Central Chile is one of the 5 geographical divisions that make up our national territory; it covers the Metropolitan region, as well as the O’Higgins, Maule and Bío Bío regions, and some parts of the Valparaíso region too.

Concentrating approximately 79% of the country’s population, Central Chile is the most populated area of the nation. Moreover, it concentrates the majority of the country’s economic activity and it is the area where the different powers of the nation converge: executive, legislative and judicial.

Climate

By covering different regions, Central Chile is known for having a very particular climate, similar to a Mediterranean one. Due to this combination, the climate in this area can’t be found in other parts of the country.

Moreover, its beaches, mountains, valleys and fields, make Central Chile a preferred spot for those who seek to carry out different outdoor activities, adventure tourism, as well as for those who want to know the history and culture of the country.

The Must-See Tourist Spots

Wineries

The presence of valleys and an ideal weather for working on fertile fields are part of the tradition of Central Chile and allow it to be the epicenter of the country’s production of fruits. This provides us with the most delicious and most important wines of the country.

Colchagua Valley, Casablanca Valley, among others, are areas where you’ll be able to get lost in green landscapes and taste the best wines.

Beaches

Chile stands out due to its extensive coast and Central Chile concentrates a great variety of beaches, which is why it has come to be known as “Litoral Central” (Central Coast). Secret beaches with forests, ideal to find peace and disconnect, or, if you prefer it, there’s also the option of beaches within the city that offer an endless list of activities to do during the day or at night.

Santo Domingo Beach, Viña del Mar, Concón, Canelillo, among others, are some of the options that you can enjoy.

Protected Areas

Central Chile also counts with protected areas, places whose main objective is to preserve and protect certain species. La Campana National Park, Río Cipreses Reserve, Radal Siete Tazas Park, Torca Lagoon, are some of the most well-known protected areas.

Have you ever wondered about education in Chile? If it’s something that interests you and you’d like to know more about it before you visit our country, here is some useful information.

Level division

The education system in Chile is divided into 4 levels, which are: pre-school, primary, secondary, and higher level.

The pre-school level is directed to kids up until they’re 6 years old. After that, the primary level is the initial cycle of studies, also known in Chile as “Enseñanza Básica” (Basic Education), which lasts for 8 years.

The secondary level is also known as “Enseñanza Media” (the equivalent to high school), which lasts for 4 years. This corresponds to the formation that is given to students so they can opt to pursue professional studies at a higher level.

Lastly, the higher level is directed to everyone who completes the secondary level. In Chile, different institutions offer the possibility to pursue professional training.

Types of Institutions

Those who opt to continue their studies at a higher level have different options to fulfill their objectives.

In the case of universities, they are divided into two types: “traditional”, which are labelled as such since they were established before 1980 and are grouped under the Consejo de Rectores de Universidades Chilenas (Board of Rectors of Chilean Universities). On the other hand, one can find private universities.

Technical Schools: In this type of institution, programs can last 2 years and students obtain a technical degree.

Professional Institutes: In these institutions, students can obtain technical degrees as well as professional ones. Programs can last from 2 to 5 years, depending on the type of degree.

Universities: Here, students can obtain a professional degree as well as the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, they can also obtain Master’s and PhD degrees. The duration of the programs can vary, ranging from 4 to 7 years.

Selection Process

Those who wish to enroll in university in Chile have to take an exam that until 2019 was known as the University Selection Test (Prueba de Selección Universitaria in Spanish, or PSU). The test aims to measure the knowledge the students acquired during their secondary education, covering the subjects of Spanish, History, Math, or Science.

Currently, the test is being reformulated and the 2020 version was known as “Transition Test”.

Scholarships in Chile

In Chile, there are different alternatives and support for students.

In 2018, Chile implemented university gratuity, a program which allows students from certain segments of the population to study for free.

On the other hand, scholarships are aimed for students that have demonstrated excellence. Some of the scholarships cover National Master’s Degree, National Master’s Degree for Education Professionals, National PhD scholarships, among others. All of these scholarships are backed by Chile’s National Organism for Research and Development (ANID)

International students also have the option to access different funding opportunities. Learn more about those here.