Affordable Education: Compared to many Western countries, Panama offers relatively affordable tuition fees and living costs. This makes it an attractive destination for students seeking high-quality education without the heavy financial burden.
High-Quality Education: Panama's universities and medical schools are known for providing quality education in health sciences. Many institutions have modern facilities, experienced faculty, and are recognized by international bodies, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.
Cultural and Clinical Diversity: Panama is a melting pot of cultures, which enriches the student experience both academically and socially. The country’s diverse population also means students gain experience in treating a wide range of medical conditions and working with various cultural backgrounds, which is invaluable in healthcare.
Bilingual Education: Many universities in Panama offer programs in both Spanish and English. This bilingual approach not only helps students become proficient in a second language but also prepares them to work in diverse, multilingual environments globally.
Strategic Location: Panama's geographical location makes it a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. This is beneficial for students interested in global health issues, tropical medicine, and gaining experience in a region with diverse health challenges.
Strong Healthcare System: Panama has a well-developed healthcare system, providing students with ample opportunities for clinical placements, internships, and hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Post-Graduation Opportunities: After graduation, students have opportunities to work in Panama’s healthcare system or pursue further studies. The country’s strategic location and growing healthcare industry make it an attractive place for both study and work.
Accreditation and Recognition: Many medical and nursing programs in Panama are accredited and recognized by international organizations, ensuring that degrees are respected worldwide. This opens up opportunities for graduates to practice medicine or nursing in other countries.
Global Networking: Studying in Panama offers the chance to build a global network with peers, professors, and healthcare professionals from various countries, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities.
Quality of Life: Panama is known for its high quality of life, safety, and stability. The country offers a pleasant living environment with a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and a range of activities, contributing to a balanced and fulfilling student life.
University |
Course Program |
Specialization |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
|
|
Medicine |
Surgery |
|
|
Medicine |
Pediatrics |
|
|
Medicine |
Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
|
Medicine |
Internal Medicine |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
|
|
Nursing |
Pediatric Nursing |
|
|
Nursing |
Obstetric Nursing |
|
|
Nursing |
Community Health Nursing |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
|
|
Medicine |
Family Medicine |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
|
|
Nursing |
Surgical Nursing |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
|
Columbus University |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
|
|
Nursing |
Emergency Nursing |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Nursing |
General Nursing |
|
|
Nursing |
Critical Care Nursing |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Health Science |
Public Health |
|
|
Health Science |
Environmental Health |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
|
|
Nursing |
Community Health Nursing |
University |
Course Program |
Program Type |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Medicine |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Medicine |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Columbus University |
Medicine |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Medicine |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Nursing |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Health Science |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Medicine |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Bachelor's Degree |
Spanish |
4 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Columbus University |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Nursing |
General Nursing |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
6 years |
|
|
Nursing |
General Nursing |
Spanish |
4 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Medicine |
Internal Medicine |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Medicine |
Surgery |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Advanced Nursing Practice |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Medicine |
Family Medicine |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Nursing Administration |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Epidemiology |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Columbus University |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Critical Care Nursing |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Nursing Education |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Health Administration |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Nursing |
Nursing Management |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Health Science |
Environmental Health |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Medicine |
General Medicine |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
|
Nursing |
Community Health Nursing |
Spanish |
2 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
PhD in Medicine |
Medical Sciences |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
|
PhD in Nursing |
Nursing Research |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
|
PhD in Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
PhD in Medicine |
Clinical Research |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
|
PhD in Health Science |
Epidemiology |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
Columbus University |
PhD in Medicine |
Biomedical Research |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
|
PhD in Nursing |
Advanced Nursing Practice |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
PhD in Medicine |
Translational Medicine |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
