Universidad Nacional del Este (UNE)

Admission to FACISA-UNE is extremely competitive due to its status as a public institution with limited seats.

Admission Process (CPI - Curso Probatorio de Ingreso)

1. The CPI Course: Applicants must enroll in the Curso Probatorio de Ingreso (CPI), a rigorous 10-month preparatory course (typically Feb–Nov).

2. Subjects Covered: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Castilian (Spanish), Guaraní, and Paraguayan Studies.

3. Entry Exams: Admission is determined by a series of cumulative exams. Only the top-scoring candidates (usually the top 40–50) are admitted into the first year of Medicine.

4. Requirements for Foreigners:

   • Apostilled High School Diploma and transcripts.

   • Legalized documents by the Paraguayan Ministry of Education (MEC) and the UNE Rectorate.

   • Valid Paraguayan Residency card (Carné de Admisión Temporaria o Permanente).

Curriculum Structure

• Basic Sciences: Intense focus on Anatomy, Histology, and Physiology in the first two years.

• Clinical Rotations: Heavily integrated with the public health system of Alto Paraná.

As a public university, FACISA-UNE has unique access to the largest public healthcare centers in the region.

1. Teaching Base: Students perform rotations at the Hospital Regional de Ciudad del Este and specialized centers in Minga Guazú.

2. On-Campus Facilities: The Minga Guazú campus features modern simulation labs, a large medical library, and research centers.

3. Community Medicine: A core part of the curriculum involves rural health rotations, providing students with broad exposure to public health challenges.

As a public university, FACISA-UNE is significantly cheaper than private options, provided you pass the entry exams.

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

• CPI Cost (Prep Course): Approx. 1,100,000 Gs. (approx. $150 USD) for the entire 10-month course.

• Monthly Tuition: Once admitted, fees are minimal for public residents. For foreign nationals not covered by gratuity laws, fees are roughly $800 – $1,200 USD per year, making it one of the most affordable high-quality options in South America.

• Miscellaneous Admin Fees: Small charges for certifications and exam requests (approx. $10 – $30 per document).

Minga Guazú is a quieter, more suburban area compared to Ciudad del Este, which is ideal for studying.

Accommodation (Living)

• Off-Campus Housing: Most students rent apartments or small houses in Km 16 or Km 14 (Minga Guazú) or the Km 8 area of Ciudad del Este.

• Rent Prices: A comfortable 1-bedroom apartment costs approx. $200 – $300 USD monthly.

• Living Conditions: Safe, residential neighborhoods with many houses converted into student "Pensiones."

Dining (Food)

• University Canteen: Provides affordable meals during the academic day.

• Local Eateries: Numerous family-run "Comedores" offer home-cooked Paraguayan meals for $3 – $5 USD.

• Monthly Food Budget: Estimated at $150 – $250 USD.

• NRI Seats: There are no NRI or Management Quota seats at UNE. Every student, regardless of nationality or financial status, must pass the competitive CPI entrance exams.

• Legalization: Foreign students should expect to spend approx. $300 – $500 on document legalizations and residency permits during their first year.

• Transport: The university is located on the main international highway (Route PY02). Frequent public buses connect Minga Guazú to Ciudad del Este (30 mins).