Study in Chile

• Apply online from outside Chile for a student temporary residence permit (residencia temporal, estudiantes) through the National Migration Service (SERMIG) portal
• You need an enrolment certificate, a passport valid for a year, a criminal record certificate (over 18) and proof of means; SERMIG publishes no fixed sum
• Proof of means can be bank records, a notarised family sponsorship or a scholarship certificate
• Student permit holders may work up to 30 hours a week without separate authorisation (SERMIG)
• Foreign documents need an apostille or legalisation, and a translation if they are not in Spanish or English

• A completed secondary school certificate for bachelor's, a relevant bachelor's degree for master's, and usually a master's for a PhD
• Spanish-taught programs (nearly all): Spanish proficiency such as DELE or SIELE; the few English-taught programs ask for IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test
• Official transcripts and certificates, with certified translations if they are not in English or Spanish
• Chilean applicants sit the national PAES test; international applicants with foreign school certificates usually apply through a special admission route
• Foreign school certificates and degrees usually need an apostille and recognition before you enrol
• Apply through the university's admission office
• For the residence permit: passport, enrolment certificate, criminal record certificate and proof of means

Santiago is the main student city, with Valparaíso, Concepción and Valdivia also hosting large universities. Chile is more expensive than most of its neighbours, but public transport works well and the Santiago metro is extensive. The country runs from the Atacama desert to Patagonia, so climates vary sharply, and Santiago has hot, dry summers and smoggy winters. Earthquakes are common, and buildings and campuses run regular safety drills.