Universidad Nacional de Itapúa (UNI)

Admission to UNI is highly competitive, as it is a public university with a limited number of seats (usually around 40–50 per year).

Admission Process (Curso de Admisión)

1. Admission Course: Prospective students must complete the Curso de Admisión (CA).

2. Exams: Admission is strictly based on the results of entrance exams in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Castilian/Guaraní language.

3. Requirements for Foreigners:

   • Apostilled High School Diploma and transcripts.

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

   • Paraguayan Temporary Residency (essential for official enrollment).

   • Language proficiency in Spanish is mandatory for clinical interaction.

Curriculum Structure

• Basic Sciences (Years 1-2): Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, and Biochemistry.

• Clinical Cycle (Years 3-5): Pathology, Pharmacology, and clinical specialties.

• Rotatory Internship (Year 6): Practical rotations in the four pillars of medicine: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and OB-GYN.

UNI has a strong partnership with the public health infrastructure of southern Paraguay.

1. Hospital Regional de Encarnación: The main clinical teaching site where students perform most of their hands-on training.

2. Teaching Hospital (Hospital Escuela): The university has its own clinical facilities and simulation labs for early clinical skill development.

3. Simulation Centers: Modern laboratories equipped for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and surgical skills.

As a public university, UNI offers some of the most affordable high-level medical education in South America.

• Gratuity Law (Arancel Cero): Under Paraguayan law, many students are eligible for Zero Tuition (specifically those who graduated from public high schools).

• Foreigner Fees: For international students who do not qualify for gratuity, fees are still very low compared to private universities, typically ranging between $1,000 and $1,500 USD per year (including registration and administrative fees).

• Admission Course Cost: A nominal fee for the entrance course and exam materials (approx. $100 - $150 USD).

• Vibe: Known as the "Pearl of the South," it is arguably the cleanest and most orderly city in Paraguay. It is famous for its Costanera (riverfront promenade) and beaches on the Paraná River.

• Safety: One of the safest cities in Paraguay, with a very relaxed and high quality of life.

• Climate: Subtropical; hot summers (very high humidity) and short, mild winters.

• Culture: Home to the biggest Carnival in Paraguay and close to the Jesuit Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage sites).

Encarnación is a major tourist and cultural hub, making it a very comfortable city for students.

Accommodation (Living)

• Private Housing: Most students rent apartments or shared rooms near the university campus or in the city center.

• Rent Prices: A 1-bedroom apartment in a safe area costs approx. $200 – $350 USD per month.

• Student Hubs: Areas near the "Costanera" are popular but more expensive; areas closer to the university are more budget-friendly.

Dining (Food)

• University Dining: Affordable meals are available on or near campus.

• Monthly Budget: Groceries and eating out occasionally will cost around $180 – $250 USD per month.