Latin America is currently the world's fastest-growing region in terms of the number of students attending colleges and universities in the United States. The latest report showed the region is dramatically increasing the flow of students to American schools thanks to Brazil and Mexico, the nations that have ended their decades-long of relative academic isolation, Vida en El Valle noted.

Brazil and Mexico have recently started their ambitious government scholarship programs, which send thousands of students to the U.S. and European educational facilities. But Latin America still is not rising as fast as Asian countries like China and India. And one reason cited is the language barrier. While Asians can easily aced the English proficiency tests, Hispanic students are still struggling.

In an era of globalization, high-quality education became more significant as the most highly-skilled and most productive workers are much preferred. But the quality of education in most parts of Latin America has been stagnant. Hence, many students are seeking education in the United States.  

Fortunately, QS World University Rankings (via Top Universities), one of the three best-known rankings of the world's best universities, have named the top 10 leading educational institutions in Latin America for students who opt to stay closer home while learning.

1. Universidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Located in the city of Sao Paulo, this university is one of the most prestigious institutions in Brazil. It is home to almost 90,000 students and the alma mater of 12 Brazilian presidents.

2. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Brazil)

Established in 1966, it is one of the world's leading young universities that caters almost 37,000 students. It is one of the top educational institutions in the world for agriculture, dentistry, electrical and electronic engineering.

3. Pontifica Universidad Catolica de Chile (Chile)

Established in 1888, it is considered as one of the oldest universities located across three campuses in Santiago. This private institution currently has 22,000 students enrolled and is best known for its agriculture and forestry, architecture, art and design, education and training, law and legal studies, and philosophy programs.

4. Universidad de Chile (Chile)

Established in 1843, it is the highest-ranking public universities in Chile. It is located across five campuses in Santiago and sits on over 1.7 million square meters of land, which incorporate museums, theaters, healthcare facilities and sport centers.

5. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

With over 53,000 students enrolled, this university ranks highest for its development studies program. The institution also owns several museums, nine hospitals, many laboratories and research facilities and a total of 43 libraries.

Also included on the top 10 list of universities in Latin America are Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Mexico), Universidad de Los Andes Colombia (Colombia), Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (Brazil), Tec de Monterrey (Mexico) and Universidade de Brasilia (Brazil).