The best nursing schools in South America include the University of São Paulo in Brazil, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, University of Chile, University of Concepción, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Federal University of Minas Gerais, National University of Colombia, University of Antioquia, and University of Buenos Aires. Among them, the University of São Paulo stands out as one of the strongest overall choices for nursing, particularly for students who value research, clinical training, academic reputation, and postgraduate opportunities. QS nursing data has placed USP among the globally ranked institutions for nursing, while its School of Nursing has trained thousands of nurses and maintains extensive clinical partnerships. However, the best choice depends on what you value most. A student seeking low tuition may prefer a public Brazilian university, while someone prioritizing Spanish-language study may find Chile, Colombia, Argentina, or Peru more practical.
South America is an increasingly important region for nursing education because its health systems need well-trained professionals across hospitals, community care, public health, rural medicine, and specialized services. The Pan American Health Organization has highlighted major inequalities in health-worker availability and distribution across the subregion, creating a continuing need for stronger education and workforce development. Its 2026 analysis covers Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay and identifies shortages, uneven distribution, migration, and differences in working conditions as important challenges. That makes nursing education more than a degree decision. Your choice of university can influence your clinical exposure, professional network, research opportunities, language skills, and ability to continue into specialist education.
Best Nursing Schools in South America
The following schools are among the strongest options to investigate for nursing in South America. This list does not claim that one universal ranking can perfectly order every nursing school. Nursing rankings measure different things, while universities also differ greatly in teaching models, clinical networks, tuition structures, and admissions systems.
| University | Country | Strongest Advantage | Typical Study Language | Degree Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of São Paulo | Brazil | Research and academic strength | Portuguese | Bachelor and postgraduate nursing |
| Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile | Chile | Clinical education and international profile | Spanish | Five-year nursing degree |
| University of Chile | Chile | Public university and strong health sciences | Spanish | Ten-semester nursing degree |
| University of Concepción | Chile | Clinical preparation and regional reach | Spanish | Ten-semester nursing degree |
| Federal University of Santa Catarina | Brazil | Nursing research and subject ranking | Portuguese | Undergraduate and postgraduate |
| Federal University of Minas Gerais | Brazil | Clinical training and Mercosur accreditation | Portuguese | Ten-semester bachelor |
| National University of Colombia | Colombia | Public education and long nursing history | Spanish | Ten-semester professional degree |
| University of Antioquia | Colombia | Nursing research and high-quality accreditation | Spanish | Undergraduate and postgraduate |
| University of Buenos Aires | Argentina | Large public university and flexible nursing structure | Spanish | Four-year university nursing pathway |
The table is best used as a starting point rather than a final verdict. South American nursing education isn’t organized around one continent-wide admissions system. Brazil has a mixture of national and institutional selection routes, Chile relies heavily on the PAES system for many universities, Colombia uses its own university admission structures, and Argentina has a different public-university model. Costs also vary dramatically between public and private institutions. For international students, language can be just as important as reputation because most undergraduate nursing teaching and clinical placement happen in Portuguese or Spanish.
1. University of São Paulo
The University of São Paulo is arguably the strongest overall choice when you combine nursing research, institutional reputation, clinical opportunities, academic depth, and postgraduate pathways. Its School of Nursing was established in 1942 and has built a substantial academic tradition in nursing education. The undergraduate program is recognized under Brazilian higher-education regulations and admits students through routes including FUVEST, ENEM-USP, and Provão Paulista. The School of Nursing states that it selects 80 students annually for its main full-time bachelor program through its principal admissions routes. Its curriculum combines theoretical learning with supervised practical experience and places students in a range of health-care environments. That combination makes USP particularly attractive if you want a nursing education that connects classroom learning with real clinical settings.
One of USP Nursing’s biggest strengths is the breadth of its practical environment. Students can receive training through settings connected with the University Hospital, Hospital das Clínicas, public health units, specialist institutions, and other partner organizations. This matters because nursing isn’t learned effectively through lectures alone. You need repeated opportunities to observe patients, communicate with health teams, apply clinical reasoning, and develop professional judgment. The School of Nursing describes practical experiences across primary, specialized, hospital, and home-care settings. Its curriculum is also organized around progressive areas of nursing knowledge rather than treating clinical work as an isolated final-year activity. For a student who wants a research-informed nursing education, that integration gives USP a major advantage.
USP is also particularly strong if you are considering postgraduate study. The School of Nursing operates multiple graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral pathways in nursing, adult health nursing, nursing history and management, and related areas. Its graduate nursing programs have a long history of producing researchers and academic leaders. That research environment matters because modern nursing increasingly depends on evidence-based practice rather than routine alone. A student who eventually wants to work in nursing research, public health, clinical leadership, university teaching, or advanced professional practice can benefit from being surrounded by an established research community. The university also has international cooperation opportunities that can make it more attractive to students interested in academic mobility.
Admission competitiveness at USP deserves special attention. FUVEST’s official 2026 candidate-to-seat data shows that nursing had 155 total places and 1,045 registered candidates, producing an overall ratio of approximately 6.7 candidates per place. The comparable 2025 figure was approximately 6.9 candidates per place. That means the pressure was slightly lower in 2026 than in 2025, although the difference is small. It is important not to convert this directly into an acceptance rate because candidate-to-seat ratios do not account for every stage of selection, multiple admission routes, withdrawals, or subsequent calls. Still, the data provides a useful measure of demand. Nursing at USP clearly attracts several candidates for every available place.