|
PhD in Health Science |
Health Policy and Management |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
PhD in Health Science |
Global Health |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
PhD in Medicine |
Medical Sciences |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
|
PhD in Nursing |
Nursing Education |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Diploma in Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
|
Diploma in Nursing |
Community Health Nursing |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Diploma in Health Science |
Epidemiology |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
|
Diploma in Nursing |
Pediatric Nursing |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
Columbus University |
Diploma in Health Science |
Environmental Health |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
|
Diploma in Nursing |
Emergency Nursing |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Diploma in Health Science |
Health Services Management |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
|
Diploma in Nursing |
Surgical Nursing |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Diploma in Nursing |
Critical Care Nursing |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Diploma in Health Science |
Public Health |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Diploma in Health Science |
Occupational Health |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
|
Diploma in Nursing |
Gerontological Nursing |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Short Course in Health Science |
Public Health Workshops |
Spanish |
6 months |
|
|
Short Course in Medicine |
Tropical Medicine |
Spanish |
6 months |
|
|
Short Course in Nursing |
Community Health Nursing |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Short Course in Health Science |
Epidemiology Basics |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
|
Short Course in Nursing |
Pediatric Nursing |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
Columbus University |
Short Course in Medicine |
Clinical Research Techniques |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
|
Short Course in Nursing |
Emergency Care |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Short Course in Health Science |
Health Services Management |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
|
Short Course in Nursing |
Surgical Nursing Techniques |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Short Course in Nursing |
Critical Care Nursing |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Short Course in Health Science |
Occupational Health |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Short Course in Health Science |
Environmental Health |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
|
|
Short Course in Nursing |
Gerontological Nursing |
Spanish |
3-6 months |
University |
Course Programs Offered |
|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Medicine (General Medicine) |
|
|
Nursing (General Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Community Health Nursing) |
|
|
Health Science (Public Health) |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Medicine (General Medicine, Family Medicine) |
|
|
Nursing (General Nursing, Pediatric Nursing) |
|
|
Health Science (Public Health, Epidemiology) |
|
Columbus University |
Medicine (General Medicine) |
|
|
Nursing (General Nursing, Emergency Nursing) |
|
|
Health Science (Environmental Health) |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Medicine (General Medicine) |
|
|
Nursing (General Nursing, Surgical Nursing) |
|
|
Health Science (Public Health, Health Services Management) |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Nursing (General Nursing, Critical Care Nursing) |
|
|
Health Science (Public Health) |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Health Science (Public Health, Occupational Health) |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Medicine (General Medicine) |
|
|
Nursing (General Nursing, Gerontological Nursing) |
|
|
Health Science (Occupational Health, Environmental Health) |
University |
Course Program |
Intake Period |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Medicine |
January, July |
|
|
Nursing |
January, July |
|
|
Health Science |
January, July |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Medicine |
January, July |
|
|
Nursing |
January, July |
|
|
Health Science |
January, July |
|
Columbus University |
Medicine |
January, July |
|
|
Nursing |
January, July |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Medicine |
January, July |
|
|
Nursing |
January, July |
|
|
Health Science |
January, July |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Nursing |
January, July |
|
|
Health Science |
January, July |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Health Science |
January, July |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Medicine |
January, July |
|
|
Nursing |
January, July |
|
|
Health Science |
January, July |
University |
Course Program |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Medicine |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
|
Nursing |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Health Science |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Medicine |
$4,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Nursing |
$2,500 - $3,500 |
|
|
Health Science |
$2,500 - $3,500 |
|
Columbus University |
Medicine |
$3,500 - $4,500 |
|
|
Nursing |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
|
Health Science |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
Interamerican University of Panama (Universidad Interamericana de Panamá) |
Medicine |
$4,000 - $5,500 |
|
|
Nursing |
$2,500 - $3,500 |
|
|
Health Science |
$2,500 - $3,500 |
|
Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) |
Nursing |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
|
Health Science |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
American University of Panama (Universidad Americana) |
Health Science |
$2,500 - $3,500 |
|
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí) |
Medicine |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
|
Nursing |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Health Science |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
Course Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Medicine (Bachelor's) |
