Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA)

Admission to FCM-UNA is considered the most difficult in Paraguay due to its public status and high academic prestige.

Admission Process (CPI - Curso Probatorio de Ingreso)

1. The CPI Course: Applicants must pass through a rigorous Admission Course. Registration for the 2026 period typically begins in January/February.

2. Exams: Selection is based 100% on merit. Only the top-scoring students (approx. 150 seats for the central branch) are admitted. Subjects include:

   • Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics.

   • Communication/Spanish and Medical Ethics.

3. Requirements for Foreigners:

   • Apostilled High School Diploma and transcripts.

   • Legalization by the Ministry of Education (MEC) and the UNA Rectorate.

   • Paraguayan Residency (Permanent or Temporary) is mandatory for enrollment.

   • Proof of Spanish proficiency is vital for non-native speakers.

Curriculum Structure

• Integrated Model: The curriculum was recently updated (Plan 2025) to a semester-based system.

• Clinical Training: Early clinical exposure is a hallmark of the program.

• Internship: The final 36 weeks are dedicated to a supervised pre-professional internship.

UNA students train at the most advanced public healthcare facilities in the country.

1. Hospital de Clínicas (San Lorenzo): Often called the "Hospital of the Poor," it is a massive tertiary-care university hospital with every medical specialty available. It serves as the primary teaching base.

2. Specialized Institutes: Access to the Institute of Health Sciences (IICS) for advanced medical research and diagnostics.

3. Community Impact: As a public institution, students are heavily involved in treating the nation's most complex medical cases.

As a public university, UNA is significantly more affordable than private options, but foreign students still face small administrative costs.

• Arancel Cero (Zero Fee): Under Law 6628, most Paraguayan students who graduated from public high schools pay $0 tuition.

• International Fees: Foreigners generally pay only small administrative and exam fees, which rarely exceed $500 - $1,000 USD per year.

• Admission Fees: The CPI registration and exam rights cost approximately $150 - $200 USD.

Accommodation (Living)

• University Housing: Very limited. Most international and domestic students rent in the San Lorenzo (Campus area) or Sajonia neighborhoods.

• Rent Prices: A 1-bedroom apartment near the San Lorenzo campus costs approx. $250 – $400 USD per month.

• Sub-rentals: Sharing an apartment with other medical students is the most common way to save costs.

Dining (Food)

• Hospital Canteen: The Hospital de Clínicas has dining facilities for residents and students.

• Monthly Budget: Groceries and local "Comedores" will cost approximately $200 – $300 USD.