This guide is intended to make your arrival in Chile easier by providing practical, specific information so that you can focus on what matters most: your research and academic development.
If you are admitted to one of our programs and have questions at any stage of the process, please contact Daniela Salas at daniela.salas@unab.cl
Requirements and Recommendations for International Ph.D. Students
To reside legally in Chile as a Ph.D. student, you must apply for a temporary residence permit under the student subcategory. This process must be completed by the applicant and can only be carried out from outside Chile. We therefore recommend starting it at least three months before your travel date. Your passport must be valid for at least one year when you begin the application process and, given the length of your studies, should preferably remain valid for several years.
Required documents include:
• Valid passport.
• Criminal record certificate from your country of origin, apostilled or legalized by the appropriate Chilean consulate, as applicable.
• Letter of acceptance, proof of enrollment, or certificate of student status.
• Proof of sufficient financial means. Recipients of the ANID National Doctoral Scholarship or the UNAB Living Expenses Scholarship may submit their scholarship award certificate, which must specify the award period, funding amount, and university. Those without a living expenses scholarship must submit bank statements showing sufficient income to cover their stay.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an Estampado Electrónico (EE), a digital document required to enter Chile. From the date you download it, you have a maximum of 90 calendar days to enter Chile. We therefore recommend waiting until your travel date is confirmed before downloading it.
To request official documents issued by the university, email daniela.salas@unab.cl
You can review the current requirements on the official website of Chile’s National Migration Service here.
Important: If you are a citizen of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, or Uruguay, you may apply under the temporary residence subcategory based on the Principle of International Reciprocity (Mercosur), which has different requirements and timeframes. More information is available here.
Practical Information for Your Arrival
If you arrive at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, the city’s only international airport, you have several options for reaching downtown:
- Centropuerto or Turbus buses: These services connect the airport with different parts of the city for an approximate fare of CLP 3,000 to CLP 5,000.
- Airport shuttle or minibus services: Shared or private services that can be booked in advance or at the airport. Rates are per person and vary by destination municipality.
- Official taxis: These can be booked before you exit the arrivals area and charge fixed fares of CLP 20,000 to CLP 40,000 within Santiago.
Having international or Chilean health insurance for you and your family is essential because it ensures timely access to medical care.
The system has two options:
• Fonasa (Fondo Nacional de Salud): the public health care system. Ph.D. students with no income are advised to enroll in Tier A, which provides free care through the public health care network without requiring contributions. For more information, click here.
• Isapres (Instituciones de Salud Previsional): private health insurers offering more customized plans and access to private clinics, generally at a higher cost. Students with international health insurance must verify that it provides effective coverage in Chile for the full duration of their studies.
UNAB does not have its own student housing. We recommend exploring the following options:
- Facebook groups for student rentals in your city.
- Platforms such as Portal Inmobiliario.
- Contact your program office to connect with other students before you arrive.
In addition, UNAB offers a settling-in benefit for international students who are not residents of Chile. It consists of a gift card worth CLP 600,000 to help cover expenses associated with settling in the country.
Chile has an intermediate cost of living compared with other Latin American countries. You can view current data here.
The Academic Office for Doctoral Programs (DAD) can provide guidance on administrative procedures, institutional documentation, and general questions. Please note that students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining valid immigration status. We are not a substitute for specialized legal advice, but we are available to support you throughout the process.
Contact: daniela.salas@unab.cl
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