In an increasingly interconnected world, education serves as a powerful bridge for personal growth, cultural exchange, and global progress. For students from South America—spanning vibrant nations like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and beyond—access to higher education opportunities abroad can unlock doors to innovative research, diverse perspectives, and career trajectories that extend far beyond regional borders. As we step into 2025, the landscape of available scholarships for South American students is more promising than ever, reflecting a growing recognition of the region’s rich talent pool and the need to foster international collaboration.
These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burdens of tuition, living expenses, and travel but also emphasize values like academic excellence, leadership, and community impact. Many are designed specifically for undergraduates, graduates, and PhD candidates from Latin American backgrounds, targeting fields such as STEM, social sciences, humanities, environmental studies, and public policy.
Organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS), national governments, and private foundations are at the forefront, offering awards that range from partial funding to full-ride packages. This guide explores some of the standout opportunities for 2025, providing detailed insights to help prospective applicants navigate the process. By pursuing these, South American students can contribute to solving pressing global challenges, from climate change in the Amazon to economic innovation in the Andes, while building networks that span continents.
Available Scholarships in 2025 for South American Students
1. OAS Academic Scholarships Program
One of the most inclusive options for South American students is the Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarships, which support citizens of OAS member states—including all South American countries—for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies across various disciplines. Valued at up to $10,000 per academic year, these scholarships cover tuition, mandatory fees, and a modest monthly stipend for living expenses, though they do not include airfare or health insurance. Preference is given to applicants from underrepresented groups, those pursuing studies in priority areas like sustainable development, governance, and technology, and individuals committed to returning home to apply their skills.
Eligibility requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent), proof of admission to an accredited institution outside one’s home country, and a demonstrated financial need. Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle open in early 2025 and close in April, with selections announced by June. Past recipients have hailed from Colombia and Peru, studying environmental engineering in Canada or public health in Spain. This program stands out for its emphasis on regional impact, requiring scholars to pledge contributions to OAS development goals upon completion. For South American applicants, it’s an ideal entry point to hemispheric networks, fostering collaborations that address shared issues like biodiversity conservation.
2. Becas Chile Scholarships
Sponsored by the Chilean government, Becas Chile represents a beacon for postgraduate excellence, offering fully funded opportunities for master’s and PhD students from South American countries to study at top institutions worldwide. Awards cover full tuition, a monthly living allowance of approximately $1,200, health insurance, and round-trip airfare, with durations up to four years for PhDs. In 2025, priority fields include STEM, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy—areas aligned with South America’s resource-rich economies.
To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with honors, secure provisional admission to a host university, and commit to a two-year return service in their home country post-graduation. The application window runs from March to July 2025, with notifications in October. Brazilian and Argentine students have particularly benefited, pursuing advanced research in climate modeling at universities in Germany or the UK. What makes Becas Chile unique is its focus on knowledge transfer: scholars often collaborate on binational projects, such as sustainable mining initiatives that benefit Andean communities. This not only builds individual expertise but also strengthens South-South partnerships.
3. Fundación Carolina Scholarships
Bridging the Atlantic, Fundación Carolina provides scholarships for Latin American students, including those from South America, to pursue postgraduate studies in Spain—a cultural and linguistic ally. For 2025, over 200 awards are available, covering master’s degrees in fields like business, law, engineering, and environmental sciences, with funding up to €12,000 per year plus travel grants. Additional perks include Spanish language courses for non-native speakers and networking events with Iberian professionals.
Candidates need a relevant undergraduate degree, a GPA above 7.0/10, and two years of professional experience for most programs. Applications open in January 2025 and close in March, emphasizing essays on how the studies will advance development in the applicant’s home country. Ecuadorian and Venezuelan alumni have leveraged these scholarships for careers in renewable energy policy, applying Spanish innovations to local grids. The program’s strength lies in its holistic support, including mentorship from Fundación alumni, making it a seamless choice for South Americans seeking European exposure without cultural shock.
4. LULAC National Scholarship Fund
Tailored for Hispanic and Latino students, including those of South American descent residing in or migrating to the United States, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Scholarship Fund distributes over $1 million annually through local councils. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 for undergraduates and graduates, focusing on community service, leadership, and financial need. In 2025, special tracks include the NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship for media enthusiasts and funds for first-generation students.
Eligibility includes a minimum 2.5 GPA, U.S. citizenship or DACA status (with extensions for permanent residents), and full-time enrollment plans. Deadlines vary by council but generally fall in March-April 2025. Colombian-American recipients have used these to fund nursing degrees, later serving underserved Latino communities. LULAC’s grassroots approach ensures personalized guidance, from essay reviews to FAFSA assistance, empowering South American diaspora students to thrive in North American academia.
5. Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) Scholarships
For Colorado-based South American students or those planning to study there, the Latin American Educational Foundation offers merit- and need-based awards of $1,000 to $5,000 for undergraduates pursuing any major. The 2025-2026 cycle prioritizes STEM and health sciences, with applications opening January 15, 2026—though planning starts now. Requirements include residency in Colorado, a 2.5 GPA, and community involvement.
Peruvian and Bolivian scholars have credited LAEF for bridging cultural gaps, funding transfers to universities like the University of Denver. The foundation’s services extend beyond funds, offering tutoring and career workshops tailored to Latino experiences.
6. CIEE Latin American Scholarships
CIEE’s study abroad grants make semester-long immersions affordable for South American students heading to programs in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, or Mexico. The Influencer Scholarship covers full program fees plus a $2,000 stipend for 100 exceptional applicants, while the See More, Save More discount reduces costs by 20% for multi-block enrollments starting Fall 2025. Open to undergraduates with a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated leadership, applications close in May 2025.
Chilean students have transformed their perspectives through Buenos Aires sojourns, gaining fluency in regional dialects. CIEE’s emphasis on experiential learning—via homestays and service projects—equips scholars for global citizenship.
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FAQs
Who qualifies as a South American student for these scholarships?
Typically, citizens or permanent residents of South American countries (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Peru) qualify. Some, like HSF or LULAC, extend to diaspora students of South American heritage in the U.S., provided they demonstrate cultural ties.
What documents are commonly required?
Expect academic transcripts, proof of admission, financial need statements (e.g., FAFSA equivalents), essays (500-1,000 words), and two-three letters of recommendation. Language proficiency tests like TOEFL may apply for non-Spanish/Portuguese programs.
Are there age or GPA minimums?
Most require a 2.5-3.0 GPA; no strict age limits, but undergraduates are often 18-24, graduates 22+. PhD tracks favor experienced professionals.
What if I’m studying in South America itself?
Options like Senescyt in Ecuador or Colombian government grants fund local or regional studies, often with international exchange components.
How competitive are these?
Varies—OAS and HSF award thousands, but top programs like Becas accept 10-20%. Strong applications emphasizing impact stand out.