For international students, USP presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The university is public and undergraduate education is generally tuition-free, which can make it considerably more affordable than private alternatives. However, that does not mean studying there is cost-free. You still need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health expenses, documentation, insurance where applicable, and other living costs. Language is another major consideration because nursing education and clinical practice are conducted primarily in Portuguese. You should therefore treat Portuguese proficiency as a core academic requirement rather than a minor convenience. If your goal is an internationally respected nursing education at a public university with substantial research strength, USP deserves to be near the top of your shortlist.
2. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is one of the strongest private-university choices for nursing in South America. Its School of Nursing was established in 1950 and has developed a long-standing reputation for professional education, research, clinical training, and continuing education. The undergraduate nursing program lasts five years and leads to the academic degree of Licenciado en Enfermería and the professional title of Enfermero or Enfermera. The school emphasizes comprehensive care for individuals, families, and communities. That broad approach is important because nurses often move between hospital, community, preventive, and long-term care environments. The program therefore suits students who want both scientific preparation and a strong professional-care orientation.
The university also has a clear international dimension. Its nursing school describes international collaboration and research as important components of its academic identity. The broader university provides exchange opportunities that can allow students to study abroad through established institutional agreements. For international students, this creates an attractive environment because the experience can extend beyond one national health system. You may study nursing in Chile while gaining exposure to different approaches to health education, research, and clinical practice. However, you should remember that Spanish proficiency remains essential for undergraduate nursing and patient interaction. Clinical communication is too important to leave to translation tools or basic conversational ability.
Admission data provides a useful way to understand how competitive the program is. For the 2026 centralized admission process, the university listed 120 nursing places and reported a last-enrolled score of 831.25. An earlier 2026 admissions document reported the 2025 last-enrolled score as 840.25. The movement therefore shows a decline of roughly nine points between those two reported admission cycles. That does not mean the program suddenly became easy to enter. Chilean selection scores can move because applicant performance, preferences, available places, and the composition of the applicant pool change each year. The university itself warns students that selection scores can vary from one admission year to another.
The cost is substantially different from the public-university model common in Brazil. The university lists an annual 2026 tuition charge of CLP 6,740,000 for nursing. That figure should be treated as an academic charge rather than your complete annual budget. You would also need to consider housing in Santiago, food, transportation, health-related expenses, study materials, and other living costs. The advantage is that you receive a highly structured private-university environment with established clinical and academic resources. The disadvantage is that the total cost can be much higher than studying nursing at a Brazilian public institution. For students with sufficient funding, however, the program is a serious contender.
The university also has a strong accreditation profile. Its admissions information states that the institution holds maximum institutional accreditation for seven years from August 2026 through August 2033. Its nursing program also has an international accreditation connection with the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. Accreditation doesn’t automatically guarantee that every graduate can practice nursing in another country. Professional registration remains controlled by the destination country’s regulator. Still, accreditation is an important quality signal when you’re comparing schools. For a student seeking a Spanish-language nursing education with a strong private-university environment, UC Chile is one of the most compelling options in South America.
3. University of Chile
The University of Chile is another leading destination for students who want to study nursing in a major public university. Its nursing program is housed within the Faculty of Medicine and leads to both the academic degree of Licenciado or Licenciada en Enfermería and the professional title of Enfermero or Enfermera. The current program is structured over ten semesters. For the 2027 regular admission process, the university lists 97 places. Its selection formula gives substantial weight to the PAES science examination, alongside mathematics, reading, secondary-school grades, and the school ranking component. That structure makes the program particularly relevant to students who perform strongly in science-based subjects.
The admissions structure also shows why a simple acceptance-rate comparison isn’t appropriate. The University of Chile publishes the number of available places and the weighting system, but a single standardized nursing acceptance percentage is not presented as the principal admissions metric. Applicants compete through the national Chilean admissions framework, and selection depends on the ranking of applicant scores. In practical terms, you should focus on the competitiveness of the required score rather than searching for an artificial percentage. This is an important distinction when researching nursing schools online. Many websites publish estimated acceptance rates that aren’t official and may mix university-level admissions with individual-program admissions. For a professional program such as nursing, that can produce a misleading picture.
The university’s location also gives it a major clinical advantage. Santiago contains a large concentration of hospitals, specialist facilities, public health institutions, research centers, and community health services. That creates a rich environment for clinical education and exposure to different patient populations. Students can learn how nursing functions across multiple levels of care rather than seeing hospital nursing as the entire profession. The university’s Faculty of Medicine also provides a broader health-sciences ecosystem. This can encourage interdisciplinary learning with medicine, nutrition, technology, rehabilitation, and other health disciplines. For students interested in eventually entering specialized or research-oriented nursing pathways, that ecosystem can be valuable.
Another advantage is public-university status. Compared with expensive private institutions, public universities can provide a different cost structure, although international students should never assume that public automatically means free. Fees, administrative charges, housing, and other expenses depend on the university’s policies and the student’s circumstances. Santiago itself can also be expensive compared with smaller Chilean cities. Your real budget should therefore include both academic and living expenses. Before accepting an offer, calculate the full annual cost rather than comparing tuition alone.
For international applicants, the University of Chile can be particularly attractive if you already have strong Spanish. Nursing requires precise communication with patients, families, doctors, pharmacists, therapists, and other professionals. A student who understands academic Spanish but struggles with clinical vocabulary may face a much steeper learning curve. You should therefore prepare for both classroom Spanish and professional medical Spanish. The university’s 2027 admissions page provides the current weighting and places, making it the right starting point for applicants planning ahead. If you want a public Spanish-language nursing education in a major South American capital, the University of Chile is a strong choice.
