Chile, where the number of foreign students has tripled in just three years. In fact, by 2023, over 19,000 international students will be receiving their training in Chile. If you’re thinking of pursuing your studies in this exciting country, good preparation is essential to ensure a successful academic adventure. To cover any medical emergencies, don’t forget to take out international student insurance. Get a free quote for student insurance in Chile today!
Do I need international student insurance for Chile?
As a student in Chile, it is compulsory to have health cover. You can choose between :
– FONASA, which may not cover all medical expenses.
– Chilean private health insurance (ISAPRE).
– International insurance, covering you from the very first euro you spend.
If you need a visa, additional health insurance is required if you take out local insurance. Opting for international insurance offers the advantage of access to quality services in private establishments, with faster turnaround times. Make sure you keep a certificate of insurance, as it may be requested by local authorities at the border or airport.
How do I prepare my application to study in Chile?
There are two ways to study in Chile:
– You can take part in a university exchange program.
– You can enroll in a post-baccalaureate program.
If you are enrolled in a school that offers exchange programs abroad, you can easily participate in these exchanges. More and more universities are offering exchange opportunities with Chile, so just ask your institution.
Here are some Chilean universities that offer exchanges with schools around the world:
– Universidad de Chile.
– Instituto de Asuntos Públicos.
– Facultad de Economía y Negocios.
– Universidad Católica de Chile.
– Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.
– Universidad Diego Portales.
– Universidad de Santiago de Chile.
– Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.
If you opt for a university exchange, here are the documents you need to submit your application to your school, which will take care of the rest:
– Cover letter.
– Curriculum vitae.
– Academic transcripts.
– Results of a language proficiency test.
– Separate health insurance from your school.
The second option is to follow the same admission process as Chilean students, based on the results of a test called the University Selection Test (PSU). PSU takes place between November and December, and to register, you need to do so online several months in advance. This process is generally followed by all public and some private universities. Other universities use their own tests to select their students.
The documents required for the various programs are as follows:
o Licensing programs :
– Baccalaureate certificate ;
– Signed online application form ;
– International passport and visa ;
– Health check ;
– High school transcripts.
o Master’s degree programs :
– Baccalaureate certificate ;
– Undergraduate transcripts ;
– International passport and visa ;
– Health check.
o Doctoral programs :
– Master’s certificate ;
– Baccalaureate certificate ;
– Master’s program transcripts ;
– Baccalaureate transcripts ;
– International passport or visa ;
– Curriculum vitae.
In all cases, health insurance is required. Get a free quote for international student insurance.
What level of Spanish do you need to study in Chile?
This depends on the university you have chosen and the academic program you wish to enter. It’s important to note that most universities offer their courses in Spanish. So if you’re planning to study in this language, you’ll need certification.
In Chile, many universities require a minimum level of B2 in Spanish for foreign students. To obtain this certification, you have two options:
– The first is to ask a certified Spanish teacher to help you obtain one.
– The other option is to take the certification exam at the Cervantes institution.
However, it’s important to plan ahead. This institution organizes only two or three examination sessions a year.
If you are planning to take an academic program in English and are not from an English-speaking country, you will also need to obtain certification of your English level.
How do I obtain a student visa for Chile?
To obtain a student resident visa, you must provide the following documents:
o A photocopy of your passport.
o A document (letter, registration, matriculation, attestation) from the university or institute where you will be studying in Chile. This document must specify the studies carried out and their duration.
o A document proving that you have sufficient means to live in Chile. This can take the form of a grant (at least €500 per month) or a notarized statement from the parents stipulating that one or both parents will support the child during the stay.
o An extract from the criminal record.
o Health and repatriation insurance with international coverage.
Accommodation and healthcare in Chile
For accommodation in Chile, you have several options:
– Accommodation with a Chilean family for cultural immersion and Spanish practice.
– Student residences, available in certain cities, ideal for being surrounded by other international students.
– Roommate with other students to make friends and share expenses.
– Rent an apartment or individual studio if you prefer to have your own space.
Rents outside Santiago are generally more affordable, especially in rural areas. For example, for a small, basic two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, you can expect to pay between 290,000 and 400,000 CLP (around 320 to 450 USD).
For a larger three-bedroom house in the city, rents generally range from 625,000 CLP to 850,000 CLP (approx. 700 USD to 950 USD).
Big cities have good private clinics and well-stocked pharmacies. Payment can be made by credit card at major institutes, but many doctors require immediate cash payment.
Note that there is a significant disparity in quality of care between the public and private healthcare systems. It is therefore advisable to opt for private care, even if it is more expensive. It is therefore advisable for students to take out international health insurance.
It is possible to register with the local health system, but this requires a RUT (Rol Unico Tributario) number or a tax identification number. As an international student, the conditions for obtaining these numbers are rarely met.
The average cost of living in Chile is reasonable, but health costs can become high without appropriate medical coverage. Managing your budget is essential for financial peace of mind, especially as a student on a limited budget.
Taking out international health insurance is highly recommended to ensure adequate control of medical expenses. Get a free quote for this insurance today!