High school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). |
|
|
Passing score on university entrance examination (may include subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). |
|
|
Proficiency in Spanish (most programs are taught in Spanish). |
|
|
Letters of recommendation (optional but preferred). |
|
Nursing (Bachelor's) |
High school diploma or equivalent, preferably with a focus on biology or health sciences. |
|
|
Passing score on entrance examination or university-specific nursing test. |
|
|
Proficiency in Spanish (most programs are taught in Spanish). |
|
|
Some universities may require an interview or personal statement. |
|
Health Science (Bachelor's) |
High school diploma or equivalent with a focus on sciences or related subjects. |
|
|
Proficiency in Spanish (most programs are taught in Spanish). |
|
|
Passing score on university entrance examination. |
|
Medicine (Master's/PhD) |
Bachelor's degree in Medicine or a related field from a recognized institution. |
|
|
Proficiency in Spanish (if the program is taught in Spanish). |
|
|
Work experience in the medical field (preferred but not always mandatory). |
|
|
Passing score on relevant entrance examinations (depending on the program). |
|
|
Letters of recommendation and a personal statement. |
|
Nursing (Master's/PhD) |
Bachelor's degree in Nursing or a related field from a recognized institution. |
|
|
Proficiency in Spanish (if the program is taught in Spanish). |
|
|
Relevant work experience in nursing or healthcare (preferred). |
|
|
Passing score on relevant entrance examinations (depending on the program). |
|
|
Letters of recommendation and a personal statement. |
|
Health Science (Master's/PhD) |
Bachelor's degree in Health Science, Public Health, or a related field from a recognized institution. |
|
|
Proficiency in Spanish (if the program is taught in Spanish). |
|
|
Relevant work experience in health science or public health (preferred). |
|
|
Passing score on relevant entrance examinations (depending on the program). |
|
|
Letters of recommendation and a personal statement. |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Applicable Courses |
Coverage |
Offered By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IFARHU Scholarships |
Panamanian and international students. |
Health Science, Medicine, Nursing |
Full or partial tuition, living expenses |
Institute for the Training and Use of Human Resources (IFARHU) |
|
|
Academic excellence and financial need. |
|
|
|
|
Senacyt Scholarships |
Panamanian and international students with high academic merit. |
Medicine, Health Science |
Tuition fees, research funding |
National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) |
|
|
Must be enrolled in a recognized Panamanian university. |
|
|
|
|
University-specific Scholarships (e.g., Universidad de Panamá, Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Varies by university; often based on academic merit, financial need, or specific fields of study. |
Medicine, Nursing, Health Science |
Tuition discounts, full/partial scholarships |
Individual universities |
|
OAS Academic Scholarship Program |
Students from OAS member states (including Panama). |
Medicine, Nursing, Health Science |
Tuition, travel expenses, living costs |
Organization of American States (OAS) |
|
|
Must meet specific academic and professional criteria. |
|
|
|
|
Alianza para la Educación Scholarships |
Latin American students pursuing higher education in Panama. |
Medicine, Nursing, Health Science |
Tuition fees |
Alianza para la Educación |
|
|
Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. |
|
|
|
|
Fulbright Program (for U.S. students) |
U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies or research in Panama. |
Medicine, Nursing, Health Science |
Tuition, living expenses, travel costs |
U.S. Department of State |
|
Erasmus+ Program (for European students) |
European students enrolled in partner universities in Panama. |
Medicine, Nursing, Health Science |
Tuition fees, living expenses, travel |
European Union |
|
Banco Nacional de Panamá Scholarship Program |
Panamanian students with financial need and academic excellence. |
Medicine, Nursing, Health Science |
Tuition fees, living expenses |
Banco Nacional de Panamá |
Field |
Potential Careers |
Average Salary (USD/year) |
Career Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Medicine |
General Practitioner |
$25,000 - $50,000 |
- Private practice, public hospitals, clinics, government health services. |
|
|
Specialist Physician (e.g., Cardiologist, Surgeon) |
$40,000 - $80,000 |
- Specialist hospitals, private clinics, teaching hospitals, research institutions. |
|
|
Medical Researcher |
$30,000 - $60,000 |
- Research institutions, universities, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies. |
|
|
Public Health Administrator |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
- Government agencies, international organizations (e.g., WHO, PAHO), NGOs. |
|
|
Medical Educator |
$20,000 - $40,000 |
- Universities, medical schools, healthcare training institutions. |
|
Nursing |
Registered Nurse |
$15,000 - $30,000 |
- Public and private hospitals, clinics, community health centers. |
|
|
Nurse Practitioner |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
- Specialized clinics, private practice, hospitals, community health settings. |
|
|
Nursing Educator |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
- Nursing schools, universities, healthcare training programs. |
|
|
Critical Care Nurse |
$20,000 - $40,000 |
- Intensive care units, emergency departments, trauma centers. |
|
|
Public Health Nurse |
$18,000 - $35,000 |
- Community health centers, government health programs, NGOs. |
|
Health Science |
Public Health Officer |
$20,000 - $40,000 |
- Government health departments, NGOs, international health organizations. |
|
|
Epidemiologist |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
- Research institutions, government health departments, public health organizations. |
|
|
Health Services Manager |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
- Hospitals, healthcare facilities, health insurance companies, government agencies. |
|
|
Environmental Health Specialist |
$20,000 - $40,000 |
- Environmental protection agencies, public health departments, NGOs. |
|
|
Health Policy Analyst |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
- Government agencies, think tanks, international organizations, advocacy groups. |