4. University of Concepción
The University of Concepción offers another excellent nursing option in Chile, particularly for students who want a strong professional program outside Santiago. Its Faculty of Nursing emphasizes evidence-based nursing, scientific research, ethical practice, multicultural awareness, and comprehensive care. The program is available across campuses including Concepción, Chillán, and Los Ángeles. The main Concepción program lasts ten semesters and awards the Licenciada or Licenciado en Enfermería degree alongside the professional nursing title. This regional structure is useful because it provides students with access to different communities and health-care contexts. Nursing education can become richer when students encounter more than one type of population or health system environment.
One of the most useful features of the university’s admissions information is its publication of historical selection scores. The 2026 nursing cutoff was listed at 755.55, compared with 765.65 in 2025 and 772.90 in 2024. That represents a gradual decline in the cutoff over the three reported admission cycles. The change is important because it provides a much better measure of competitiveness than a generic university acceptance rate. A lower cutoff does not necessarily mean the academic standard has collapsed. Admission scores fluctuate with applicant performance and preferences. Nevertheless, the three-year movement gives prospective applicants a useful reference point when preparing for admission.
The university also publishes useful information about graduate outcomes. Its admissions page lists first-year retention at 94.7 percent and employment at one year of 70.7 percent and two years of 82.3 percent. These figures come from Chilean higher-education data systems and provide more practical information than rankings alone. A ranking tells you about reputation or research. Retention tells you something about students’ ability to remain enrolled. Employment data can provide another perspective on professional outcomes. You should still examine the methodology behind any employment statistic before using it as your primary decision factor.
Costs also matter. The university lists a 2026 annual nursing tuition of approximately CLP 6.36 million for its Concepción program, plus a separate enrollment charge. That makes it less expensive than some private Santiago options while still offering a substantial university environment. The city itself may also provide a different living-cost profile from Santiago, although your personal budget will depend heavily on accommodation and lifestyle. For international students, the possibility of studying outside the capital can be attractive if you prefer a smaller urban environment. It may also offer a different clinical perspective through regional health services.
The University of Concepción is especially interesting for students who want evidence-based nursing combined with practical preparation. Its Faculty of Nursing also offers postgraduate education, including master’s and specialist programs in areas such as adult critical care, dialysis and transplantation, geriatrics, neonatology, and child health. That creates a pathway from undergraduate study into professional specialization. For a student comparing the best nursing schools in South America, UdeC may not have the same global brand recognition as USP. Yet the actual nursing program has several measurable strengths. Its historical cutoff data, retention figures, specialist postgraduate options, and multi-campus structure make it a school worth serious consideration.
5. Federal University of Santa Catarina
The Federal University of Santa Catarina is one of the most interesting Brazilian choices for students who want nursing with a strong research profile. UFSC reported that nursing ranked in the 101–150 range globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. This is particularly useful because it is a nursing-specific ranking rather than a general university position. QS evaluates universities using measures connected with academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, and other indicators. That means the result should not be interpreted as a direct measurement of teaching quality or clinical outcomes. Still, the presence of UFSC in the global nursing table provides meaningful evidence of its academic standing. It also gives students a useful alternative to focusing only on São Paulo and Santiago.
UFSC’s location in Santa Catarina provides a different lifestyle from São Paulo. Florianópolis is known for its coastal environment and large student population, which can make the city appealing to international students. At the same time, students should not mistake an attractive city for an easy academic environment. Nursing remains demanding because it combines scientific coursework, practical training, clinical reasoning, communication, and supervised placements. Portuguese proficiency is therefore important for international students. If you want to study nursing in Brazil, you should develop enough Portuguese to understand technical instructions and communicate safely with patients.
One major advantage of Brazilian federal universities is the public-university model. Undergraduate education is generally tuition-free for regular students at federal universities. However, international students still need to budget for living costs, immigration documentation, transportation, accommodation, food, health expenses, and other necessities. Admission is also not necessarily straightforward for someone educated outside Brazil. Recognition of previous schooling and the appropriate admission pathway must be checked carefully. The exact route depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the current university rules.
UFSC’s nursing ranking also shows why previous-year comparisons matter. A school appearing in a current nursing ranking shouldn’t be treated as permanently fixed in one position. Subject rankings can move as research output, citations, academic reputation, international collaboration, and methodology change. QS’s 2026 nursing ranking itself includes more than 200 institutions worldwide. Comparing current results with older editions can therefore help you see whether a university has maintained, improved, or changed its position. For an article targeting students, that is more useful than simply publishing a static top-ten list.
For students who value nursing research, UFSC deserves attention. It may be particularly suitable if you want to combine undergraduate clinical education with a later research career. Brazil’s large health system also provides an enormous environment for studying community health, primary care, public health, epidemiology, and hospital nursing. Those opportunities can be especially valuable for students interested in health systems rather than only bedside practice. UFSC therefore earns a place among the best nursing schools in South America, particularly for research-oriented applicants.
