Born from the bilateral relationship between Paraguay and Taiwan, Universidad Politecnica Taiwán Paraguay (UPTP) has quickly become one of the top universities specialised in engineering in the country, delivering the best graduates in science and technology.
UPTP is the first fully English-language university in Paraguay, with all courses taught in English. In collaboration with National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), this partnership brings Taiwanese educational excellence to Paraguay and provides high-quality technical education – in English, the international language of science and business. Internationalised universities like UPTP are expected to play a pivotal role in growing the economy by attracting international researchers and professors, encouraging R&D investment, and fostering industry partnerships within Paraguay.
Taiwan is well-known for its world-leading position in the semiconductor industry, whereas Paraguay is best known as the country with an abundant surplus of green energy from hydropower, with its largest installation being Itaipu, which straddles the river border with Brazil. The Paraguayan government has plans to turn Paraguay into an attractive destination for high-tech businesses; UPTP is training the engineers that these businesses will need.
Taiwan Tech, officially known as the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), is a prestigious public university in Taiwan. Established in 1974, it offers diverse range of programs across 14 departments and 24 graduate programs in fields such as engineering, management, design, liberal arts, and social sciences. The university’s commitment to research excellence and global engagement makes it a significant player in higher education both within Taiwan and beyond. The university is well-known for its highly diverse student community, hosting approximately 1,386 international students from over 50 nationalities.
A Brief History of UPTP: Transforming Paraguay’s Technological Landscape Through Innovation and Education
UPTP was initiated in 2017, as part of the celebrations highlighting the 60th year of strong relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. During the 60th anniversary, then presidents, Tsai Ing-wen and Horacio Cartes established both countries support of each other in the higher education sector, as part of Paraguay visions to build capacity talents.
On December 5, 2017, Taiwan’s then ambassador to Paraguay, Alexander Yui, and Paraguay’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Gustavo Leite, signed a memorandum of cooperation. On May 31, 2018, Paraguay issued Law No. 6,096/18, pushing forward the creation of UPTP.
Courses and Programs at UPTP
The university offers four programs, primarily focused on technical and engineering disciplines. These four-year programs are designed to fully align with international standards, whilst addressing the current and future needs of Paraguay and the wider Mercosur region. During that time, all students have the opportunity to study at the campus of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech) in Taiwan. To complete the program, all of the students need to publish a final thesis from their Capstone project at the end of the semester.
The four fields of study include:
Civil Engineering
This course aims to educate and inspire future civil engineers who will be equipped to design, build, and manage essential infrastructure systems including buildings, roads, bridges, transportation, water supply and waste systems, electricity networks, and telecommunications. The program prepares graduates to contribute significantly to the growth and well-being of Paraguay through innovative and responsible engineering solutions, and learning how to apply cutting-edge techniques as well as established international best practise.
Computer Science
This course aims to give students the skills and competencies necessary to design, implement, and manage innovative solutions in the field of computer engineering across both software and hardware domains. The program prepares graduates to excel in various aspects of computer engineering and contribute to advancements in technology and its applications, benefiting from the world-class industry advancements repeatedly achieved in Taiwan.
Industrial Engineering
This course aims to make students excel at managing and optimising company processes to enhance efficiency and drive growth in both theoretical and practical aspects of industrial engineering. The program equips graduates to excel in managing industrial operations and contribute to the successful development and sustainability of businesses which could potentially become the beginning point of Paraguay’s technology and innovation startups.
Electromechanical Engineering
This course aims to equip graduates with practical skills and industry competence. The program ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel as engineers and researchers in the dynamic field of electromechanical engineering.
Language of Lectures
Courses at Universidad Politécnica de Taiwan are taught in English. This approach not only facilitates the integration of international academic standards, but also helps students develop proficiency in English, which is hugely beneficial for global career opportunities.
In the first four semesters, each program will include course study in both English and the Mandarin language. Guarani language is also one of the obligatory courses for one semester, reflecting Paraguay’s local identity and ensuring that the Guarani language continues to live on, even in high-tech circles.
Admission Requirements and Financial Aids
The university requires all applicants to have graduated from high school level and offers fully funded scholarships and/or fee waivers to students who pass the entrance exam, and come from high school public education. UPTP has implemented a low-cost tuition fees model, similar to the National University of Asuncion (UNA) – the tuition fee per year is PYG 1,100,000 (approximately USD 150), which can be paid in three installments.
The First Year Milestone
Immediately after the signing of the memorandum of cooperation, on July 3rd 2018, UPTP announced its campus opening, and invited all Paraguayans who are interested to have career in engineering to apply. The registration process was fully online through the website of Ministry of Industry and Trade, so that all of interested students outside Asunción could easily participate. After the registration, the student candidates were invited to join the induction program in Mathematics (pre-calculus) and English. The induction program itself is still now fully online and without any additional costs.
Despite being a new initiative, the university received an enormous amount of enthusiasm from high school graduates all over Paraguay. Over 2,500 students completed the first step of the registration process within two weeks, pursuing the 400 places available for the initial phase of the induction program, and just 100 available places for the undergraduate program.
On August 15th 2018, UPTP launched its first induction program in Mathematics which aimed at preparing students for the extensive demands of the engineering programs, as well as testing the abilities of the applicants to learn at the advanced level of the Taiwanese education system. The 400 most capable candidates then advanced to the intensive preparatory phase.
The induction program was then tutored by professors from Taiwan Tech University who give lectures for each of the study subjects in Asuncion, Paraguay. This gave an opportunity for the student candidates to get to know their professors, programme leader and peers before the beginning of the semester. Students got a glimpse of the full framework of the Taiwanese education system and can also learn some key information such as what to expect from first semesters and to give ideas of learning structures.
At the end of the induction, students still now face a final selection exam consisting of both written and oral components with 60% passing grade. This comprehensive examination tests their proficiency and readiness for the university’s academic programs, by analysing what they have learned from the induction course and checking their suitability to enter the four-year degree program.
On March 12th 2019, UPTP officially admitted its first generation of students. From the 400 students that were admitted to the induction program, a total of 108 students were selected – some were simply too good to be declined, even with just 100 spaces available officially – reflecting candidates who demonstrated exceptional preparation and potential.
The intensive induction courses and strict admission process played a crucial role in the successful launch of UPTP. By preparing a select group of students and officially admitting them as the first batch, UPTP has set a high standard for future admissions.
How UPTP benefits Paraguay: Building Bridges Through Education
UPTP brings numerous benefits to Paraguay, touching various aspects of its economic, educational, and technological landscape. Since its inception just 5 years ago, UPTP has trained more than 124 engineers, with a future target to increase this significantly by 2028.
UPTP will significantly boost the pool of highly skilled professionals in Paraguay, particularly for the emerging technology sector. These graduates will be equipped with advanced knowledge and skills in engineering fields, directly contributing to growth opportunities across the country’s technological and industrial sectors.
The university’s focus on cutting-edge technologies and research will foster innovation, as graduates are well-prepared to drive research and development, potentially leading to new technologies and solutions that address local and regional challenges.
Therefore, it is widely expected, by the professors of UPTP, the Paraguayan government, and the students themselves, that this will lead to increased economic growth and industrial advancement in Paraguay.
With a focus on engineering disciplines, the university will support industrial growth by providing a skilled workforce for various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and technology, that should also lead to increased industrial productivity and competitiveness.
Additionally, the presence of highly-skilled engineering talent is expected to attract increased foreign investment, which could lead to the establishment of new industries and the expansion of existing agriculture business to incorporate sustainable and technology-based agriculture solutions. Also, the subsequent growth of related industries will in turn create numerous jobs, at all skill levels.
Finally, the collaboration between Taiwan and Paraguay will continue to strengthen bilateral relations, leading to a greater exchange of knowledge, culture, and technology between the two countries. The successful implementation of this project is already serving as a model for future collaborations and diplomatic engagements.
Lessons from Taiwan: Strategic Investments and Policies Driving Economic Development and Technological Leadership
Taiwan has set a notable example of transitioning from a frontier to a developed economy through a series of strategic policies and investments that offer valuable lessons. In 1976, Taiwan sent a team to China to learn about 7.5μm semiconductor fabrication technology. By 1977, a demonstration site was established at Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), where yield rates improved from 17% to 70%.
The establishment of the Hsinchu Science Park by United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) in 1980 marked a significant milestone, and Morris Chang’s appointment as chairman of ITRI the same year catalysed further development. Today, Taiwan is a market leader in all fields of integrated circuits (ICs), demonstrating the success of its early and strategic investments in technology and infrastructure.
It is notable that one of the first priorities for the Paraguayan government in the tech sector is to establish a science park of Digital District in Paraguay.
Global Perspectives in Education: UPTP’s International Faculty and Student Exchange Programs
During the first two years of study at the Asunción campus, students are extensively prepared to transition smoothly to Taiwan Tech’s curriculum. To facilitate this process, Taiwan Tech is sending nine PhD-qualified professors, known as the ‘Taiwan Tech Flying Faculty,’ to teach both theoretical and laboratory courses. These professors come from diverse multicultural backgrounds, including Taiwan, Haiti, India, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Indonesia, and each has had multiple research articles published in international scientific journals.
In their third year of studies, students who have successfully completed the initial two years of foundation studies continue the study program with Taiwan Tech, at the campus in Taiwan, for a couple of semesters. Since its inception, UPTP has sent approximately 200 students to Taiwan, with all costs fully covered.
Prior to UPTP, Paraguay sent on average approximately 300 students annually to Taiwan for either full university programs or exchange programs. In the 2024 term, out of 97 UPTP students who studied in Taiwan for 18 months, about 62 have returned to Asunción to complete their Capstone project semester, while the remaining 35 have stayed in Taiwan to pursue exciting internship opportunities with top-level companies, with no dropouts reported.
In August 2023, UPTP graduated its first cohort of 84 undergraduate students, including 22 civil engineers, 24 electromechanical engineers, 20 industrial engineers, and 18 computer scientists.
From Vision to Reality: The Construction of Digital District and Its Impact on Paraguay’s Tech Ecosystem
Paraguay’s commitment to be one of technology pioneers in the region doesn’t stop there. The government has started the groundbreaking to build Digital District mega plan which includes the university complex for UPTP. The university complex will include facilities such as library, auditorium, laboratories, student centre, cafeteria, administrative offices, covered areas for activities, parking, an engine room, academic dormitories, and student dormitories.
The new campus is expected to increase the student capacity, to make it easier for bright students from outside Asunción to have a comfortable living situation, and to build a complete set of student facilities and laboratories. In July 2024, UPTP Rector Jorge Daniel Duarte Rolon, Ph.D., announced that the new complex will be built on a 16-hectare plot of land in Luque, located between Hospital San Jorge and the Olympic Committee building. Ten hectares will be allocated for the UPTP complex, while the remaining six hectares will be dedicated to the construction of the Digital District, Paraguay’s future innovation hub.
Once it’s completed, the new university complex is expected to cater the capacity of around 960 students of all degrees. UPTP aims to be the leader of the country’s technology industrial advancement.
For more information on Universidad Politecnica Taiwán Paraguay (UPTP), visit their website.
