Study in La Paz, Bolivia

About La Paz

La Paz, in the Andes of western Bolivia, is the country's seat of government and its administrative capital. It lies high on the Altiplano: its airport, in the neighbouring city of El Alto, lies more than 4,000 metres above sea level, according to Spain's foreign ministry. Bolivia as a whole had 11,365,333 inhabitants at the 2024 census, according to the national statistics office (INE).

For international students, La Paz is above all a place to learn Spanish at a low cost, in small classes or one-to-one, while living in a large Andean city with markets and museums. Most courses at the city's universities are taught in Spanish.

Studying in La Paz

Our directory lists language schools in La Paz that teach Spanish to foreigners, mostly in private lessons or very small groups:

• Ayni Spanish Institute, a few steps from the city centre, organises its courses in the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (A1 to C2). Regular courses have 10 academic hours a week, intensive courses 20 hours (4 a day) and super-intensive courses 25 or 30 hours; courses start any Monday. It also offers DELE exam preparation, conversation and grammar classes, online lessons and visits to markets, universities and museums.
• Spanish Language Institute Bolivia offers Spanish courses from beginner to advanced level, in person and online, with a focus on Bolivian and Latin American culture.
• ABC Spanish Tuition combines intensive lessons with a homestay in the teacher's family home.

The city's public university, the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), dates back to 25 October 1830. It has faculties ranging from engineering, medicine and law to humanities, and its programmes include a degree in Linguistics and Languages (Lingüística e Idiomas). Teaching is in Spanish.

Cost of living for students

There is no official student budget for La Paz, but the schools publish their prices in US dollars. As an example, Ayni Spanish Institute charges USD 11.50 an hour for private lessons booked flexibly and USD 10 an hour for a 20-hour package; in a group of four or more the price is USD 6 an hour per person. It charges no registration fee. A homestay costs USD 100 per person a week in a double room or USD 80 in a twin room. Online lessons cost USD 14 an hour.

Student visa

Bolivia's student visa allows entry for study at school level or in higher and vocational education. It 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; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if they will visit high-risk areas. 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. Short language courses are often taken on a tourist stay; check the rules for your nationality with a Bolivian consulate.

Getting around and daily life

Most international flights arrive at El Alto international airport, above the city. Because of the altitude, Spain's foreign ministry advises travellers to take precautions against altitude sickness (mal de altura, known locally as soroche) and to travel with health insurance. A quiet first day before classes start is a good idea.

Political protests and road blockades happen in Bolivia; in recent periods they have also affected access to El Alto airport. Check your government's current travel advice before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is La Paz a good place to learn Spanish?

Yes, for students who want one-to-one or small-group classes at a low price. Schools such as Ayni Spanish Institute teach all CEFR levels from A1 to C2, start courses every Monday and offer DELE preparation and homestays.

How much do Spanish classes cost in La Paz?

As an example, Ayni Spanish Institute charges USD 11.50 an hour for flexible private lessons and USD 6 an hour per person in groups of four or more. A homestay costs USD 80 to 100 a week.

Do I need a visa to study in La Paz?

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. Check the requirements for your nationality with a Bolivian consulate.

How high is La Paz?

La Paz's airport in El Alto is more than 4,000 metres above sea level, according to Spain's foreign ministry. Altitude sickness is common in the first days.