Chilean students face information gaps regarding higher education funding

A study by Fundación por una Carrera has revealed significant information gaps among vulnerable high school students in Chile regarding higher education access and financing. With only two months remaining before the 2026 Higher Education Access Test (PAES), the survey of over 2,500 students indicates that 48% feel little to no information regarding state benefits such as free tuition, scholarships, and credits.

Furthermore, 61% of students mistakenly believe they must apply for each state benefit separately and independently. The study also highlights a lack of vocational clarity, with nearly half of the respondents unable to clearly link their personal interests to specific professional careers or jobs.

Valentina Gran, executive director of Fundación por una Carrera, described the findings as an alert, noting that students need to understand not just the existence of benefits, but the specific requirements and application processes. Key concerns among the youth include meeting access requirements (34%) and the financing of their studies (28.5%).