The Universidad del Norte (UniNorte) in Asunción is one of the most prestigious and scientifically productive private universities in Paraguay. Its Faculty of Medicine is highly sought after due to its strong research culture and central location in the capital city.
Established: Founded in 1991, UniNorte has consistently led scientific research rankings in Paraguay.
Accreditation: Fully recognized by CONES and MEC. The Medicine program is highly regarded for its academic quality and has produced several "firsts" in Paraguayan medical surgery and neurosurgery.
Scientific Leadership: UniNorte publishes its own medical journal (Revista UniNorte de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud) and is often ranked #1 in Paraguay for scientific research output.
Admission: Admission is straightforward for international students (no competitive entrance exam), but the university is known for its rigorous internal testing.
The Faculty of Medicine is located in the heart of Asunción (specifically near Av. General Santos), which is a key medical district.
Campus Environment: UniNorte uses several buildings across Asunción. The medical buildings are modern and equipped with smart classrooms and dedicated research centers.
Specialized Labs: * Morphology Lab: Features traditional anatomy facilities alongside digital simulation tools.
Research Labs: Unlike many other colleges, UniNorte focuses heavily on student involvement in research from the early semesters.
Scientific Events: The university hosts international medical symposiums and Nobel Prize-winning guest lecturers, providing students with global exposure.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Being in the capital city, UniNorte students have access to the best public and private healthcare facilities in the country.
Clinical Rotations: Students begin their clinical rotations in the 6th semester.
Main Agreements: The university has a strong partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MSPyBS) and the Central Hospital of the IPS (Social Security), which is the largest and most complex hospital in Paraguay.
Specialty Training: Students get exposure to high-complexity surgeries, neurosurgery, and oncology, which are centralized in Asunción hospitals.
State University Affordability
UniNorte is priced competitively as a mid-to-high tier institution. Fees are typically paid in local Guaraníes (Gs), but listed below in USD for clarity:
Enrollment Fee (Matrícula): Approx. $200 – $350 USD (Per semester).
Monthly Tuition: Approx. $300 – $450 USD (roughly 2.3M to 3.5M Gs).
Total Annual Estimate: Roughly $4,000 – $5,500 USD.
Note: Tuition fees tend to increase slightly as you progress into the clinical and internship years.
The Capital Hub: Asunción is the heart of Paraguay’s education and healthcare system. It offers a higher standard of living and better infrastructure than border cities.
Transport: The city has a widespread bus network. Most students use apps like Bolt or Uber, which are very affordable and safe for commuting to different hospital sites.
Connectivity: It is the best-connected city in the country, with the international airport just 20-30 minutes away from the main university buildings.
Housing: There is no official university-managed hostel. However, the university is located in a central area with plenty of options.
Student Residences: Many students live in private student hostels or shared apartments in neighborhoods like Mariscal López or Las Mercedes.
Cost: Shared housing starts at $150 USD/month, while a private studio near the campus ranges from $300 – $500 USD.
Mess/Food: No mandatory mess plan. The campus has its own cafeterias, and because it is in a central district, there are hundreds of affordable restaurants and supermarkets nearby.
Monthly Food Cost: Approx. $150 – $250 USD.
International Status: There is no separate "NRI Seat" or "NRI Quota." All international students apply under the same fee structure.
Language: Instruction is in Spanish. UniNorte takes pride in its academic language standards, so students are expected to achieve proficiency quickly.
Documents Required:
Apostilled High School Marksheets (10th & 12th).
Birth Certificate (Apostilled).
Clearance from Police (PCC).
NEET Qualification (For Indian students).
Global Validity: The degree is recognized by the WHO/WDOMS, making students eligible for ECFMG (USA), GMC (UK), and NMC (India) registration processes.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus