Studying in Peru is a great option for university students particularly for the language and cultural exposure that comes with it. Peru's higher education system is rather well regarded in Latin America, often quoted by UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank as one of the region’s leading educational system. Studying in Peru can thus be an enriching experience both culturally and academically.
Higher education system
Peru is home to approximately 140 public and private universities. These are divided into four types of institutions: universities, higher technology institutes, higher educational institutes, and specialization and research institutes. The following are the major Peruvian universities: the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru in Lima, the Mayor de San Marcos National University, the Pacifico University, the Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University, the University of Lima, and the San Martin de Porres University. Higher studies consist of two stages: the bachelor (bachillerato), and the license. There are also many private higher studies institutions, the most well-renowned being the Graduate School of Business Administration, the Peruvian University of Applied Science, and the San Ignacio de Loyola University.
Enrollment
The Peruvian higher education system is very welcoming of foreign students. In fact, many public and private universities have partnerships with important universities around the world, making it very easy to spend a semester or a year at a Peruvian university, and then have the credits transferred towards your degree back home. In these cases, your enrollment is usually organised by your home university.
If you choose to enroll independently, you will first have to pass the examen de ingreso, i.e. the selection examination. Enrollment in Peruvian universities takes place on a competitive basis, with selection examinations generally held between January and April, and between July and August depending on the program chosen and on the availability of seats. This is why the selection examination is compulsory, allowing the best students to get enrolled in the university of their choice.
Other criteria are also considered: the student's age, professional aspirations, status (new student, repeater, etc.), education level, last examinations results, and so forth. Registration procedures generally vary from one university to another and will have certain documents required such as previous examination results, which you should have legalised in your home country and translated.
Fees
If you are on an official exchange program from your home university, you may not have to pay any fees, if the two universities operate a reciprocal agreement. In that case, you would just continue paying fees to your university at home.
Otherwise, foreign students are allowed to register for courses by credit, which allows them to study more rapidly without having to complete several semesters. Because of this, registration and administrative fees vary from one university to another and according to the option chosen.
Student life
Student life in Peru is likely to vary from a city to another. Some have huge student populations and others smaller. In Peru, most students live at home, so the campus atmosphere may be very different to what you may be used to.
Most international students choose to room or flat-share with other students, so as to get a better glimpse of different cultures, as well as to enhance their language skills. The cost will vary, but on average you can expect to pay about 800 New Peruvian Soles (PEN) for a room in a flat-share apartment, or 1,000 PEN to rent a basic apartment of your own.
Most universities also offer campus accommodation which they can arrange for you. Some universities, such as the Ceasar Vallejo University and the Antenor Orrego University, have bustling campuses, whereas others are much smaller meaning you may prefer to live off-campus.
Useful links:
Top Universities in Peru
Red Peruana de Universidades ' Peruvian Universities' Network
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