How do internships and placements work in Uruguay?
Internships and placements in Uruguay
In Uruguay, the words “práctica” and “pasantía” can refer to different experiences: a curricular activity, a training placement in a company or a call for interns from a public body. To understand the conditions, you need to identify the specific scheme and the involvement of your educational institution.
There is no single duration, form of payment or entry route that can be applied to all cases. Before accepting an offer, ask what document you are going to sign, what learning is expected and how the experience will be recognized as part of your training.
Which regulations you should check now
The Law 20.506, published in July 2026, repealed certain articles of Law 19.973, but did not eliminate that regulation entirely. Articles 29 to 35, referring to training placements, are not included in the listed repeal. For that reason, you need to consult the updated texts and avoid guides based only on old provisions.
Article 30 of Law 19.973 covers company-based training placements for students between fifteen and twenty-nine years old. It provides for conditions agreed in writing between the educational institution and the company, approval by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and registration with the social security agencies.
Can there be unpaid placements?
The Article 31 on unpaid training placements provides for exceptional authorization from the MTSS for private companies and non-state public entities. It sets as general limits 120 hours and 50% of the total hourly load of the course or degree.
The same provision states that educational institutions should request a justified authorization if they need to exceed those limits, subject to evaluation by the competent ministries. It is not a decision that a company can make unilaterally just because the student agrees.
Therefore, if an offer advertises an unpaid placement, ask what authorization and program support it. Also confirm transportation, materials and other expenses.
Insurance, mentoring and follow-up
For the internships covered by that system, Article 32 of Law 19,973 requires coverage for workplace accidents and occupational diseases from Banco de Seguros del Estado, for both paid and unpaid internships.
Ask them to explain who manages the coverage, from what date it is in effect, and what to do if an accident occurs. When there are field, laboratory, or workshop tasks, also ask about induction, protection, and activities allowed according to your training.
Mentoring should also be specific. Before starting, meet the person who will supervise the work and the academic contact. Agree on how to raise questions and review progress.
How university curricular internships work
Academic conditions depend on each degree: required progress, permitted activities, workload, evaluation, and documentation. Check with the coordination of the university department and verify approval before counting hours.
One example is the information from the Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y de Administración de Udelar on job opportunities and curricular internships. The faculty distinguishes between student situations and procedures for incorporating experiences into training.
If you are already working, ask if there is a way to have that activity evaluated academically. Do not assume that a job replaces an internship. A specific project, teaching supervision, or evidence of competencies related to the study plan may be required.
Nor should you assume that all institutions use the same system. A Udelar procedure does not determine the conditions at UTEC, at a tertiary institution, or at a private university. Always check the regulations of the program in which you are enrolled.
Scholarship holders and interns in public agencies
State calls for applications have their own rules and may require a specific student or graduate status. The Oficina Nacional del Servicio Civil gathers information on scholarship holders and interns that helps identify this area.
Read each call for applications in full: eligible education, documentation, selection stages, schedule, duration and compensation. A listing available online may be closed; check the dates and communications from the organization before preparing your application.
Selection for a public internship does not guarantee a permanent position. Evaluate the opportunity for its content, conditions and learning.
Examples of tasks linked to different areas
These examples are for guidance only and need to be adapted to your academic level and the approved plan:
- Production and environment: record field observations, organize samples and help with a report under technical supervision.
- Economics: organize data, compare indicators and document the sources used in an analysis.
- Business Management: study an administrative procedure and propose justified improvements.
- Computer Science: help with testing, documentation or support for a solution with review by the team.
Ask what feedback you will receive and what deliverable is expected at the end. Knowing the expected outcome lets you evaluate whether the internship relates to your interests and whether you will have tools to learn.
How to prepare and wrap up the experience
Put together a brief resume with your education, academic progress and relevant projects. Explain your specific contribution and avoid presenting a classroom activity as employment. If the call asks for academic records or other certificates, request them in advance.
During the internship, keep the agreement, record activities and raise any schedule or duties issues from the start. At the end, ask for an evaluation and certificate. Confirm what documentation your institution needs to approve the curricular requirement.
Before including materials or samples produced in this experience, check the terms of use and confidentiality. You can explain the problem and your working method without publishing confidential data. That reflection also helps you decide which area of the career you want to explore next.
