Study in Sucre, Bolivia

About Sucre

Sucre, in southern Bolivia, is a colonial city whose historic centre of whitewashed houses and tiled roofs has earned it the name "White City" (Ciudad Blanca). The old town around the main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, is easy to explore on foot. Bolivia as a whole had 11,365,333 inhabitants at the 2024 census, according to the national statistics office (INE).

International students come to Sucre mainly to learn Spanish in one-to-one or small-group classes at a low price, and for postgraduate study at an international university of the Andean Community.

Studying in Sucre

Our directory lists two Spanish language schools and one university in Sucre:

• Sucre Spanish School is a three-minute walk from Plaza 25 de Mayo. It specialises in private lessons and also teaches groups of up to four students, six days a week. The regular programme is four hours a day. Besides general Spanish it offers classes for travellers and for children, a free placement test, help with accommodation and travel, and weekly cooking and salsa classes and a cultural night.
• Bolivian Spanish School teaches Spanish together with Bolivian customs and culture, in regular and intensive programmes.
• Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar (UASB) was created in December 1985 as an international university of the Andean Community; its central seat (Sede Central) is in Sucre, with academic sub-seats in La Paz and Santa Cruz. It focuses on postgraduate education: doctorates, master's degrees (magister), higher specialisation and diploma programmes, as well as short courses. Admission to a doctorate requires a master's degree or equivalent. The Sede Central belongs to Bolivia's public university system and has its own distance-education centre (CEADIS). Teaching is in Spanish.

Cost of living for students

There is no official student budget for Sucre, but Sucre Spanish School publishes its prices: a private lesson costs USD 7.20 (50 bolivianos) an hour, or USD 6.82 an hour for more than 20 hours, and group classes cost USD 5.75 (40 bolivianos) an hour per person. A homestay through the school costs USD 22 (150 bolivianos) a night, including breakfast, lunch, a private bedroom and use of the kitchen for dinner. Check the current rates with the school before booking.

Student visa

Bolivia's student visa is valid for up to 60 days and lets the student apply to the immigration authority (Dirección General de Migración, DIGEMIG) for temporary residence for one year, renewable until the studies end. Applicants need a passport valid for at least six months, legalised proof of previous studies and a police certificate from their country of origin or last residence. Spanish citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but must get a stamp from the immigration office if they stay more than a month. Requirements differ by nationality, so check with a Bolivian consulate.

Daily life

Daily life for students centres on the historic old town, where the schools and the UASB Sede Central are located. Spain's foreign ministry recommends travelling to Bolivia with insurance that covers any eventuality, and checking its current travel advice, as road blockades can affect travel between cities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sucre a good place to learn Spanish?

Sucre has small Spanish schools that teach mainly one-to-one or in groups of up to four students, with homestays and cultural activities. Its compact historic centre makes it easy to settle in.

How much do Spanish classes cost in Sucre?

As an example, Sucre Spanish School charges USD 7.20 an hour for a private lesson and USD 5.75 an hour per person for group classes. Its homestay costs USD 22 a night with two meals.

Can I do a postgraduate degree in Sucre?

Yes. The Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar has its central seat in Sucre and offers doctorates, master's degrees, specialisation and diploma programmes, taught in Spanish.

Do I need a visa to study in Sucre?

For longer studies, Bolivia issues a student visa valid for 60 days, after which you apply for one year of temporary residence. Spanish citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.