Exploring Bolivia's Education: Are There Colleges?

Bolivia is home to several colleges and universities, both public and private. The country's higher education system has a rich history, dating back to the foundation of the Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier in 1624. As of 2001, there were 48 universities in Bolivia, with a rapid growth in private universities occurring between 1990 and 1998. The country offers a range of academic programs, including economics, judicial studies, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, biology, health sciences, engineering, and agriculture. Bolivian universities are ranked based on research outputs, non-academic prominence, and alumni influence, with the Higher University of San Andres currently ranked as the top institution in the country.

University rankings

Bolivia is home to a number of universities, with 45 institutions recognised in rankings and reviews for 2024. The country's higher education system has a long history, beginning with the foundation of the Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier in 1624.

The University of San Andrés is the best-ranked university in Bolivia, coming in at #1201 in the QS World University Rankings. It is also the most frequently listed Bolivian university in rankings. The University of San Simón is another top-ranked institution in Bolivia, achieving the highest ranking among universities in the country in the Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector, where it placed #1288.

Other universities in Bolivia that are recognised in rankings include the Higher University of San Simon, Bolivian Catholic University, Technical University of Oruro, Private University of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, University of Saint Francis Xavier, Bolivian Private University, Cochabamba, and Simon Bolivar Andean University.

The growth of private universities in Bolivia has been significant, with 35 institutions established after 1989. This has contributed to the overall expansion of the higher education system, which consisted of 48 universities in 2001.

History of higher education in Bolivia

The history of higher education in Bolivia began with the foundation of the first university in the country, the Universidad Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier (Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier) in La Plata (Sucre) in 1624. This university was established under the Catholic Church and was influenced by the University of Salamanca in Spain, with a focus on theology and humanism. During the colonial era and Spanish rule, education was limited to the clergy and the sons of elite families, and higher education only awarded degrees in theology and law.

In the late 1800s, several universities were established in Bolivia, including the University of St Thomas Aquinas in 1880, which later changed its name several times. The Bolivian University of San Andrés (UMSA) was founded in La Paz in 1830, followed by the Bolivian University of San Simón (UMSS) in Cochabamba in 1832. Medicine was added to the curriculum in 1863.

The early 1900s saw the arrival of a teaching mission from Belgium, which laid the foundation for rural primary education over a 30-year period. Elizardo Perez founded a large nuclear school near Lake Titicaca in 1931, which became a prototype for rural education in the Andes. The University of Bolivia, a consortium of eight public universities and one private university, was the only post-secondary school awarding degrees during this period.

In the late 1980s, higher education in Bolivia faced several challenges, including low enrolment rates, high dropout rates, and a lack of access for women and indigenous people. The country devoted a significant portion of its annual budget to education expenditures, but these funds were primarily allocated to operating budgets rather than capital programs and expansion. The economic crisis in the early to mid-1980s also severely impacted educational spending.

In 1985, Paz Estenssoro's policies promoted the growth of private universities to increase new programs and address the declining standards in public universities. This led to the establishment of 35 private universities after 1989. However, public universities continued to struggle with inefficiency and low enrolment rates. As of 2001, the overall system of higher education in Bolivia consisted of 48 universities, including both public and private institutions.

Student satisfaction

Bolivia has a long history of higher education, with the Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier UMSFX, founded in 1624. Since then, the country has established many universities, with 48 in existence as of 2001. As of 2024, there are 45 universities in Bolivia, 10 of which are public and autonomous, and 33 are private.

Other universities with high student satisfaction ratings include the Bolivian Private University, Cochabamba (4.4/5.0), the Autonomous University of Beni (4.3/5.0), the Domingo Savio Private University (4.4/5.0), the Amazonian University of Pando (4.2/5.0), and the La Salle University, Bolivia (4.3/5.0).

The University of San Andrés, the top-ranked university in Bolivia, has a student satisfaction rating of 4.2/5.0 based on 980 student ratings. The University of San Simón, the second-highest ranked university in Bolivia, has a student satisfaction rating of 4.1/5.0 based on 789 student ratings.

Overall, student satisfaction in Bolivian colleges and universities appears to be relatively high, with most institutions receiving ratings of 4.0/5.0 or higher.

University admission processes

Bolivia has a long history of higher education, which began with the foundation of the Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier UMSFX in 1624. The country now has a total of 48 universities, including 33 private institutions.

Students enrol in universities by taking an academic test of basic skills acquired in secondary education, together with a psychotechnical diagnostic. Alternatively, students who have not taken or passed the test can take a course to prepare them for university. Some students may also be granted special admission, which is entrance granted to experienced professionals who finished high school, officers of the armed forces or the police, or students with foreign titles recognized through international agreements.

There are several types of degrees awarded by Bolivian universities. The Licenciatura, which takes four or five years to complete, corresponds roughly to the Bachelor's degree in sciences or arts. There are also the Maestria and the Doctorado, which correspond to the Master's and PhD degrees. Other qualifications include University Intermediate Technicians (a two-year programme), University Superior Technicians (a three-year programme), and Bachelor (a four-year programme).

Cost of living for students

The cost of living for students in Bolivia is relatively low compared to other countries. The overall cost of living in Bolivia is 59.3% lower than in Germany, with rent prices being 68.7% lower.

The cost of living for a single person in Bolivia is approximately 430.7€ (3,293.2Bs.) per month without rent, and 1,000€ per month including rent. A couple can live comfortably on 2,000€ per month, while a family of four would spend around 1,519.7€ (11,619.1Bs.) per month without rent.

Accommodation costs vary depending on location and type of housing. A studio apartment can range from 250 dollars to 80,000 dollars to purchase, while a villa can cost up to 1,400 dollars to rent or 500,000 dollars to purchase. Utilities for two people in a flat cost around 300Bs. per month.

Food expenses can be relatively low, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around 25Bs., and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around 150Bs. Fast food is also affordable, with a McDonald's combo meal or equivalent costing around 28Bs. Basic groceries such as bread, milk, chicken, and beef are also reasonably priced.

Transportation costs are also low, with a one-way ticket on local transport starting at 3Bs. and a monthly pass costing around 60Bs. Taxi fares are affordable, with a ride starting at 75 cents.

Other expenses such as mobile phone plans, internet, and fitness club memberships are also lower in Bolivia compared to other countries. A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs around 100Bs. per month, while internet service with speeds of 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data is approximately 250Bs. per month.

Overall, students can expect to spend significantly less on living expenses in Bolivia compared to other countries, with the possibility of living comfortably on a relatively low budget.

Frequently asked questions