6. Federal University of Minas Gerais
The Federal University of Minas Gerais is another strong public Brazilian option. Its nursing bachelor’s program is based in Belo Horizonte and lasts ten semesters. The university describes the curriculum as combining theoretical and practical foundations while progressively increasing the emphasis on nursing-specific content. Students complete required clinical placements during the final stages of the program. One distinctive feature is the primary-care placement structure, which includes substantial activity in basic health units. That matters because nursing is not limited to hospitals. Community health, prevention, chronic disease management, family care, and primary care form an important part of modern nursing.
UFMG also has a notable accreditation advantage. The university states that its nursing program is accredited through the Mercosur regional accreditation system known as Arcu-Sul. The system involves education authorities from participating South American countries and is designed to support quality assurance and academic mobility. This is particularly relevant for students considering regional mobility. However, academic recognition and professional licensure are not identical. A degree can receive regional academic recognition while professional nursing practice in another country may still require registration, examinations, language requirements, or additional documentation.
The university’s nursing program also offers broad professional preparation. Its stated areas of nursing practice include hospitals, primary-care facilities, emergency services, home care, management, education, research, and entrepreneurship. This breadth is valuable because students often begin nursing school without knowing which specialty will suit them. You might enter university imagining a hospital career and later discover an interest in community health or nursing research. A broad undergraduate curriculum keeps those doors open. That flexibility is one reason a university should be evaluated by its curriculum rather than its ranking alone.
Admission at UFMG is also different from Chilean universities. The program states that places are filled through routes including the national Brazilian selection system using ENEM results and the university’s serial assessment process. International applicants therefore need to investigate the specific pathway available to them rather than assuming they can simply submit an international application like they would at a private university. Brazilian public universities often operate through highly structured national or institutional selection mechanisms. This can make the process more complex for students educated abroad. Proper planning is essential.
For international students, UFMG can offer an excellent combination of academic reputation and public-university affordability. Belo Horizonte is a major Brazilian city with a substantial health-care sector and a large student population. You will still need Portuguese because the degree and clinical interactions are conducted in Portuguese. The university is particularly suitable for students who want a serious public-health and clinical foundation rather than a narrowly hospital-focused education. When compared with private Brazilian nursing schools, UFMG also offers a strong value proposition. Its Mercosur accreditation adds another layer of relevance for students thinking about regional academic mobility.
7. National University of Colombia
The National University of Colombia is one of the most important public universities in the country and has a long-established nursing program in Bogotá. Its Faculty of Nursing traces the creation of the nursing program back to 1920. The undergraduate degree leads to the professional title of nurse and is structured over ten semesters with 161 credits. The program holds national accreditation valid for ten years under the resolution listed by the university. That provides an important quality-assurance signal for prospective students. The university also offers postgraduate nursing education, including master’s, doctoral, and specialist programs.
The curriculum is designed around major health problems affecting Colombia and the region. The Faculty of Nursing specifically highlights research in health and nursing as a central part of its academic development. This is valuable because nursing research has become increasingly important in areas such as patient safety, chronic disease, community health, health inequality, maternal health, aging, and care delivery. A student who develops research skills during undergraduate study may find it easier to progress into postgraduate education later. The university’s public status also makes it an important option for students comparing costs across South America. However, admission rules and tuition arrangements need to be checked directly for each applicant category.
Bogotá provides another advantage through its size and health-care ecosystem. The capital contains major hospitals, public-health institutions, specialist centers, research organizations, and diverse communities. That creates a broad environment for clinical learning. Students can encounter patients from different social, cultural, and health backgrounds. Such exposure can strengthen communication skills and professional adaptability. It also makes Bogotá a useful location for students interested in public health and health-policy questions.
International applicants should pay close attention to Spanish proficiency. A nursing student must understand clinical instructions, medication information, patient histories, safety procedures, and professional communication. Basic Spanish isn’t enough for that level of responsibility. You should also investigate whether your previous education satisfies the university’s admission requirements. Public universities can have highly specific documentation rules for international qualifications. It is safer to begin with the university’s official admissions office rather than relying on third-party education websites.
The National University of Colombia is therefore a strong option for students who prioritize public education, research, accreditation, and Spanish-language training. It may not be the first university that appears in every global nursing ranking. Yet rankings don’t capture every strength that matters to an undergraduate applicant. The university’s nursing program has existed for more than a century. It also provides postgraduate pathways and a major public-health environment. For students seeking a serious nursing education in Colombia, it belongs on the shortlist.
8. University of Antioquia
The University of Antioquia is another leading Colombian option, especially for students interested in nursing research and comprehensive professional education. Its Faculty of Nursing has more than seven decades of academic history and reports having trained more than 4,980 professionals. The faculty offers undergraduate nursing alongside master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs. Its undergraduate nursing program holds high-quality accreditation. The faculty also emphasizes teaching, research, extension, intercultural perspectives, and responsiveness to local and global health needs.
The university’s approach is particularly useful for students who want nursing to extend beyond hospital care. The faculty describes preparation across promotion, prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. This means students are introduced to the wider health-care journey rather than only the treatment of acute illness. Such preparation can be useful if you later work in community health, public health, primary care, or chronic disease management. It also fits the broader direction of health systems across South America. PAHO continues to identify unequal distribution of health workers as a major regional challenge, particularly outside major urban areas.
Medellín also gives the university a distinct environment. The city has developed a substantial health-care and academic ecosystem and provides access to both urban and regional health contexts. Students can therefore gain experience in a setting that differs from Bogotá. For an international student, city choice can have a major impact on living costs, transportation, housing, and overall experience. Those factors should be considered alongside academic reputation. A slightly lower-ranked university in a setting where you can thrive may ultimately be a better choice.
