The city is well set to cater for higher education needs, and this has seen a development in its social and economic status. Thousands of students are enrolling in various education institutions such as University of La Serena, Central University and Saint Thomas University to per sue various courses offered in the respective faculties.

Chile has the oldest education system in the South America. The government has always partially financed this education system making it one of the cheapest student’s lives. The leading universities are Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.