Paraguay is often considered an "educational hub" for medicine in South America because of its inclusive entry policies.

Admission Requirements (2025–2026)

1. High School Documents: High school diploma and transcripts, which must be Apostilled (Hague Convention) or legalized by the Paraguayan Embassy.

2. Identity: Copy of passport or identity card. For official enrollment, students must initiate the Paraguayan Temporary Residence permit.

3. Preparatory Course: Most students enter via a CPI (Curso Probatorio de Ingreso)—a leveling course covering basic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) before starting the first year of medicine.

4. Language: While a formal certificate might not be required for entry, a working knowledge of Spanish is essential for clinical years and hospital interaction.

Curriculum Structure

• Basic Cycle (Years 1–2): Theoretical foundations (Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry).

• Clinical Cycle (Years 3–5): Pathology, Pharmacology, and clinical specialties (Cardiology, Neurology, etc.).

• Internship (Year 6): Mandatory rotations through Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gynecology-Obstetrics.

Practical training is conducted through agreements with the national health system.

1. Affiliated Sites: Students perform rotations at the Hospital Regional de Caaguazú and other public hospitals managed by the Ministry of Public Health (MSPyBS).

2. Laboratories: The campus in Caaguazú features dedicated labs for Anatomy (with synthetic models and dissection), Microbiology, and Clinical Skills Simulation.

3. Community Service: Students participate in local health fairs and primary care clinics as part of their social-academic commitment.

Paraguay offers some of the lowest tuition rates for medicine in Latin America.

• Monthly Tuition: Approximately $130 – $190 USD (approx. 950,000 – 1,400,000 Gs.), depending on the semester.

• Enrollment/Matriculation Fee: Paid once per semester/year, roughly $150 USD.

• Miscellaneous: Books, lab coats, and surgical scrubs are out-of-pocket expenses.

• Total Degree Cost: The entire 6-year program usually costs between $10,000 and $13,000 USD in total tuition.

Caaguazú is a student-friendly city with a significantly lower cost of living than the capital, Asunción.

Accommodation (Living)

• Student Residences: There are numerous private "Pensiones" or student houses near the university.

• Apartment Rental: A 1-bedroom apartment or furnished studio usually costs between $150 and $250 USD per month.

• Utilities: Electricity and water are generally affordable (approx. $20 – $40 USD monthly).

Dining (Food)

• University Canteen: Offers daily "Menú del día" for roughly $2.50 – $3.50 USD.

• Self-Catering: Groceries in Paraguay are very cheap; meat, bread, and fresh produce are among the lowest-priced in the region.

• Monthly Food Budget: Estimated at $150 – $200 USD.

Seat Quotas & International Intake

At USCA Caaguazú, there is no separate high-fee "Management Quota" or "NRI Quota."

• Open Admission: Admission is generally open to any international student who meets the basic academic requirements and passes the preparatory course (CPI).

• Direct Enrollment: You compete on equal footing with local Paraguayan students regarding tuition rates, which is a major advantage compared to other countries where "international fees" can be 5–10 times higher than local fees.

• NEET Qualification (For Indians): To practice in India after graduation, Indian students must be NEET-qualified. USCA does not require NEET for admission, but the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India requires it for your degree to be eligible for the FMGE/NExT screening test.

Miscellaneous Fees & Administrative Costs (2025–2026)

In addition to the monthly tuition (approx. $130 – $190 USD), you should budget for these mandatory administrative and legal steps:

Mandatory Legal Steps for Foreign Students

Once you arrive in Paraguay, you must finalize your legal status to stay enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences:

1. Legalization & Apostille: Before leaving your home country, all academic documents must be Apostilled. Upon arrival, they must be legalized by the Ministry of Education (MEC) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) in Paraguay.

2. Paraguayan ID (Cédula): After obtaining your temporary residence, you will apply for a Paraguayan ID card. This is required for official university records, opening bank accounts, and signing formal leases.

3. Language Requirement: Although not an "entry fee," most international students spend roughly $300 – $500 in the first year for intensive Spanish language tutoring if they are not already fluent.

Miscellaneous Lifestyle Info

• Transport: Caaguazú is small; most students walk or use local buses/taxis. A monthly transport budget of $30 – $50 is usually sufficient.

• Academic Materials: Unlike many western universities, medical textbooks in Paraguay are often bought in Spanish-translated editions, which are significantly cheaper ($20–$40 per book).

• Safety & Ethics: USCA maintains a strict code of conduct. International students must adhere to local "Civil Responsibility" laws, especially during hospital rotations.