Admission and tuition should be evaluated separately from general university rankings. The University of Antioquia is a public institution, but public education does not automatically mean that every international student faces identical costs or requirements. Colombian public-university fees can depend on institutional policies and applicant circumstances. You should therefore confirm current charges and admission rules directly with the university. This is particularly important because fees and procedures can change from one academic year to another.
For students who want a Spanish-language public nursing education with a substantial research and postgraduate environment, the University of Antioquia is compelling. It combines a long nursing history with high-quality accreditation and advanced academic pathways. The faculty’s emphasis on research also makes it suitable for students considering postgraduate study. Its position in Medellín adds another practical advantage. Overall, it deserves to be considered alongside the National University of Colombia when comparing the strongest nursing options in the country.
9. University of Buenos Aires
The University of Buenos Aires provides a different model from many of the other universities on this list. Its nursing program operates through the Faculty of Medicine and has a two-stage structure. The first cycle lasts two and a half years and leads to the university nursing qualification. Students can then continue into the second cycle, which lasts approximately one and a half years and leads to the Licenciado or Licenciada en Enfermería qualification. The full university pathway therefore takes about four years. This structure can appeal to students who want an earlier professional qualification while retaining the possibility of progressing to the bachelor’s-level nursing credential.
UBA’s public-university model is another major attraction. It is one of the best-known public universities in Latin America and provides a broad academic environment in Buenos Aires. Nursing students can benefit from being part of a large health-sciences ecosystem. The university’s nursing curriculum addresses professional knowledge, scientific methods, ethics, decision-making, and patient care. That gives students a foundation that can support both clinical practice and further education. The city also provides access to extensive health-care infrastructure.
However, international applicants should study the admissions structure carefully. UBA operates differently from institutions that use a conventional competitive application followed by a single acceptance decision. Nursing includes the Common Basic Cycle requirements before progression into later stages. This means the student journey involves specific academic requirements rather than a simple acceptance-rate calculation. That is another reason why generic acceptance-rate websites can be misleading. The most useful question is not simply how many applicants are accepted. You should ask what steps are required to progress successfully through the degree.
Buenos Aires can also be attractive for international students because Spanish is the primary language. Students who already speak Spanish may find the transition easier than moving into a Portuguese-language Brazilian program. Still, professional medical Spanish requires more precision than everyday conversation. You should be prepared to learn clinical vocabulary and communicate accurately with patients and health professionals. Your language ability can directly affect both academic performance and clinical confidence.
UBA is particularly interesting for students who want a large public university and a flexible nursing pathway. It may not be the best choice for someone seeking a highly structured private-university experience. It can be excellent for a student who values public education, a major capital city, and the ability to continue from an initial nursing qualification into a licenciatura. For international students comparing South American nursing schools, that flexibility is worth considering.
Nursing Rankings in South America: What the 2026 Data Really Shows
Ranking nursing schools requires more care than simply searching for the highest overall university. QS publishes a dedicated Nursing ranking, while broader rankings measure areas such as medicine, life sciences, or overall institutional performance. In the 2026 QS Nursing ranking, more than 200 universities are included globally. The University of Pennsylvania leads the table, followed by King’s College London. South American universities are generally less concentrated at the very top of global nursing rankings than leading institutions in North America, Europe, and Australia. Nevertheless, several South American universities have meaningful nursing-specific rankings or strong subject-level evidence.
USP provides one of the clearest examples of why historical comparison matters. Its official QS subject materials show nursing at 51–100 in the 2025 edition. Earlier QS data placed USP at 51–100 in 2024 as well, while a separate historical presentation shows stronger numerical positions in earlier editions. The precise ranking can shift because QS changes methodology, publication thresholds, and ranking coverage. This is why you should avoid claiming that a university has permanently held one exact position. A better article explains the range and the direction of movement.
UFSC offers another strong example. The university reported that Nursing placed in the 101–150 range in QS 2026. That makes UFSC one of the most useful nursing-specific ranking references in Brazil for the current year. Its position should not be compared mechanically with a university that isn’t included in the same subject table. A school can have an excellent overall ranking but not appear in the nursing ranking because of the ranking’s publication and data requirements. Therefore, subject-specific evidence is more relevant when choosing a professional degree.
ShanghaiRanking offers another perspective. Its 2026 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects includes Nursing as one of its medical-science subjects. The methodology emphasizes research output, high-quality publications, research impact, faculty indicators, and international collaboration. That makes it especially useful for evaluating research strength. However, ShanghaiRanking itself does not measure undergraduate teaching quality or guarantee employment outcomes. QS has similar limitations. The best approach is to combine rankings with accreditation, curriculum, clinical placement information, graduate outcomes, and official admission data.
The table below summarizes how to interpret the available evidence.
| Ranking or Measure | What It Tells You | What It Does Not Tell You |
|---|---|---|
| QS Nursing | Nursing reputation and research indicators | Exact clinical teaching quality |
| ShanghaiRanking Nursing | Research strength and academic output | Individual student experience |
| University accreditation | Formal quality assurance | Guaranteed international licensure |
| Candidate-to-seat ratio | Admission competition | Actual acceptance rate |
| Admission cutoff | Academic competitiveness | Future cutoff |
| Graduate employment data | Employment outcomes | Guaranteed employment for every student |
| Clinical-placement information | Practical exposure | Quality of every individual placement |
This distinction is especially important when you compare previous years. A ranking can improve while a cutoff falls. A cutoff can rise while the number of places also increases. A university can have strong research but limited international undergraduate access. These variables interact. Your final decision should therefore use rankings as one layer of evidence rather than the entire decision.
