Universidad Nacional de Caaguazú (UNCA)

Admission to UNCA's Medical School is extremely competitive. Being a public institution, it receives many more applicants than available seats.

Admission Process (CPI - Curso Preparatorio de Ingreso)

1. Preparatory Course (CPI): Prospective students must enroll in the CPI, which usually runs from September/October until early the following year.

2. Subjects Covered: The entrance exam typically includes:

   • Biology

   • Chemistry

   • Physics

   • Mathematics

   • Castilian (Spanish)

   • Guaraní

   • Paraguayan Studies

3. Selection: Only the top-scoring students (usually the top 40–50) who meet the minimum passing threshold are admitted into the first year.

4. International Applicants:

   • Must have high school documents Apostilled and legalized by the UNCA Rectorate.

   • Must hold a valid Paraguayan Residency Card.

   • Proof of blood type and specific medical certifications are often required during the pre-registration phase.

Curriculum Structure

• Basic Sciences: Intense laboratory and classroom work in the first three years.

• Clinical Training: Students transition to hospital settings starting in the 4th year, emphasizing clinical reasoning and patient care.

• Internship: A final year of 24-hour shifts and rotations across specialized public health units.

The faculty maintains strong ties with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPyBS).

1. Teaching Hospital: The primary site for rotations is the Hospital Regional de Coronel Oviedo, which serves as a major referral center for the Caaguazú Department.

2. Specialized Labs: The campus at Km 138 features modern labs for Anatomy, Microbiology, and Histology.

3. Simulation: UNCA utilizes clinical simulation technology to prepare students for real-world medical emergencies before their hospital rotations.

As a public university, UNCA is an incredibly affordable option for high-level education.

• Law of Gratuity (Arancel Cero): Under Law 6628, Paraguayan students who graduated from public schools are eligible for Zero Tuition.

• Foreign Students: International students do not typically qualify for "Arancel Cero" and pay moderate fees.

  • Annual Fees: Approx. $1,000 – $1,500 USD (covering administrative fees and academic rights).

• CPI Cost: The entrance course and exam rights usually cost around $150 - $200 USD total.

Coronel Oviedo is a major intersection city in Paraguay (the "City of Work"), offering a lower cost of living than the capital.

Accommodation (Living)

• Student Rentals: There are many "Pensiones" and apartments specifically for medical students near the university or the Regional Hospital.

• Rent Prices: A 1-bedroom apartment ranges from $150 – $250 USD per month.

• Cost of Living: One person can live comfortably on approximately $400 - $600 USD per month (excluding tuition).

Dining (Food)

• University Canteen: Provides affordable meals for students during the day.

• Monthly Budget: Groceries and local eating will cost approx. $150 – $200 USD.

• NRI Seats: There are no NRI seats or management quotas. Admission is strictly based on the results of the competitive entrance exams.

• NEET (For Indians): Indian students must be NEET-qualified for their degree to be recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

• Recognition: The ANEAES accreditation is crucial for students who wish to validate their degrees in other MERCOSUR countries or through processes like the Revalida in Brazil.