South America

A Continent of Culture, Opportunity, and Affordable Education

South America is made up of 12 vibrant and culturally rich countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay.

Known for its warm people, colorful cities, rich traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, South America offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural immersion.

For African students, it presents a compelling alternative for quality education abroad — at a fraction of the cost compared to other continents.

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Why South America?

An Affordable, Culturally Rich, and Globally Relevant Study Destination for African Students

South America offers a unique blend of quality education, cultural diversity, affordability, and life-changing international exposure, making it an ideal destination for African students looking to study abroad.

Brazil

Brazil has seen a surge in Afro‑Brazilian higher-education enrollment; by 2018, black and brown students made up over 50% of public university enrollments, signaling increasing inclusivity.

Argentina

Country-wide initiatives such as free public university education—especially at institutions like the University of Buenos Aires—attract a growing number of international students, including those from Africa.

Chile

Chilean universities, such as the University of Chile and Pontifical Catholic University, offer scholarships through programs like AGCID that are available to African applicants.

Peru

Universities—like PUCP (Pontifical Catholic University of Peru) and University of Lima—host international academic and research programs that engage global participants.

Colombia

Universities—like University of the Andes and National University of Colombia—have begun recruiting from African countries, supported by diversity-focused scholarships.

Number of African Students in Key South American Countries

Brazil

~100 at University of Brasília; UNILAB fills ~50% seats with African students; Afro-Brazilian representation in public universities >50%.

Peru

While specific counts aren't published, Peru’s international student body reached 4,041 by 2018, with a small African contingent in fields like environmental and social sciences.

Argentina

Small but growing African student presence at public universities; no official stats.

Colombia

There is a growing cohort of African students, often in the low hundreds; some exchange programs host around 60 Afro-descendant and Indigenous students.

Chile

Tens to low hundreds; scholarships via AGCID; Afro‑Chilean diaspora ~195,000.

Uruguay

African-origin Paraguayans benefit from bursaries for Afro-descendant populations, but African student numbers remain very low, typically in the tens.

EXPLORE SOUTH AMERICA

High-Quality, Affordable Education

Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile offer tuition-free or low-cost education, especially at public universities.
Top institutions include University of São Paulo (Brazil), University of Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
Many programs in engineering, social sciences, agriculture, sustainability, and medicine are internationally recognized, with some available in English or bilingual formats.

Government and Institutional Scholarships

Several South American governments offer scholarships to African and developing-world students, including Brazil’s now-reviving PEC-G program and Argentina’s regional cooperation grants.
African students may also benefit from UNESCO-affiliated initiatives, bilateral agreements, or university-specific scholarships.
Living costs in most countries are lower than Europe or North America, making South America an excellent value-for-money destination.

Explore South America While You Study

With regional integration through programs like MERCOSUR Educativo, students can participate in exchange programs between countries like Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Easy access to affordable travel allows students to visit iconic destinations such as Machu Picchu (Peru), Patagonia (Chile/Argentina), and Iguazu Falls (Brazil/Argentina).
Festivals like Carnival in Brazil, Inti Raymi in Peru, and Barranquilla in Colombia enrich the student experience with vibrant culture and community life.

Career & Academic Advancement Opportunities

Students can pursue graduate studies (Master’s and PhD) through research assistantships and tuition waivers in countries like Chile, Brazil, and Colombia.
Fields like renewable energy, public health, education reform, environmental science, and agriculture are key areas of development and hiring.
South America’s expanding connections with Africa and global institutions offer career opportunities in diplomacy, trade, education, and NGOs.

Life and Culture in South America

South America offers a beautiful mix of urban and natural life — from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the high-altitude wonders of La Paz.
Cities like Bogotá, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Lima are bustling with art, music, food, and history — all welcoming to international students.
Warm, community-driven cultures help African students feel at home and connect with peers across the continent.