Nursing Acceptance Rates in South America
There is no reliable continent-wide nursing acceptance rate for South America. Universities use different admissions systems, and many do not publish a simple percentage for nursing. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and other countries have different selection procedures. Some public universities publish candidate-to-seat ratios. Others publish minimum scores or cutoff scores. Some private universities publish places and last-admitted scores. These figures are more useful than unsupported acceptance percentages found on third-party websites.
USP provides an excellent example. Nursing had 1,045 registered candidates competing for 155 places in FUVEST 2026, giving approximately 6.7 candidates per place. In 2025, the ratio was approximately 6.9 candidates per place. The small reduction suggests that competition eased slightly. Yet it would be incorrect to say USP had a 14.8 percent acceptance rate simply because 155 divided by 1,045 produces that number. Not every registered candidate necessarily reaches every selection stage. Some applicants may enter through different routes. The correct wording is that there were approximately 6.7 candidates per advertised place.
Chile provides another useful model. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile listed 120 nursing places for 2026 and a last-enrolled score of 831.25. The previous reported last-enrolled score was 840.25. University of Concepción reported a 2026 nursing cutoff of 755.55, compared with 765.65 in 2025 and 772.90 in 2024. These changes show why applicants should examine several years of data. A single year’s cutoff can be unusually high or low. Historical movement provides better context.
University of Chile lists 97 regular-admission places for nursing for 2027. Its weighting system gives 35 percent to the PAES science examination, 20 percent to mathematics, 15 percent to reading, 20 percent to the school ranking, and 10 percent to secondary-school grades. That tells prospective applicants something valuable even without an acceptance rate. You can see exactly where preparation should be concentrated. A student targeting this program should treat science preparation as a major priority.
The safest conclusion is straightforward. Don’t trust a nursing acceptance rate unless the university itself publishes it and clearly defines the denominator. For South American universities, candidate-to-seat ratios, cutoffs, available places, and selection formulas often provide better evidence. These figures also make the article more useful for applicants. They show you what competition looked like recently without pretending that an unofficial percentage predicts your individual admission chances.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Nursing in South America?
The cost of studying nursing in South America varies widely. Public universities in Brazil can be extremely affordable from a tuition perspective because regular undergraduate education at federal universities is tuition-free. USP describes itself as a public and tuition-free university. That doesn’t eliminate living expenses. São Paulo is a major metropolitan area, and housing can consume a substantial portion of a student’s budget. You should therefore compare total cost rather than tuition alone.
Chile provides a different picture. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile lists 2026 nursing tuition at CLP 6,740,000 annually. University of Concepción lists an annual charge of roughly CLP 6.36 million for its nursing program. Those figures make private and semi-private Chilean options substantially more expensive than tuition-free Brazilian public universities. Yet cost should not be the only criterion. You also need to consider program quality, admission probability, city expenses, clinical opportunities, and your long-term professional goals.
Colombia and Argentina offer additional public-university possibilities. However, international applicants should verify current tuition and administrative rules because public-university fee structures can depend on student status and institutional policies. Argentina’s UBA is especially interesting because its public-university structure provides a relatively accessible route into higher education. However, living in Buenos Aires still requires a realistic monthly budget. Rent, food, transport, insurance, books, and personal expenses can add up quickly.
A useful comparison should therefore look like this:
| Study Destination | Tuition Pattern | Main Cost Concern | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil public universities | Often tuition-free | Major-city living costs | Portuguese |
| Chile public universities | Varies by institution | Tuition and housing | Spanish |
| Chile private universities | Higher tuition | Tuition plus Santiago costs | Spanish |
| Colombia public universities | Institution and student dependent | Living and administrative costs | Spanish |
| Argentina public universities | Generally low tuition structure | Living costs and administrative requirements | Spanish |
International students should also consider currency risk. Tuition might appear affordable when converted into your home currency today but become more expensive after exchange-rate movements. A strong financial plan should include an emergency reserve. You should also avoid building your entire budget around part-time work unless your visa and university rules clearly permit it. Nursing programs are demanding, and clinical schedules can make regular employment difficult.
Best South American Country for Nursing
Brazil is arguably the strongest choice for students prioritizing public-university research strength and affordable tuition. Institutions such as USP, UFMG, UFSC, and UNIFESP provide serious nursing education within a large national health system. Brazil’s biggest challenge for international students is Portuguese. If you don’t already speak Portuguese, you need to budget time for language preparation before clinical training.
Chile is particularly attractive for Spanish-speaking students. UC Chile, University of Chile, and University of Concepción provide established nursing programs with published admission data. Chile also offers relatively transparent selection information for several universities. The disadvantage is that tuition at major institutions can be substantial. Students should compare the total annual cost before making a final decision.
Colombia can be a strong option for students who want public education, Spanish instruction, and a growing health-sciences environment. The National University of Colombia and University of Antioquia both have established nursing faculties. Their programs also connect undergraduate study with postgraduate education. Colombia may therefore suit students interested in progressing into specialist or research careers.
Argentina is particularly interesting for students who value public university access and a large academic environment. The University of Buenos Aires offers a structured nursing pathway through its Faculty of Medicine. The major consideration is the specific admissions structure and the cost of living in Buenos Aires. Students should also understand how professional registration works if they intend to practice outside Argentina.
