Market Report Chile – The Chilean Study Abroad Market
Chile is one of Latin America’s established and fast-growing source markets for international education. Chilean students display strong outbound mobility across a range of segments — from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to English-language and short-term programs, supported by rising aspirations for global skills, high levels of English affinity, and expanding financing mechanisms.
Key Market Characteristics
High value placed on international credentials: Chilean students and families increasingly view study abroad as a pathway to international careers, global exposure, and advanced skills. English proficiency and globally recognized degrees are especially valued by employers in Chile’s competitive labor market.
Growing outbound mobility: Recent UNESCO mobility data and market estimates show that Chile sends approx 20,000 students abroad in degree programs. If you include non degree programs, English-medium study, and vocational or certificate pathways, outbound mobility almost doubles, reflecting a broad and dynamic diaspora of learners.
English-language demand and short-term pathways: English-language programs continue to play an important role in Chilean outbound mobility. Demand for ELT, summer courses, and pathway programs remains strong, particularly in Canada, the United States, and Australia, where English study serves as a stepping stone to longer-term academic enrolments.
Diversified destination spread: Chilean mobility is geographically diversified. Traditional regional destinations such as Argentina and Spain remain popular, but there is strong and growing demand for English-speaking destinations, including Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Emerging European destinations such as Germany and France are also attracting increasing interest.
Youth demographics and education financing: Chile’s relatively high tertiary participation rate and sizeable cohort of young adults support ongoing outbound interest. Government-backed and private financing options, including scholarship, loan, and grant programs, help enable study abroad, particularly for postgraduate and research study.
Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
Looking forward, Chile’s outbound student mobility is expected to remain resilient and steadily growing, driven by:
- Continued emphasis on English proficiency and global employability
- Diversification of destinations beyond traditional regional and U.S. markets
- Stable demand across undergraduate, postgraduate, language, and short-term study pathways
- Increasing institutional partnerships that facilitate exchanges, joint programs, and credit mobility
Overall, Chile represents a strategic and evolving study abroad market, one with consistent demand, diversified flows, and strong orientation toward English-medium opportunities and global academic pathways.
Quick facts
Secondary education
Higher education
Upcoming Education Fairs in Chile
Market Report Chile – The Chilean Education System
Secondary education
Primary and secondary education combined have a total duration of 12 years (8 + 4) and is compulsory for all pupils. The system comprises 2 types of education: educación básica and educación media with a duration of 8 and 4 years, respectively.
Educación básica
The program consists of 2 phases: an initial phase (primer ciclo básico) – grades 1-4 with a duration of 4 years – for pupils aged 6-9. The second phase (segundo ciclo básico) – grades 5-8 – also has a duration of 4 years and is intended for pupils aged 10-13.
Educación media
Secondary education (educación secundaria or educación/enseñanza media) is also offered at a liceo, colegio or instituto and is intended for pupils aged 14-18. This type of education currently has a nominal duration of 4 years and is divided into two 2-year cycles.
Admission to higher education
Admission to higher education requires a secondary school diploma: Licencia de Educación Media or Licencia de Enseñanza Media.
(source: Nuffic)
Higher Education system
The Chilean education system comprises the following types of institutions:
- Universidades (universities)
- Institutos Profesionales (professional institutes)
- Centros de Formación Técnica (technical training centres)
Higher education is offered by both private and public institutions.
Bachelor /Pregrado
The bachelor stage is called Pregrado. Pregrado programs take 4 to 5 years to complete. Upon completion the degree of Licenciado is awarded.
Postgraduate / Posgrado programs
Posgrado programs offer 3 different qualifications:
- postiluto: specialization phase
- magíster: Master program
- doctorado: Doctoral program
Latest Chilean Higher Education study abroad stats
At this point a total number of 18,429 Chilean students were studying abroad for a degree in higher education. The most popular study abroad destinations among students from Chile are:
IB schools in Chile
Bradford School – Santiago – https://www.bradfordschool.cl/
Santiago College – Santiago – https://www.scollege.cl/index.php/en/home