be offered different fees or admission arrangements. Private universities set their own fees, which are usually higher than at public universities.
Always check current fees on the university’s official website or with its admissions office before applying, and ask what is included (registration, examinations, materials).
Living costs
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle; La Paz is usually the most expensive place to live in Bolivia. Budget for accommodation, food, local transport, health insurance, study materials and visa or residence permit fees.
If your visa or permit application requires proof of funds, the amount is set by the authorities – confirm the current requirement with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus halls of residence, but places are often limited, so ask the international or admissions office about housing as soon as you are admitted. Many students rent shared flats or rooms privately near campus.
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks, view private housing before paying a deposit, and ask for a written rental agreement.
Visa to Study in Bolivia
Most international students need a student visa or a study/residence permit to study in Bolivia. Apply at the embassy or consulate of Bolivia responsible for your country of residence, or through the official immigration authority, using the admission letter from your university. Citizens of member states of the Andean Community may benefit from simplified entry rules – check what applies to your nationality.
Typical requirements include a valid passport, the admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance or a medical certificate where required and passport photos. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by nationality, so always confirm them with the official authority.
Always confirm current visa requirements with the official government or immigration source.
Language Requirements to Study in Bolivia
Programmes are taught in Spanish.
For Spanish-taught programmes, applicants who do not speak Spanish may need to show proficiency – for example with a DELE or SIELE certificate.
Minimum scores and accepted tests are set by each university and programme – check the admission requirements for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Application Abroad →
Can international students study in Bolivia?
Yes. Universities in Bolivia such as Higher University of San Andrés (UMSA) and Higher University of San Simón admit international students. Entry requirements, places and fees vary by university and programme, so check the admission requirements for your course.
What language are university programmes taught in Bolivia?
Programmes are taught in Spanish. For Spanish-taught programmes, applicants who do not speak Spanish may need to show proficiency – for example with a DELE or SIELE certificate.
Do I need a visa to study in Bolivia?
Most international students need a student visa or a study/residence permit. Apply at the embassy or consulate of Bolivia responsible for you, or through the official immigration authority, with your admission letter. Citizens of member states of the Andean Community may benefit from simplified entry rules – check what applies to your nationality.
How much does it cost to study in Bolivia?
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students; living costs depend on the city, with La Paz usually the most expensive. Check current fees with the university before applying.
Can I work while studying in Bolivia?
It depends on the conditions of your student visa or permit – in many cases a separate work permit is needed. Check with the immigration authority before taking any job.
Planning to study in Bolivia?
Explore universities, courses, scholarships and other study-abroad options — then take the next step with Application Abroad.
Study in Bolivia
Start My Journey →