Peru and other South American countries should not be ignored. Universities such as Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia have strong health-sciences traditions and can be worth researching for students interested in private education. However, you should compare nursing-specific accreditation, clinical training, tuition, international admissions, and professional recognition before choosing a less widely known institution. The best nursing school isn’t necessarily the university with the biggest overall brand. It is the institution that fits your academic and professional goals.
What International Students Should Check Before Applying
Language should be your first serious consideration. Most undergraduate nursing programs in South America teach in Portuguese or Spanish. English-language undergraduate nursing options are much less common. You therefore need enough language ability to study anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, pathology, clinical procedures, ethics, and nursing theory. More importantly, you must communicate safely with patients. For this reason, language preparation should happen before clinical placement rather than after you arrive.
Next, check whether the degree qualifies you to enter the nursing profession in the country where you plan to work. A university degree doesn’t automatically give you the right to practice nursing internationally. Each country has its own professional regulator and recognition system. If your long-term plan is to move to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or another country, research the foreign-educated nurse registration process before enrolling. You should know whether the destination regulator will evaluate your transcript, clinical hours, language ability, licensing examination, and professional registration.
Accreditation is equally important. Look for national accreditation and recognized quality-assurance systems. UFMG, for example, highlights Mercosur Arcu-Sul accreditation for its nursing course. University of Antioquia identifies high-quality accreditation for its nursing program. UC Chile provides institutional accreditation information and nursing-related international accreditation details. Accreditation does not remove the need for foreign professional licensing. It does, however, give you stronger evidence that the program operates within a recognized quality framework.
Clinical training should be another major decision factor. Don’t choose a nursing school based only on its ranking. Ask where students complete placements. Check whether the program includes primary care, hospitals, community health, emergency care, mental health, maternal care, pediatric nursing, and other areas relevant to your goals. A school with excellent research but weak practical exposure may not be ideal for an undergraduate student focused on clinical nursing. Conversely, a school with a strong clinical network can provide valuable experience even if its global ranking is less impressive.
Finally, examine the total cost and admission process. Check tuition, fees, accommodation, transportation, health costs, visa requirements, language preparation, and insurance. Then compare these against the number of available places and recent admission scores. This creates a much more realistic picture than simply asking which university ranks first. Your best choice should be academically strong, financially sustainable, professionally recognized, and realistic for your academic profile.
How to Choose the Best Nursing School in South America
Start by deciding whether you want Brazil’s Portuguese-speaking system or a Spanish-speaking country. This single decision can immediately narrow your choices. If you speak Spanish, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking destinations may offer a smoother transition. If you already speak Portuguese, Brazil becomes especially attractive. Don’t choose a country simply because tuition looks cheap. Language and clinical communication can have a greater impact on your experience.
Next, decide whether you prefer public or private education. Public universities can provide excellent academic value, particularly in Brazil and Argentina. Private universities may offer more predictable international admissions, extensive support services, or structured international pathways. Neither model is automatically better. What matters is the program’s nursing curriculum, accreditation, clinical network, faculty strength, and total cost.
Then compare nursing-specific evidence. Start with QS Nursing and, where useful, ShanghaiRanking Nursing. After that, examine the official nursing school page. Look for curriculum structure, duration, clinical placements, faculty research, accreditation, and postgraduate opportunities. This two-layer approach prevents you from relying too heavily on either rankings or university marketing. It gives you a more balanced view.
You should also compare recent admission data. UC Chile’s last-enrolled nursing score fell from the reported 2025 level of 840.25 to 831.25 for 2026. University of Concepción’s cutoff moved from 772.90 in 2024 to 765.65 in 2025 and 755.55 in 2026. USP’s candidate-to-seat ratio moved from about 6.9 in 2025 to 6.7 in 2026. These changes show that competitiveness can move from one year to the next. Historical data helps you prepare without pretending to predict the future.
Finally, think beyond graduation. Ask where you want to work. If you plan to remain in South America, regional accreditation and language may be central. If you plan to return home, verify degree recognition before enrolling. If you want to work in another country later, investigate foreign nurse licensing requirements before paying tuition. Nursing is a regulated profession. The university you choose should support your long-term professional route rather than simply giving you a degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nursing school in South America?
The University of São Paulo is one of the strongest overall choices because of its nursing research, clinical environment, academic reputation, and postgraduate depth. UC Chile, University of Chile, UFSC, UFMG, University of Concepción, National University of Colombia, and University of Antioquia are also strong options.
Which South American country is best for studying nursing?
Brazil is particularly attractive for students who want public universities and strong research opportunities. Chile is attractive for Spanish-speaking students seeking structured admissions and established nursing schools. Colombia and Argentina also offer strong public-university options.
Is nursing in South America taught in English?
Most undergraduate nursing programs are taught in Portuguese or Spanish. English-language programs are much less common. International students should expect to need strong local-language skills, especially for clinical training.
Which nursing school in South America is cheapest?
Public universities in Brazil can be among the most affordable because regular undergraduate education at federal institutions is tuition-free. USP is a major example. However, living expenses can still be significant, especially in large cities.
What is the acceptance rate for nursing schools in South America?
There is no reliable continent-wide nursing acceptance rate. Many universities publish candidate-to-seat ratios, cutoff scores, or available places instead. Those figures are generally more useful than unofficial acceptance percentages.
Is University of São Paulo good for nursing?
