Chile — Living: Education

Why this matters

A good understanding of Chile's education system is essential for relocating families with children, as it can impact their quality of life and future prospects.

Key facts

• Government expenditure on education: 4.9 % of GDP (2022)
• School enrolment, primary: 99 % gross (2024)
• School enrolment, secondary: 106 % gross (2024)
• School enrolment, tertiary: 110 % gross (2024)
• Adult literacy rate: 96.4 % of people aged 15+ (2017)

Steps

1. Choosing a School — International students can choose between public and private schools, as well as bilingual and international curricula. It's essential to research schools thoroughly and consider factors such as language proficiency, curriculum, and extracurricular activities.
2. Enrolling in University — Chile has a range of universities, both public and private, offering various programs in English and Spanish. International students may need to provide proof of language proficiency and academic qualifications to enroll.

Costs

• Tuition fees for universities: $12,000 to $21,000 per year

Timelines

• Enrollment process for public education: N/A

Required documents

• Passport
• Valid visa (if required)
• Proof of language proficiency
• Academic qualifications (e.g. diplomas, transcripts)
• Health insurance

Common mistakes

• Assuming all schools offer English-language programs
• Not researching schools thoroughly before making a decision

What these figures do not cover

Gross enrolment ratios can exceed 100% because they count pupils of any age against the school-age population. These are national statistics. International schools, fees, admissions, curricula and school calendars are not covered here.