How to apply to study in Honduras

Welcome to Honduras, my home country. I work in an environment where most students are Honduran. A significant minority of them study abroad for their undergraduate and graduate degrees. But, based on cost, most students choose to study in Honduras.

A Latin American expert once said to me: “Don't overlook the treasures in your own backyard.” Those words stayed with me.

Universities such as the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras (UNAH), Universidad Tecnologica Centroamericana (Unitec) and Escuela Agricola Panamerica El Zamorano are renowned across Latin America. UNAH produces highly competent professionals in law and medicine, while Zamorano is internationally recognised for its agricultural sciences degrees and hands-on training model.

Tuition at public universities, such as UNAH, can cost as little as $50 (approximately £37) a year – although private universities may charge much more. For example, Unitec charges $7,000 a year for tuition. And Zamorano charges approximately $24,000 a year for tuition, accommodation and meals.

Students who study in Honduras benefit from the resources that are available in the country – which are distinct to the region. Honduras is an exciting and affordable destination – giving Latin American students a local study option.

Studying in Honduras: how to apply

The application process for Honduran public universities differs significantly from the US, Canada or European systems. It is centralised and highly structured.

UNAH and other public universities

For admission to a public university in Honduras, students need to take an admissions test and then submit their high school diploma. The admissions test is obligatory, and the most important step of the process. 

Applicants to UNAH must take the UNAH vocational test, a mandatory online test. The aim is to advise students about all the academic options available. After completing the vocational test, students must sit the Prueba Hondureña Universitaria de Medicion Academica (PHUMA), an admissions test developed by UNAH and now available to take online for students living outside Honduras.

The PHUMA is typically offered twice or three times a year. Students must register through the university’s online portal months in advance. To register and create a profile on the UNAH system, students need their national ID card (identidad), a high school transcript and a personal email address. Deadlines are strict; missing them means waiting a semester or even a full year to sit the exam. 

It is a competitive, merit-based system – scores determine placement. High-demand majors, such as medicine, require a score above 1,000 in the PHUMA test.

A calendar and additional information is available on the UNAH website.

Private universities 

Private institutions, such as Unitec and Zamorano, offer more flexibility. They generally require a completed online application form, which can be found on the specific university’s website, as well as high school transcripts (Certificado de Notas). Zamorano requires a minimum score of 80 per cent in high school.

Zamorano also requires its own entrance exam or the Prueba de Aptitud Académica, a Latin American assessment that helps universities select incoming students. The SAT is also accepted, with a minimum requirement of 1,000 points.

Because Zamorano has an international focus, it also asks students to submit essays and references, and to attend an interview.

A calendar and additional information is available for Unitec and for Zamorano.

Applying for financial aid

Many private universities provide merit-based financial aid, often as straightforward discounts for students with high academic achievement. Students should contact the financial aid office (bienestar estudiantil) directly for details, as the process is often simpler than in the US or other countries.

Applying for a visa

To study in Honduras, international students need a temporary residence visa for students. Applying for a visa is relatively straightforward – visit the Honduran consular website for more details.

Students are required to provide:

• A formal acceptance letter from a recognised Honduran institution
• Proof of financial solvency
• Mandatory private medical insurance
• Demonstration of intent to return home after studies.

All travellers to Honduras must also submit a customs affidavit (Declaración Jurada del Viajero) at least three days prior to departure. And newly arrived students must complete an online immigration pre-check (Prechequeo) on the Institute for National Migration website within 72 hours of entering Honduras.