Universidad del Pacífico (UP) was the first private university in Paraguay to have a medical school. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor and traditional medical training.
Accreditation: It is fully accredited by ANEAES (the highest quality assurance agency in Paraguay) and recognized by CONES. This accreditation is crucial for students who want to validate their degrees globally.
Reputation: Known as a "Premium" university in the region, it maintains higher academic standards compared to many newer private colleges.
Admission: Admission is usually direct for international students, but the university maintains a strict internal evaluation system to ensure students keep up with the workload.
The Pedro Juan Caballero campus is a modern, purpose-built facility designed specifically for medical education.
Academic Excellence: The curriculum is updated regularly to match international standards (USMLE and Revalida).
Advanced Infrastructure:
Anatomy Theater: Features modern dissection tables and a vast collection of anatomical parts.
Histology & Pathology Labs: Equipped with high-end digital microscopes and imaging systems.
Research Center: UP encourages students to participate in scientific research and publish papers early in their careers.
Library: A massive facility with both physical books and extensive subscriptions to global digital medical journals.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Practical training is the strongest pillar of Universidad del Pacífico.
University Hospital: Unlike many other colleges, UP has strong investments in clinical facilities and simulation centers that mimic real hospital environments.
Public Agreements: Students rotate through the Regional Hospital of Pedro Juan Caballero, providing them with exposure to a wide variety of emergency, surgical, and pediatric cases.
Clinical Hours: The program offers a high number of clinical hours, ensuring that by the time students reach their internship (6th year), they are highly competent in patient care.
State University Affordability
Universidad del Pacífico is considered a premium institution, so its fees are slightly higher than other local colleges, reflecting its superior infrastructure.
Enrollment Fee (Matrícula): Approx. $300 – $450 USD (Per semester).
Monthly Tuition: Approx. $350 – $500 USD (Depending on the year level).
Annual Total: Roughly $4,500 – $6,000 USD per year.
Value: While more expensive than some neighbors, the ANEAES accreditation makes it a safer long-term investment for international recognition.
Border Life: The city is unique because it is separated from the Brazilian city of Ponta Porã only by a single street. Students can walk between two countries freely.
Shopping & Economy: Home to the famous Shopping China, one of the largest retail stores in the Americas. It is a major hub for tax-free goods.
Student Atmosphere: The city has a very high population of medical students (thousands from Brazil and other countries), creating a vibrant, young, and academic environment.
Connectivity: It has its own airport (on the Brazilian side in Ponta Porã) and frequent bus services to Asunción and various Brazilian states.
Accommodation: The university does not provide dorms, but Pedro Juan Caballero is a major student hub.
Student Housing: Most international students rent modern apartments near the "Laguna Punta Porã" area.
Cost: A high-quality private apartment costs around $250 – $400 USD/month, while shared options are available for $150 USD.
Dining: There is a modern cafeteria on campus. Since the city is a border town, students have access to both Paraguayan and Brazilian cuisines.
Monthly Food Cost: Approx. $150 – $200 USD for a comfortable lifestyle.
NRI/International Admission: There is no "Management Quota." Admission is open to all international applicants based on their high school performance and documentation.
Indian Students: * NEET: Must be qualified for those intending to return to India.
FMGE/NEXT: The curriculum's depth in clinical subjects is very helpful for passing the Indian screening tests.
Documents:
Apostilled 10th & 12th Certificates.
Valid Passport.
Birth Certificate (Apostilled).
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
Residency: The university provides an office to help students apply for their Paraguayan Temporary Residence Card.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus