Around 9,000 online applications have been submitted for Paraguay’s 2026 National Scholarships programme, three days before the deadline of submission. Officials expect this number to increase significantly before the final deadline at 23:59 on Monday, 5 January 2026. This high volume of early applications highlights the considerable demand for higher education support throughout the country.
A closer look at applicant preferences
An analysis of the submissions reveals clear trends in the academic fields that aspiring students wish to pursue. Medicine has emerged as the most sought-after degree, attracting 1,406 applicants. This figure is more than double the number for the second most popular choice.
Following this, Computer Engineering has drawn 703 applications, which indicates a strong interest in the technology sector. Architecture is the third most popular field with 408 submissions. Furthermore, other key areas such as Civil Engineering and Biochemistry also feature prominently, with 279 and 262 applications respectively. These figures provide valuable insight into the career aspirations of Paraguay’s next generation of professionals.
2026 National Scholarships: University picks
Regarding institutional choice, the National University of Asunción remains the top preference for applicants. A total of 1,511 students selected it as their desired place of study. The Catholic University “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción” is the second most popular, chosen by 1,065 candidates. In addition, the University of the North has received 546 applications.
The American University and the National University of Itapúa have also attracted 417 and 294 applicants, respectively. This distribution points towards a strong preference for established national universities among the scholarship candidates.
Demographic trends among candidates
The data also presents a distinct demographic profile of the applicant pool. A substantial majority of the candidates are female, accounting for 68% of the total with 5,710 applications. In contrast, male applicants constitute the remaining 32%, with 3,029 submissions.
Moreover, the geographical distribution of applicants demonstrates the programme’s extensive reach beyond the nation’s capital. An overwhelming 95%of applications, totalling 8,291, have been submitted by students residing in the interior of the country. Consequently, only 5%of the candidates, numbering 460, are from the capital, Asunción.
This indicates that the scholarship is a vital pathway for students from diverse regions across Paraguay to access university education.
Guidance for prospective applicants
The selection process for the 2026 National Scholarships programme is being led by ITAIPU Binacional. All pertinent details regarding the established economic benefits for successful awardees, along with other essential criteria, are outlined in the Guide to Bases and Conditions (GBC). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to consult this document. This will help them understand all requirements and benefits associated with the scholarship.
The application form must also be completed and submitted electronically via the same official portal. Authorities have issued a reminder to all applicants to exercise caution when completing the form. It is crucial to ensure that all registered information and submitted documents are free from errors.
In particular, applicants should carefully verify basic details. These include their full names, national identity card number, family information, email address, and mobile phone number to avoid any potential complications during the selection process. With the deadline fast approaching, candidates are advised to complete their submissions promptly.
Read more: Paraguayan Government Launches 2026 Scholarship Programme: What You Need To Know.
