Peru is slowly becoming a good place for international students to study, especially those who want to learn about other cultures, get a good education at a low cost, and have access to more and more scholarships in South America. Peru may not have as many fully funded scholarships as Brazil or Chile, but it does have a good mix of government support, international programmes, and funding from universities.
This guide will show African and international students in Peru the best scholarships, who can apply, what the benefits are, how to apply, and how to get them.
Why You Should Study in Peru as an International Student
Peru has a unique academic experience that is also affordable and full of culture.
Here are the main benefits:
- Tuition costs that are lower than those in Western countries
- More and more scholarships and exchange programmes are available.
- Strong academic programmes in the social sciences, environmental science, and agriculture
- A place with a lot of history and culture
- Chance to study Spanish
- Access to research opportunities in your area and around the world
Students who want to study development, environmental science, or Latin American studies will find Peru to be a very interesting place.
Types of Scholarships in Peru
Scholarships in Peru fall into several categories:
Fully Funded Scholarships
These usually cover:
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Housing
- Travel (sometimes)
Some scholarships
These usually have:
- Free tuition
- Help with money
Fellowships for Researchers
Available for:
- Master’s
- Doctorate
- Research after getting a PhD
Programmes for Exchange
Short-term study options for:
- Students in college and graduate school
Top Scholarships in Peru for International Students
1. The Government of Peru’s PRONABEC Programmes offer scholarships
The Peruvian government offers scholarships through its national scholarship body.
One of the most well-known programs is Beca 18, which provides full support for higher education, including tuition, living expenses, and academic costs.
Although Beca 18 is mainly targeted at Peruvian students, similar government-funded opportunities and international cooperation programs are sometimes extended to foreign students through partnerships.
Some benefits might be:
- Full coverage of tuition
- Monthly payment
- Help with schoolwork
- Getting into the best colleges
Best for: Students who want to go to school with help from the government.
2. The Fulbright Programme in Peru
The Fulbright Program is one of the most recognized scholarships worldwide.
Main Advantages:
- Fully paid for
- Pays for living, travel, and school costs.
- Available for Master’s and research programs
Fulbright is very competitive and supports study and research in Peru in many fields.
Best for: Postgraduate students who do well in school.
3. Study in Peru with an Erasmus+ Scholarship
Some Erasmus+ programmes let you study or do research in Peru for a while.
Pros:
- Complete funding
- Money for travel
- Monthly payment
- Study in more than one country
Best for: Students who want to study abroad and get a joint degree.
4. Global Grants from the Rotary Foundation
These scholarships help pay for graduate school in fields related to development and humanitarian work.
Important Features:
- Money for master’s degrees
- Focus on issues that affect the whole world
- Money to help pay for school and living costs
Best for: Students who want to work in health, education, development, or sustainability.
5. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
This programme helps students from backgrounds that aren’t well represented.
Pros:
- Money up to $5,000
- Helps with studying abroad in Peru
- Encourages people all over the world to get an education
It is especially helpful for students who might not be able to study abroad otherwise.
Best for: College students who need help with money.
6. Scholarships for specific universities in Peru
Many universities in Peru offer scholarships to international students.
These include institutions in cities like Lima and Cusco.
Pros:
- Free tuition
- Funding for research
- Scholarships based on merit
Best for: Students who want to go to Peruvian universities right away.
7. Scholarships that are not tied to a school or organisation
There are many scholarships available from independent sources.
For example:
- ServiceScape Scholarship
- ACES Scholarships
- Leadership and merit-based awards
There are more than 50 scholarships available for master’s programmes in Peru alone.
Best for: Students who are willing to apply for funding from a lot of different places.
8. Fellowships from the United Nations and other countries
The UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship and other programmes help students from developing countries.
Pros:
- Training that is fully paid for
- Opportunities for research
- Networking around the world
Best for: People who work in the government or business.
Requirements for Eligibility
Most scholarships in Peru have different requirements, but they all need:
- Good grades in school
- Passport that is still good
- Transcripts from school
- Letter of motivation or personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Language skills
There may be more requirements, such as:
- Proposal for research (for graduate programmes)
- Proof that you need money
- Experience at work (for some fellowships)
Requirements for language
Language is an important part of studying in Peru.
In Spanish
- Most classes are taught in Spanish.
- It is often necessary to be proficient
In English
- Few programmes are available in English.
- You might need to take the IELTS or TOEFL.
Tip: If you want to get into college and get a scholarship, learning Spanish will help a lot.
How to Get Scholarships in Peru (Step by Step)
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Make a choice:
- Level of degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Area of study
- Most wanted colleges
Step 2: Find Scholarships
Pay attention to:
- Fulbright
- Erasmus+
- Scholarships for college
- Programmes for private funding
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Most of the time, you will need:
- Transcripts from school
- Certifications
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Passage
Step 4: Send in your application for admission
Some scholarships ask for:
- First, getting into a university in Peru
Step 5: Send in your application for the scholarship
Most of the time, applications are online.
A normal timeline:
- Applications are open from June to September.
- Due dates: September to December
Step 6: Go to the interview (if you need to)
Some examples of scholarships are:
- Interviews for school
- Tests for screening
Step 7: Get the Offer and Get Ready to Travel
If chosen:
- Get a student visa
- Make arrangements for lodging
- Get ready to move
Benefits of Studying in Peru on Scholarship
Most scholarships provide:
- Paying for tuition
- Monthly payment
- Help with housing
- Travel grants (for some programmes)
This makes it easier for students to study without having to worry about money.
How Much It Costs to Live in Peru
In Latin America, Peru is one of the cheaper places to live.
Monthly costs are estimated to be:
- Housing costs between $150 and $400.
- Food costs between $100 and $250.
- Transportation: $20 to $50
- $50–$150 for other things
Total: $300 to $800 a month, depending on how you live.
Things to Get Ready For For
While Peru offers many benefits, there are some challenges:
- Language barrier (in Spanish)
- Compared to other countries, there aren’t many fully funded options.
- Adjusting to a new culture
- Not as many programmes taught in English
But you can handle these problems with some planning.
Best Courses to Study in Peru
Peru is especially good at:
- Science of the environment and farming
- Geology and mining
- Travel and hospitality
- Social studies
- Economics and business
Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
1. Keep up good grades in school
Getting good grades greatly increases your chances.
2. Apply for more than one scholarship
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
3. Write a strong personal statement
Explain clearly:
- Your school goals
- Why Peru?
- Your long-term effects
4. Learn Spanish early on
This gives you a big edge.
5. Get started early
Start your application at least six to twelve months before the due date.
6. Focus on areas of growth
There are often better job opportunities in fields like agriculture, sustainability, and public policy.
When to Use
A normal timeline:
- Application period: June to September
- Due date: September to December
- Results: Early next year
- The programme starts in March or August.
Last Thoughts
When you think of scholarships, Peru might not be the first country that comes to mind, but it has great opportunities for international students who are willing to look into less competitive places.
With options like Fulbright, Erasmus+, Rotary Grants, and university scholarships, you can still secure funding to study in Peru, especially at the postgraduate level.
The secret to success is easy:
- Get going early
- Use a lot
- Make strong papers
- Learn Spanish
If you follow these steps, studying in Peru can become a powerful opportunity for academic growth, international exposure, and long-term career success