Requirements to Study High School in Panama as a Foreigner
Panama provides an outstanding opportunity for foreigners to pursue their high school studies. Panama is quite charming for students because of its low living costs and affordable institutes. Therefore, students from around 100 countries are enjoying this learning environment.
This guide will provide you with all the information an international high school student needs to know before applying to a high school in Panama. So, let us discuss all the prerequisites below in detail:
Language Requirements
The medium of education in Panama is English. Therefore, students wishing to start their high school in Panama must demonstrate a working comprehension of English.
Age Requirement
If the Student is above 14 Years of Age
The student needs to provide a birth certificate or any other equivalent documentation if aged 14 or above to establish proof of their age. You can enroll in the 9th-grade once you fulfill this requirement because 14 is considered an “appropriate age” for the 9th-grade enrollment.
If the Student is below 14 Years of Age
You’ll need to provide certain documents if the student’s age is below 14 to establish their academic credibility and maturity. You can provide any of the following documents for proof:
- A middle school transcript, grade report, or any equivalent document
- Standardized test score at the 8th-grade level or higher (preferably the IOWA test)
- Homeschooling portfolio
- Certificate of middle school completion or any equivalent document
Transcript Evaluation
You do not require a transcript evaluation if you have studied in the US. However, you need to get it verified from the Student Support Department if you have completed your studies outside of the US.
This evaluation requires resources because the experts have to research foreign qualifications and check if they fulfill their criteria. Therefore, students need to pay a fee of around $180 for this process.
Moreover, if the transcript is in any language other than English, its translation to English requires additional fees. The evaluation process requires 15 business days but can take longer than that too. You can always contact Student Services if you encounter any issues.
Credit Transfer
Sometimes, students want to enroll in a new school and want credits from their previous school to be counted. There is no transcript evaluation fee for students who have earned credits in a US high school.
Students who have earned high school credits outside of the US need to submit fees for transcript evaluation. The experts will check if there is any possibility of a transfer after carefully evaluating a student’s credentials.
Some Caveats to Remember
Countries facing US embargoes or those in a non-compete agreement with Keystone Inc. cannot enroll their students in the Panamian education system.
Concluding Remarks
You are now aware of all the requirements students need to meet before enrolling in a Panamian high school. Please ensure you have all the required documents & credentials to avoid any mishaps at the time of enrollment.
We hope this guide helps you learn everything you need to know about the process and wish you the best of luck!
