Study abroad
Study in Bolivia
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Bolivia
Higher education in Bolivia, in central South America, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in mining, agriculture and conservation, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Spanish, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. Quechua, Aymara and other Indigenous languages are also spoken. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Bolivia?
Students choose Bolivia for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in central South America. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Mining, agriculture and conservation matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Sucre, La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Bolivia means everyday contact with Spanish and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Bolivia
Students heading to Bolivia often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Courses connected to mining, agriculture and conservation can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Bolivia on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Bolivia
- Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA)La Paz, BoliviaBased in La Paz, Bolivia. Listed in the THE World University Rankings 2026 data (not ranked).Explore University
- Universidad NurSanta Cruz de la Sierra, BoliviaA university in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. About 1% of students are international (THE 2026 data).Explore University
Scholarships to Study in Bolivia
Scholarships for studying in Bolivia are offered by different kinds of organisations, each with its own rules and deadlines.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Bolivia
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Bolivia
In Bolivia, the main intake for many programmes is usually around February or March. Some institutions also admit students around July or August, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Bolivia
Before you commit to a course in Bolivia, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Bolivia
Whether you need a visa to study in Bolivia depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Bolivia in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Bolivia
Day-to-day costs in Bolivia are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Sucre can differ noticeably from those in La Paz or Santa Cruz de la Sierra and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Bolivia
Why should I study in Bolivia?
It depends on your goals. Bolivia offers programmes across many subjects, a location in central South America and study in Spanish (with some English-taught options). Students interested in mining, agriculture and conservation may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Bolivia?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Energy, Oil & Gas. The subjects page for Bolivia lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Bolivia?
Many programmes start around February or March. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Bolivia?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Bolivia?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Bolivia.
Are scholarships available for international students in Bolivia?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Bolivia?
Sucre, La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Bolivia?
Many courses are taught in Spanish. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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