Study in Colombia: Graduate School Guide

Published on October 24, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Studying in Colombia means immersing yourself in a vibrant world where cultural richness and academic excellence intertwine.

Colombian universities not only offer diverse programs but also unique opportunities to delve into disciplines ranging from engineering to Latin American literature.

From the dynamic city of Bogotá to the sunny coasts of Cartagena, each destination provides an educational experience accompanied by personal discoveries and intercultural growth.

Not to mention, of course, the relatively affordable cost of living, which allows international students to fully enjoy their stay.

For those looking to combine studies and adventure, Colombia stands out as a top destination.

Higher Education Landscape for Expatriates in Colombia

Overview of Higher Education for Expatriates in Colombia

Top Universities Hosting International Students

University	City	Features
Universidad Nacional de Colombia	Bogotá, Medellín, Manizales, etc.	Leading public institution, wide range of programs
Universidad de los Andes	Bogotá	Private university, highly reputable, dual degrees
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana	Bogotá, Cali	Excellent academic reputation
Universidad Externado de Colombia	Bogotá	Law, social sciences, international relations
Universidad de La Sabana	Chía	Foreign language programs, modern campus
Universidad EAN	Bogotá	Management and entrepreneurship programs

Over 30 Colombian universities rank among the top 300 in South America and attract many foreign students.

Programs and Courses Available for Expatriates

• Wide range of disciplines: engineering, marketing, finance, health, social sciences, political science, anthropology, etc.
• English-language programs: offerings in English remain limited, but some universities like Los Andes, La Sabana, or EAN offer courses or tracks in English, especially at the master’s level or for exchange programs.
• French-language tracks: sixteen universities offer programs or modules in French, often through partnerships with French institutions.
• Dual degrees and mobility: over 90 dual degree programs and numerous cooperation agreements facilitate international exchanges.

Admission Process for International Students

• Admission procedure:
  • Online application on the chosen university’s website.
  • Application package including previous diplomas, official Spanish translation, motivation letter, sometimes letter(s) of recommendation.
  • Proof of admission required for student visa application.
• Language requirements:
  • Most programs are in Spanish: a proficiency certificate (DELE B2) is often required.
  • For English-language programs, a TOEFL/IELTS score may be required.
• Degree recognition:
  • Foreign diplomas must be translated and sometimes apostilled.
  • France and Colombia have a mutual recognition agreement for university degrees, simplifying the process for French citizens.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Expatriates

• Colombian government scholarships: open to foreign students for master’s, doctoral, or specialization programs, typically covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.
• Institutional scholarships: some universities offer partial or full scholarships based on academic merit or study project.
• Mobility scholarships: through bilateral agreements or exchange programs.

Practical Considerations for Settling in Colombia as a Foreign Student

• Student visa:
  • Issued for one year, renewable, requires enrollment in a program of at least 10 hours/week, proof of financial means, and admission letter.
  • Simple procedure, cost around $40.
• Housing:
  • University residences, shared apartments, apartment rentals (prices vary by city).
  • Universities often provide assistance in finding housing.
• Cost of living:
  • On average lower than in Europe or North America.
  • Tuition fees between $6,000 and $15,000 per year.
• Support services:
  • Welcome for international students, Spanish courses, administrative assistance, psychological services, sports and cultural activities.

Cultural Experiences and Expatriate Networks

• International student networks: campus associations, welcome groups, integration events.
• Cultural life: festivals, gastronomy, music, sports, discovering Colombia’s regional diversity.
• Expatriate communities: presence of French-speaking, European, and international networks, facilitating integration and experience sharing.
• Enriching experience: linguistic and cultural immersion, opportunity to travel through a country rich in landscapes and traditions.

Studying in Colombia offers a unique combination of academic quality, international openness, affordable cost of living, and immersive cultural experience.

Admission Process and Recognition of International Degrees in Colombia

Legal and Administrative Framework

The admission of international students to higher education institutions in Colombia is governed by the National Ministry of Education, which sets general requirements, but each university may establish specific criteria.

Steps to Submit an Application

1. Verify the equivalence of the access diploma (baccalaureate or equivalent) and, if necessary, initiate the legalization procedure with the Ministry of Education.
2. Gather the documents required by the institution (transcripts, diplomas, motivation letter, ID copy, etc.).
3. Take, depending on the university, admission tests or interviews. Some programs require specific tests (medicine, music, arts, etc.).
4. Provide proof of admission to apply for a student visa.
5. Submit the student visa application with all supporting documents (see table below).
6. Provide proof of financial solvency for the duration of studies.

