Universidad de Montevideo

Uruguay, the third smallest country in South America, is a relatively inexpensive place to live and study. The country's safety and health standards, as well as political stability, are among the best in Latin America.

The landscape features mostly rolling plains and low hill ranges (cuchillas) with a fertile coastal lowland. Uruguay’s climate is temperate: it has warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters with variable weather. It receives the periodic influence of the polar air in winter, and tropical air from Brazil in summer. Without mountains to act as a barrier, the air masses freely move by the territory, causing abrupt weather changes.

Located on the Río de la Plata, Montevideo (population 1.8 million) is lively and modern, yet more like a large town than a city. The Old Town, a small peninsula near the metropolitan port, offers many examples of the country’s colonial past. Montevideo has a lively night life, miles of sandy beaches and lots of beautiful parks. Not far from this modern and young capital city is an amazing landscape of hilly meadows and rivers. Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Punta del Este, a famous coastal resort, are only a short drive or bus ride from the capital.

The Universidad de Montevideo was founded in 1986. UM is committed to academic excellence, research, technological innovation and social responsibility. Its main objective is to promote a culture of work and service through excellence in all academic activities, grounding its intellectual endeavors on man’s quest for truth. In 2022, UM was ranked #1 in Uruguay and placed within the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings.

Courses in English

View courses taught in English

Other Programs

For business students interested in supply chain management, UM offers a three-week Global Supply Program in May taught entirely in English. The course provides students with fundamental knowledge of international supply chain methods, with a focus on Latin America. For more information click here.

Faculties at UM include:

• Communications
• Engineering
• Humanities and Education
• IEEM Business School
• Law
• Psychology

Internships are available for exchange students; you can apply to work with Uruguayan organizations or within the University itself and receive credit. Enrollment in a minimum of two courses is mandatory to be able to apply for an internship.

The UM encourages volunteering activities within the local community and has many links with projects around Montevideo. These opportunities are open to exchange students and are highly recommended to get a better idea of the realities of Uruguay.  Watch a video about students' experiences volunteering here.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

No visa is needed for Canadian passport holders for stays up to 6 months.

For foreign citizens, check visa requirements for your country here.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when going abroad, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Homestay

• Cost: approx. USD $350–550/month; negotiated with the host family
• Includes 3 meals per day, laundry service, bed, and bedding
• A great way to fully immerse yourself in the culture and language

Off-campus Housing

• For students not interested in a home stay, UM will send out a housing list before each semester with multiple housing options including international residences and private rooms for rent. There are no on-campus housing options.

Arrival Information

International flights arrive directly to Carrasco International Airport, located 45 minutes outside the center of the city. Airport pick-up service is available and should be pre-arranged by the student with the Universidad de Montevideo International Student Office. The cost is US$30.

Another option is to fly into Buenos Aires and take the boat across the River Plate to Montevideo. Different ferry companies offer a bus-boat service between Montevideo and Buenos Aires.  

The University is fifteen minutes away from Tres Cruces Bus Terminal, where all long-distance coaches and buses serve many destinations in South America daily. 

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is MANDATORY to obtain all-encompassing health insurance for your entire period of stay before arriving in Uruguay.

Airfare (return):  CAD $1100 - $1800

Rent:  CAD $400 - $650 per month

Food:  CAD $400 - $450 per month

Textbooks:  CAD $200 per semester

Local Transportation:  CAD $125 per month