Universities in Paraguay ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 41 Universities in Paraguay

The Republic of Paraguay is divided into 17 departments (Spanish: departamentos) and one capital district (Spanish: distrito capital). The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the capital district of Asunción, which is both the capital and the largest city of Paraguay. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables take into account all departments that include at least one Paraguayan higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Alto Parana (2)  
Amambay (1)  
Asuncion (23)  
Caaguazu (1)  
Canindeyu (2)  
Central (6)  
Guaira (2)  
Itapua (2)  
Neembucu (1)  
San Pedro (1)  

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Overview of Paraguay Universities

Paraguay's higher education system includes public and private institutions regulated by the National Council of Higher Education (CONES). The country hosts 41 universities, with 7 public (17%) and 34 private (83%). Most universities are concentrated in Asunción and offer comprehensive programs across disciplines like business, law, engineering and health sciences. Bachelor's degrees (Licenciatura) typically require 4-5 years, followed by master's and doctoral programs. Spanish is the primary language of instruction, with increasing bilingual offerings.

Top 10 Paraguay Universities

1. Universidad Nacional de Asunción (National University of Asunción) (UNA)
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 2071
   Location: Asunción, Asuncion
   Established: 1889 | Public | Non-Profit
2. Universidad Católica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic University) (UC)
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 5668
   Location: Asunción, Asuncion
   Established: 1960 | Private | Non-Profit
3. Universidad Autónoma de Asunción (Autonomous University of Asunción) (UAA)
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 6583
   Location: Asunción, Asuncion
   Established: 1991 | Private | Not reported
4. Universidad del Norte, Paraguay (Northern University, Paraguay) (UN)
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 7472
   Location: Asunción, Asuncion
   Established: 1991 | Private | Not reported
5. Universidad Americana (American University) (UA)
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 7513
   Location: Asunción, Asuncion
   Established: 1994 | Private | Not reported
6. Universidad Columbia del Paraguay (Columbia University of Paraguay) (UCP)
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 8050
   Location: Asunción, Asuncion
   Established: 1991 | Private | Not reported
7. Universidad del Pacífico, Paraguay (University of the Pacific, Paraguay) (UP)
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 8349
   Location: Asunción, Asuncion
   Established: 1991 | Private | Not reported
8. Unversidad Nihon Gakko (Nihon Gakko University) (UNG)
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 8417
   Location: Fernando de la Mora, Central
   Established: 2008 | Private | Not reported
9. Universidad Nacional de Itapúa (National University of Itapúa) (UNI)
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 8666
   Location: Encarnación, Itapua
   Established: 1996 | Public | Non-Profit
10. Universidad Autónoma de Encarnación (Autonomous University of Encarnación) (UNAE)
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 8799
    Location: Encarnación, Itapua
    Established: 2008 | Private | Not reported

Analysis of University Types

Paraguay's 41 universities are predominantly private institutions (34 universities, 83%), while public universities comprise 17% (7 institutions). Geographically, Asunción hosts the highest concentration of universities, including all top-ranked institutions. Regional public universities like the National University of Itapúa serve key provincial centers. Private institutions range from religious-affiliated non-profits to specialized career-focused academies established primarily in the 1990s education boom.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Paraguayan universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of national institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide rankings. The highest-ranked institution, National University of Asunción, holds position #2071 globally. This reflects challenges in research output and internationalization common among smaller South American higher education systems. Recent reforms aim to boost academic competitiveness and global engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Paraguay's top-ranked university?
The National University of Asunción (UNA) consistently ranks #1 nationally and holds Paraguay's highest global position (#2071).

Are public universities free in Paraguay?
Public universities offer low-cost tuition, but aren't entirely free. Semester fees range from $50-$300 USD, significantly below private institutions ($1,000-$3,000 USD/semester).

Which cities have the best universities?
Asunción dominates with 8 of the top 10 universities. Encarnación hosts two nationally ranked institutions: National University of Itapúa (#9) and Autonomous University of Encarnación (#10).

Do Paraguayan universities teach in English?
Most programs are Spanish-taught. Select private universities (e.g., American University, Columbia University) offer English-track degrees in business and international relations.

How many years is a bachelor's degree?
Undergraduate programs typically take 4-5 years (8-10 semesters). Engineering and medical degrees may require up to 6 years.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Paraguayan universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Paraguay
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Paraguayan post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Paraguay
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• Paraguayan Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Paraguayan town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Paraguay
  Discover Paraguayan public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Paraguay
  Find out about Paraguayan private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Paraguay
  Explore Paraguayan not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Paraguay
  Look for Paraguayan for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Paraguayan Universities on Facebook
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• Top Paraguayan Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Paraguay that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Paraguayan Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Paraguay are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Paraguayan Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Paraguay with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.