In 2026, Chile will have firmly established itself as Latin America’s “innovation hub” by offering well-organised and digitalised scholarship programs. The main topics for the 2026/2027 school year are sustainable mining, green energy (green hydrogen), and public policy. The main sources of funding are ANID (Research and Development) and AGCID (International Cooperation).
As of April 12, 2026, we are in a transition period. Most applications for government grants for the 2026 intake are closed, but universities are still looking for students who want to start in Spring 2026 (August start) or Autumn 2027 (March start).
1. The Chilean government (AGCID) Grants
The Chilean Agency for International Development Cooperation (AGCID) is responsible for the most well-known “Full-Ride” packages for professionals from other countries.
Master’s Scholarships for Nelson Mandela (AGCID)
- Deadline: Usually early October for the March intake the following year. The call for the 2027 intake should come in late 2026.
- • Target: Professionals and government workers from African countries and some Caribbean countries.
- • The coverage includes full tuition, international airfare, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of about $800 to $900 USD.
- • The most important areas are agriculture, energy, health, the environment, and mining.
Pacific Alliance Programme for Mobility
- Status: Calls every year.
- The Chance: Aimed at students from Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
- The Benefit: Reciprocity scholarships for internships for undergraduates (1 semester) and doctoral students. Includes health insurance and a monthly payment.
2. ANID (National Agency for Research and Development)
ANID (formerly CONICYT) runs the Becas Chile programme, the best option for high-level research.
- • ANID offers a PhD program for international students.
- Due date: Usually between November and early January.
- International students have the opportunity to earn a Doctoral degree from a recognised Chilean university.
- The benefit is full tuition, a living stipend, a child allowance (if you have one), and money for research.
- ANID-IUA Agreement: In 2026, there will be special joint funding for PhD students who work with European and Irish institutions on cross-border research.
3. Merit and Talent Awards for Each University
To attract a wider range of students, top universities like PUC Chile and Universidad de Chile offer discounts to their own students.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC)
- Status: Active through 2026 and 2027.
- Talent & Inclusion Programme: This programme is mostly for people who live in the area, but international students can apply for certain Engineering 2030 grants that cover some or all of their tuition for innovative technical degrees.
- VRI Scholarships: The Vice-Presidency of Research provides money to international PhD students who work in certain research labs that have a big impact.
UChile, or Universidad de Chile,
- Status: Deadlines are rolling.
- The Opportunity: Offers the “International Student Aid”, which can pay for 25% to 50% of the tuition for Master’s programmes in Public Policy and Social Sciences.
4. The “Chilean Signal” Plan for 2026
To get a scholarship in Chile this time around, you need to get through the updated digital and medical verification layers for 2026.
- The “Regional Decentralisation” Bonus: To encourage development in other parts of the country, AGCID and ANID give priority points to applicants who choose universities outside of Santiago, such as Valparaíso, Concepción, or Antofagasta.
- • Identity Sync (NIN): Make sure your name is spelt exactly the same on your passport. Chilean residents use the RUN (Rol Único Nacional), and for scholarship applicants, your passport serves as the primary digital anchor for the SIAU system.
- 300dpi High-Res All documents must be Apostilled and translated into Spanish. In 2026 AI auditors at AGCID will mark low-quality phone pictures as “High Risk”.
- Medical Protocol: You must give a licensed doctor a medical certificate that follows the official AGCID template and checks for certain pre-existing conditions.
5. List of Things to Do Right Away
- [ ] Admission Letter: You need an Unconditional Acceptance Letter from a Chilean university to apply for most Chilean government scholarships. First, send in your application to your school.
- • [ ] Apostille: This month, start the Apostille process for your professional diploma. It is a requirement for the final scholarship application.
- Spanish Proficiency: Most Master’s programmes require a DELE/SIELE (B2 level) certificate, even though some PhDs are in English.
Conclusion: New Ideas at the End of the World
In 2026, Chile will be the best place in South America for high-tech research and public policy. If you get an AGCID grant or an ANID fellowship, you can work in world-class labs and meet a lot of other professionals. Early Admission is the key to success in this cycle. You need to have your acceptance letter from the university ready before the government windows open.
