Study in Guatemala

Who this applies to

Students in Guatemala. Spanish-medium; sole autonomous public (USAC) + private universities.

Governing authority

USAC has constitutional autonomy (sole public); private universities overseen by the Consejo de Enseñanza Privada Superior (CEPS).

Degree system

Licenciatura (5 yrs) · Maestría · Doctorado. Spanish-medium.

Admission

How

Bachillerato/diversificado + university admission/placement tests; USAC free entry by exam; international students apply directly.

Language

Spanish.

Tuition

Public

Free/nominal at USAC (mass access, ~230,000 students).

Private

Fee-paying (UVG, URL, UFM, Mariano Gálvez).

Note

USAC was the only university until 1954.

Student visa & residence permit

Student visa for non-nationals.

Scholarships

Government & university scholarships.

Sources & references

• USAC oldest/sole public — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universidad_de_San_Carlos_de_Guatemala (2026-06-12)
• system — https://educacionenguatemala.com/universidades-en-guatemala/ (2026-06-12)