7 Cheapest Universities in Uruguay for International Students

Posted on August 27, 2020October 22, 2023 by aymen

With its lush greeneries and beautiful beaches, Uruguay has become one of the more popular South American destinations for tourists. These – alongside the country’s affordable universities – have made Uruguay a newfound choice for students on a budget. In this article, we will be looking at the cheap universities in Uruguay for international students.

How is the higher education system in Uruguay?

There are only a handful of public and private universities in Uruguay. Four of these are included in the Latin America University Rankings.

As with other countries, undergraduate applicants need to furnish a secondary education certificate to apply to Uruguayan universities.

Are English-taught programs offered in Uruguayan universities?

While some programs are taught in English, most of the courses offered in Uruguayan universities are taught in Spanish. In some universities, the Portuguese language is used. As such, foreign students need to demonstrate proficiency in the local language to do well in their studies.

How much is the tuition fee in Uruguayan universities?

Yearly tuition fees start at 55,356 UYU ($1,281) to 471,662 UYU ($10,919).

What are the languages used in teaching students at Uruguayan universities?

Spanish is the primary medium of instruction in Uruguayan universities. However, some universities offer courses in the English and Portuguese languages.

Cheap Universities in Uruguay

1. Instituto Universitario Francisco de Asís

Estimated Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: 55,356 UYU ($1,281) a year
Estimated Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 55,356 UYU ($1,281) a year

The University Institute Francisco de Asís, also known as UNIFA, is a non-profit private university in Maldonado, Uruguay. Established in 1988, it offers 4 undergraduate degrees: Business Administration, Tourism, Accountancy, and Psychology. It has a Master’s degree in Education as well. Apart from these degrees, UNIFA offers short-term courses as well. Instituto Universitario Francisco de Asís is the cheapest university in Uruguay with $1,281 a year.

UNIFA’s degree programs can be paid in 11 equal installments to alleviate the financial burden of students. The university offers scholarships that account for 20 to 22% of the monthly payments.

2. Politecnico de Punta del Este

Estimated Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: 126,920 UYU ($2,938) to 265, 202 UYU ($6,140) a year
Estimated Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 126,920 UYU ($2,938) to 265, 202 UYU ($6,140) a year

The Polytechnic Institute of Punta del Este is a center for university-level education and research. Based in Maldonado, the faculty is composed of seasoned professionals in various fields.

This affordable university in Uruguay offers a 4-year Bachelor in Innovation and Business Development. This is designed for students who wish to be more competitive in the global business trade. Other undergraduate courses available include Economics and Accountancy.

The school also has a 1-year graduate course in Innovation Management, as well as a 2-year Masters in Innovation Management. A 2-year Masters in Business Administration is open to applicants as well.

3. Universidad de la República

Estimated Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: 126,920 UYU ($2,938) to 265, 202 UYU ($6,140) a year
Estimated Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 126,920 UYU ($2,938) to 265, 202 UYU ($6,140) a year

Established in 1849, Universidad de la República (Udelar) is Uruguay’s oldest educational institution. It is also one of South America’s biggest universities by enrollment – and one of the best in the region.

The university has 21 schools and as such offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is widely known for its Agriculture & Forest courses, as well as those of Humanities, Economics, Medicine, and Biological Sciences.

Foreign students account for 3% of the school’s entire population.

4. Catholic University of Uruguay

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: 190,000 UYU ($4,400) a year
Estimated Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 146,129 UYU ($3,383) a year
Tuition Fee Link

The Catholic University of Uruguay is a cheap university in Uruguay founded in 1882. While its main campus is in Montevideo, it also has campuses in Sato and Maldonado.

The university offers undergraduate degrees in Business, Engineering & Technology, Health Sciences, and Law & Human Sciences. There are also postgraduate programs in Psychology, Social & Political Science, Nursing, Education, Communication, and Business.

The university has a dedicated International Office for foreign students. It governs the International Student Program, which covers special courses in Spanish, Uruguayan literature, history, and culture.

Check out: Top 5 Universities in Chile for International Students

5. Universidad de la Empresa

Estimated Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: 251,867 UYU ($5,830) a year
Estimated Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 251,867 UYU ($5,830) a year

Universidad de la Empresa (UDE) is a private, secular university based in Montevideo with campuses in Salto del Este and Colonia del Sacramento. While it is leaned towards Business Education, the university also offers degrees in Agriculture, Education, Health, Law, Design, Communication, and Engineering.

Apart from its degree courses, UDE offers short-term courses through its Business Development School. Here, students can learn Digital Marketing, Google Analytics, Foreign Trade, and Tourism, to name a few.

6. Universidad ORT Uruguay

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: 285,000 UYU ($6,600) to 509,720 ($11,800) a year
Estimated Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 230,000 UYU ($5,324) a year
Tuition Fee Link

Universidad ORT Uruguay is the country’s biggest private university. Established in 1952, this Montevideo-based university is composed of five faculties and institutes. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the fields of Social Science, Architecture, Communication, Design, Engineering, and Education.

Universidad ORT Uruguay has an International Office for foreign students who wish to enroll in the university. This affordable university in Uruguay offers guidance and assistance for degree-seeking enrollees, as well as free movers and exchange students.

Like local students, foreign applicants are subject to the university’s quota for its programs.

Discover more: Top 5 Universities in Argentina for International Students

7. University of Montevideo

Estimated Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: 471,662 UYU ($10,919) a year
Estimated Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 471,662 UYU ($10,919) a year

The final candidate in our list of cheapest universities in Uruguay is the University of Montevideo, which was opened in 1986, though it was only made a university in 1997. It has 6 schools, including a Center for Biomedical Science.

As one of the top universities in the country, it has an International Affairs Office that hopes to promote UM as a leader in multicultural education.

Foreign students can apply for undergraduate degrees in Business, Economics, Accountancy, Engineering, Computer Science, Humanities, Law, and Communications. Postgraduate programs in Communication, Business Administration, Law, Economics, and Finance are available as well.

All of the university’s programs are taught in Spanish, though there are some courses and seminars in the English Language.

In conclusion, Uruguay is an excellent destination for international students who want to pursue their studies in South America. Uruguay provides international students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain great exposure to the Spanish language and immerse themselves in South American culture. Tuition fees are cheap in comparison to other parts of the world. If you are interested in studying in a neighboring country, make sure to check the 10 Cheapest Universities in Argentina for International Students

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page.