Top student cities in Panama

Panama’s a very attractive destination for those seeking an academic experience in Latin America, and choosing the right city is key to making the most of it. In this article, we tell you which are the top student cities in Panama as an international student, taking into account the quality of their universities, the student lifestyle, and the accommodation options available.

 

From large urban centres with international appeal to quieter, more accessible towns, each destination offers a different experience. As an online student accommodation platform, we help you compare these cities and find the ideal place to live during your academic career in Panama.

 

Panama City

Panama City is the country's main academic destination and the city that receives the most international students. Its cosmopolitan profile, concentration of universities, and wide range of cultural and employment opportunities make it the most comprehensive option for studying in Panama, especially for those seeking a dynamic urban experience.

 

Pros and cons of studying in City of Panama

Living and studying in Panama City offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.

 

Pros of studying in City of Panama

• International atmosphere, with students of different nationalities.
• Wider range of public and private universities in the country.
• Ample opportunities for internships, employment, and networking.

 

Cons of studying in City of Panama

• It’s the most expensive city in the country to live in.
• Heavy traffic during rush hour.

 

Top Universities in City of Panama

The capital is home to the largest number of prestigious universities in the country.

 

Universidad de Panamá (University of Panama)

This is the country's leading public institution. It’s renowned for its wide range of academic programmes, its historical significance at the national level, and for welcoming local and international students every year.

Learn all about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the University of Panama.

 

Student housing in Panama City

Panama City has the highest rental costs in the country. To make their stay more affordable, students often choose rooms in shared flats. These typically range from USD $500 to 800 per month.

 

If you’d like to see all the available options, please consult our guide to student housing in Panama City.

 

David

David, capital of the province of Chiriquí, is the second most important city for studying in Panama. It offers a quieter and more accessible environment than the capital, ideal for students seeking a relaxed pace of life and a more local experience.

 

Pros and cons of studying in David

Being a student in David has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

 

Pros of studying in David

• It’s more affordable than Panama City.
• A more peaceful and intimate atmosphere, with less congestion and noise.
• Good balance between academic life and nature, with easy access to green spaces.

 

Cons of studying in David

• Lower presence of international students.
• Fewer options for leisure and nightlife.

 

Top Universities in David

Among the institutions based in this city, one stands out.

 

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (Autonomous University of Chiriquí)

UNACHI is the most important institution in the city and one of the most renowned in the interior of the country, with a wide range of academic programmes. It has a large campus in the El Cabrero area of the city.

 

Student housing in David

Rent for students in David is usually more affordable than in the capital. Rooms in shared flats typically cost between USD $300-500 per month, making the city an attractive alternative for those who prioritise a tighter budget without compromising on quality of life.

 

Bocas del Toro, Santiago and Chitré

Bocas del Toro, Santiago, and Chitré are cities that offer an alternative to Panama's large urban centres. Although they receive fewer international students, they stand out for their peaceful atmosphere, strong local identity, and more affordable cost of living. This makes them interesting options for those seeking a more intimate and less crowded academic experience.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Bocas del Toro, Santiago and Chitré

Studying in Bocas del Toro, Santiago, and Chitré can be very enriching, although you’ll also encounter some more complicated aspects.

 

Pros of studying in Bocas del Toro, Santiago and Chitré

• The cost of living and rent are lower than in the capital.
• Relaxed pace of life and quieter surroundings.
• Greater immersion in local Panamanian culture.

 

Cons of studying in Bocas del Toro, Santiago and Chitré

• Limited university offerings compared to the capital.
• Fewer international students.
• Less variety of leisure options, services, and nightlife.

 

Top Universities in Bocas del Toro, Santiago and Chitré

Santiago de Veraguas is home to the campuses of the University of Panama and the Technological University of Panama, making the city one of the main academic centres in the interior of the country. Chitré has regional campuses of the University of Panama and other private institutions, with educational offerings mainly geared towards the Azuero region. Bocas del Toro, for its part, has smaller university centres and programmes, in many cases linked to tourism, the environment and sustainable development, generally as extensions of national universities.

 

Student housing in Bocas del Toro, Santiago, and Chitré

Living in these cities is usually much more affordable than in the capital, including accommodation costs. Rooms in shared flats generally cost between £200 and £350 per month, depending on the city, location and type of accommodation.

 

Find accommodation in Panama City with Erasmus Play

This country offers different options for those who wish to pursue university studies in Panama, adapting to different profiles and needs. Among the best cities to study in Panama, Panama City ranks as the top destination for international students thanks to its wide range of academic programmes, multicultural environment, and professional opportunities, while David stands out as a quieter and more accessible alternative.

 

For their part, cities such as Bocas del Toro, Santiago, and Chitré represent complementary options, ideal for students who prioritise a lower cost of living, a calmer pace, and greater immersion in the local culture. Whichever city you choose, finding good accommodation is key to a satisfying academic experience, and as an online accommodation platform for students, we help you find the option that best suits your stay in Panama.

Other guides on studying and living in Panama City

Here you can find more information about this destination:

• Studying in Panama