Universidad Nacional de Concepción (UNC)

Admission to UNC is highly competitive, as it is a public university with a rigorous merit-based entry system.

Admission Process (Curso Probatorio de Ingreso - CPI)

1. Preparatory Course (CPI): Applicants must enroll in the Curso Probatorio de Ingreso. This typically starts in February and lasts several months.

2. Exams: Admission is determined by a series of exams in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Castilian (Spanish). Only the top scorers (limited seats, usually 40-50) are admitted to the first year.

3. Requirements for Foreigners:

   • Apostilled High School Diploma and transcripts.

   • Legalization by the Paraguayan Ministry of Education (MEC).

   • Valid Paraguayan Residency (Temporary or Permanent).

   • Clear Police/Judicial Record from the country of origin.

Curriculum Structure

• Years 1–2: Theoretical foundation in biomedical sciences.

• Years 3–5: Clinical clerkships and specialized pathologies.

• Year 6: The Rotatory Internship performed at affiliated public health centers.

UNC works in close collaboration with the regional health network of northern Paraguay.

1. Main Teaching Base: Hospital Regional de Concepción (HRC). This is a tertiary care center where students complete their main clinical rotations.

2. Specialization: The faculty has a strong focus on Family and Community Medicine, preparing doctors for rural and urban healthcare challenges.

3. Modern Infrastructure: The medical faculty at Km 210 features specialized labs and simulation rooms for practical training.

As a public university, UNC is an exceptionally affordable option for high-quality medical education.

• Gratuity Law (Arancel Cero): Under Law 6628, most Paraguayan students who graduated from public schools pay Zero Tuition.

• International Fees: For non-eligible international students, tuition is still very low, typically ranging between $1,000 and $1,500 USD per year for administrative and academic fees.

• CPI Cost: A one-time registration fee for the entrance course (approx. $100 – $150 USD).

Concepción is a riverfront city with a lower cost of living than Asunción, making it ideal for students.

Accommodation (Living)

• Student Housing: Most students rent apartments or shared houses near the Ruta 5 campus or in the central area.

• Rent Prices: A comfortable 1-bedroom apartment costs approx. $150 – $250 USD per month.

• Utilities: Electricity and water are generally cheap, though A/C usage in summer can increase costs.

Dining (Food)

• Local Market: Fresh produce and meat are very affordable.

• Monthly Budget: Groceries and campus dining will cost approximately $150 – $200 USD per month.

• NRI Seats: There are no NRI seats or management quotas. Admission is 100% based on merit through the CPI entrance exams.

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

• Legalization: Foreign students should budget approx. $300 – $500 for document apostilles, legalizations at the UNE/UNC Rectorate, and residence permit fees.