Yes. USP has a long-established School of Nursing, substantial clinical training opportunities, extensive research activity, and postgraduate nursing programs. Its 2026 FUVEST data showed about 6.7 candidates per available place for nursing.
Is nursing at USP competitive?
Yes. FUVEST reported 1,045 nursing applicants for 155 places in 2026. That produced approximately 6.7 candidates per place. The comparable 2025 figure was about 6.9 candidates per place.
Is nursing in Chile expensive?
It can be. Private universities such as Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile charge substantial annual tuition. UC Chile listed CLP 6,740,000 for nursing in 2026. Living expenses must be added separately.
Which nursing school in Chile is best?
UC Chile and the University of Chile are among the strongest choices, while the University of Concepción is another excellent option. Your decision should depend on tuition, admission score, language, location, clinical training, and career goals.
Can an international student study nursing in South America?
Yes, but admission procedures vary considerably. International students should check academic equivalency, language requirements, documentation, tuition, immigration requirements, and professional recognition before applying.
Will a South American nursing degree let me work in the United States?
Not automatically. The United States has its own professional licensing and foreign-educated nurse requirements. You should research the requirements of the relevant U.S. state board before enrolling overseas.
Final Verdict
The best nursing schools in South America are not defined by one ranking alone. University of São Paulo is arguably the strongest all-round choice for students who want research strength, clinical opportunities, public-university affordability, and a deep postgraduate ecosystem. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile stands out for students who want a Spanish-language private university with strong nursing education and international connections. University of Chile offers a major public-university alternative in Santiago, while University of Concepción combines strong nursing education with useful historical admission and graduate-outcome data. UFSC and UFMG are excellent Brazilian choices for students prioritizing public education and academic research. In Colombia, National University of Colombia and University of Antioquia provide established nursing faculties with strong academic and professional foundations.
The most important lesson is that you shouldn’t choose a nursing school from a ranking table alone. Nursing is a practical and regulated profession. Clinical training, accreditation, language, admission competitiveness, tuition, professional recognition, and graduate pathways all matter. A university ranked highly for research may not be the easiest institution for an international undergraduate applicant. A school with a lower global position may offer better clinical access or a more realistic admissions pathway. You need to weigh the complete picture.
The 2026 evidence also shows why previous-year comparisons are valuable. USP’s nursing candidate-to-seat ratio eased slightly from about 6.9 to 6.7. UC Chile’s last-enrolled score fell from 840.25 to 831.25. University of Concepción’s cutoff declined from 772.90 in 2024 to 755.55 in 2026. Those changes don’t guarantee easier admission in the future. They simply give applicants better context than a single static number.
For an international student, the final decision should come down to four questions. Can you study and provide patient care confidently in the local language? Can you afford the entire degree rather than tuition alone? Will the qualification support your intended professional registration? Does the university provide the clinical and academic environment you need? If the answer to all four is yes, you have moved beyond simply finding a highly ranked university. You’ve found a nursing school that can realistically support your career.
South America’s nursing sector also has a strong reason to keep investing in education. PAHO’s recent regional analysis identifies continuing shortages, unequal distribution, migration, and workforce challenges across several South American countries. WHO likewise continues to identify nursing as the world’s largest occupational health group and emphasizes the importance of education, employment, leadership, and workforce investment. For students willing to master Portuguese or Spanish and adapt to a different health system, South America can therefore offer more than a university degree. It can provide a pathway into a profession that remains central to health-care delivery across the region and beyond.
Authoritative references for the article
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Nursing — current global nursing ranking and methodology context.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Nursing — previous-year comparison.
- University of São Paulo School of Nursing undergraduate program — official curriculum, recognition, annual places, and clinical training.
- USP 2026 FUVEST candidate-to-seat statistics — official 2026 nursing competition data.
- USP 2024 FUVEST candidate-to-seat data — historical nursing competition evidence.
- USP 2026 undergraduate admission information — official admission routes.
- USP undergraduate education information — public and tuition-free undergraduate structure.
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile School of Nursing — official history and five-year nursing program.
- UC Chile Nursing admissions and 2026 tuition — official 2026 tuition, places, and last-enrolled score.
- UC Chile 2026 admission document — previous admission score and 2026 places.
- University of Chile Nursing program — official duration, 2027 places, and admission weighting.
- University of Concepción Nursing admissions — official cutoff history, tuition, retention, employment, and accreditation information.
- University of Concepción Faculty of Nursing — official faculty, postgraduate, and research information.
- Federal University of Minas Gerais Nursing degree — official program, duration, admissions, clinical training, and Arcu-Sul accreditation.
- Federal University of Santa Catarina 2026 QS subject results — official evidence for its 2026 Nursing 101–150 placement.
- National University of Colombia Nursing program — official degree, duration, accreditation, and credits.
- National University of Colombia Nursing curriculum — official curriculum and research focus.
- University of Antioquia Faculty of Nursing — official history, accreditation, undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- University of Buenos Aires Nursing program information — official degree structure and duration.
- UBA Nursing curriculum — official first and second-cycle requirements.
- PAHO country profiles for health-workforce data — regional health-workforce evidence.
- PAHO 2026 report on health-labor gaps in South America — current South American workforce shortages and distribution challenges.
- WHO State of the World’s Nursing 2025 — current global nursing workforce evidence.
- WHO National Health Workforce Accounts 2026 — latest global and regional health-workforce data.
- PAHO Nursing and Midwifery resources — recognized nursing-school directory and regional resources.