Native Amazonian Student Tops Peru's Beca 18 Scholarship, Chooses Regional Medical Studies

Gemali Ferroa Zevallos, a 21-year-old student from Junín, Peru, has achieved the highest national rank in the second call for the 2026 Beca 18 scholarship program. Her accomplishment is particularly significant as she hails from a native Amazonian community and has committed to pursuing her medical studies within her region to benefit her homeland.

Originally from the Cushiviani native Amazonian community in the Río Negro district of Satipo province, Gemali demonstrated exceptional effort and dedication to secure this scholarship. Instead of seeking opportunities outside her locality, she opted to enroll in Human Medicine at the National University of the Center of Peru. She expressed her determination, stating, "This is a great support for my professional training, and I will fulfill my professional goals to serve my community and my country."

Her mother shared in her joy, having supported Gemali's application under the Native Amazonian Communities modality. The Minister of Education, María Esther Cuadros, lauded Gemali's story as an inspiration for young people across Peru, especially those striving for their goals from rural areas and indigenous communities.

Gemali's decision reflects a broader trend among scholarship recipients. According to the Ministry of Education, 2,777 winners from the second 2026 Beca 18 call chose to remain in their respective regions for higher education. This figure represents 77% of the newly selected students and underscores a commitment to decentralized development within Peru. Junín stands out as the second region with the most awardees in this stage, counting 273 selected students.

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This is a great support for my professional training, and I will fulfill my professional goals to serve my community and my country.