Uniwords Students · Español

Peru

Peru

Quick facts

Continent
South America
Languages
Spanish, Quechua
Currency
PEN
Visa
EU/Schengen citizens can enter visa-free as tourists for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To study, students apply to Migraciones for student (formación) status with an enrollment letter, criminal record check and solvency declaration (fee S/ 58.80, decision in about 30 working days).
Guide score
6.1/10

Overview

Peru is a South American country of roughly 34 million people, stretching from the Pacific coast through the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. It is one of the most biodiverse nations on Earth, home to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and a culinary scene recognized globally — Lima alone has four restaurants in the World's 50 Best, led by Maido, named the world's best restaurant in 2025. The country blends indigenous Quechua and Aymara heritage with Spanish colonial history, creating a vibrant, complex culture. For international students, Peru offers an affordable, immersive experience with warm social dynamics, though bureaucracy and safety require patience and street smarts.

Education system

Peru's higher education is overseen by SUNEDU (Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria), which licenses and audits all universities. As of August 2026, 107 public and private universities hold a SUNEDU institutional licence. Top institutions include Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP, ranked #1 nationally), Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM, the oldest in the Americas, founded 1551), Universidad del Pacífico, and Universidad de Lima. Academic calendars typically run March–July (first semester) and August–December (second semester). Instruction is almost exclusively in Spanish; some private universities offer select courses in English. The grading scale is 0–20, with 11 as the passing mark. STEM fields account for 26% of graduates, while business and law make up 28%.

Visa & immigration

EU/Schengen citizens: No visa required for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period (EU–Peru visa waiver agreement). Tourist status is not meant for study, so exchange and degree students should also request student status as described below.

Student status (all nationalities): Apply for the "calidad migratoria de formación" through the Migraciones online Agencia Digital (while still outside Peru) or at a Peruvian consulate. Short programmes get temporary status (up to 365 days for studies; exchanges are granted 90 non-extendable days), while studies of one year or more qualify for resident status. Requirements include:

Once approved, you register with Migraciones (the immigration authority formerly known as DIGEMIN) to obtain your carné de extranjería. Student visa holders cannot work legally unless they obtain a separate work permit.

Cost of living

Peru is one of the most affordable countries in South America for students. Monthly estimates:

| Item | PEN | EUR |

|------|-----|-----|

| Shared room (Lima) | S/ 900–1,500 | €220–370 |

| Shared room (Arequipa) | S/ 600–1,000 | €150–250 |

| Groceries | S/ 500–700 | €125–175 |

| Eating out (lunch menú) | S/ 8–15 per meal | €2–4 |

| Public transport (monthly) | S/ 100–200 | €25–50 |

| Mobile phone plan | S/ 30–50 | €7–12 |

| Internet (home) | S/ 70–100 | €17–25 |

| Total (Lima) | S/ 2,200–3,500 | €550–870 |

| Total (Arequipa) | S/ 1,800–2,800 | €450–700 |

The "menú del día" (set lunch: soup + main + drink) for S/ 8–15 is the backbone of affordable eating. Supermarkets like Plaza Vea, Metro, and Tottus are widespread.

Culture

Peruvian culture is warm, family-oriented, and socially expressive. Key things to know:

Healthcare

Peru has a fragmented healthcare system: public (EsSalud for formal workers, SIS for low-income citizens), military, and private sectors. As an international student:

Cities

Universities

Next steps

Sources