Table of Documents Generally Required for the Student Visa

Document	Detail/Note
Valid passport	At least 180 days validity, two blank pages
Admission letter	Issued by the Colombian institution
Proof of financial solvency	Bank certificate or bank statements from the last 6 months
ID photo	3×4 cm format, white background, jpg file max 300 kb
Parental authorization (minors)	Authenticated by notary or Colombian consulate
Proof of university enrollment	Signed form
Certificate of legal existence of the university	Official document

Language Requirements and Standardized Tests

• Proficiency in Spanish is essential. Some institutions require certification (e.g., DELE from the Cervantes Institute).
• For some programs, aptitude tests or interviews are required.
• Some universities accept scores from international tests (IB, SAT, ACT, French baccalaureate, etc.) for direct admission.

Deadlines to Respect

Admission procedures take place several months before the start of the academic year. Dates vary by university, but it is advisable to begin the process 6 to 12 months in advance.

The student visa application must be submitted as soon as the admission letter is obtained and early enough to avoid any delays at the start of the academic year.

Procedures for Recognition of International Degrees

• The legalization or validation of the access diploma (baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree) is done with the Colombian Ministry of Education.
• Some bilateral or multilateral agreements facilitate this recognition, particularly for European degrees (e.g., France, Germany), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or other recognized systems.
• Diplomas sometimes must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish.

Colombian Bodies Responsible for Evaluation and Accreditation

• National Ministry of Education: evaluation and legalization of foreign diplomas.
• University institutions: final validation for enrollment.

Common Challenges Faced by International Students

• Administrative delays for diploma legalization and translation.
• Lack of clear information on specific requirements of each university.
• Difficulties related to proof of financial solvency.
• Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
• Complexity of the visa procedure and risk of delays.

Practical Tips

• Start the process as early as possible (1 year before the desired start date).
• Contact the international admissions office of the chosen university directly to clarify criteria and obtain the updated list of required documents.
• Anticipate the translation and legalization of diplomas with the competent authorities.
• Prepare a solid financial file (bank statements, guarantees).
• Inquire about possible scholarships or financial aid available.
• Look into language preparation courses if necessary.
• Check possibilities for extending stay and rules regarding visas (especially for stays under 6 months or exchanges).

Scholarships and Funding for Expatriates in Colombia

Types of Scholarships Available for Expatriate Students in Colombia

Government Scholarships (ICETEX)

• Full tuition fee exemption
• Monthly stipend equivalent to three legal minimum wages
• Comprehensive medical assistance (hospital care and repatriation)
• One-time installation allowance
• Contribution for books and academic materials
• Coverage of visa and foreigner ID card fees
• Intensive Spanish courses for non-Spanish speakers

University Scholarships

• Some Colombian universities offer their own scholarships, often for top-performing international students or based on social criteria
• Tuition fee reduction, housing, or other benefits

Scholarships from International Organizations

• Organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Development Bank, or international NGOs may offer targeted scholarships (usually for master’s or doctoral programs)
• Partial or full support depending on the program

Common Eligibility Criteria

• Be a foreign citizen, without Colombian nationality
• Not reside in Colombia at the time of application nor have resided there in the last 6 months
• Not have been a beneficiary of the same program before
• Be under 50 years old
• Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a GPA of at least 4.0/5.0 according to the Colombian system
• Definitive admission to a Colombian higher education institution
• Motivation letter and prioritization of programs
• Submission of academic documents (certified diploma, transcripts, admission letter)

Application Process

• Online submission via the official ICETEX platform or the relevant university’s website
• Upload of required documents (admission letter, diplomas, transcripts, motivation letter)
• Evaluation of applications and publication of results on the official website
• Obtaining the admission letter and instructions for the student visa

Other Funding Options

Student Loans

ICETEX also offers educational loans, accessible to some foreign students under conditions

On-Campus Jobs

Some Colombian universities offer student employment opportunities, usually part-time in libraries, laboratories, or administrative services

Paid Internships

Opportunity to undertake academic internships in partner companies or research laboratories, often paid

Practical Tips to Maximize Chances of Obtaining Funding

• Prepare a strong academic file with a high GPA and recommendations
• Write a personalized motivation letter, demonstrating the impact of the study project on personal and professional development
• Prioritize programs based on relevance and admission chances
• Strictly respect application deadlines
• Search and apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously
• Use official platforms and regularly check scholarship announcements

Useful Platforms and Resources

Platform	Type of Information	Available Language
ICETEX	Government scholarships, loans	Spanish
EduCanada	International scholarships	French, English
Mina7 Portal	Study scholarships in Colombia	French, English
Universities	Own scholarships, campus jobs	Spanish, sometimes English

Examples of useful links:

• https://web.icetex.gov.co/becas/beca.colombia-extranjeros
• https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/non_can/index.aspx?lang=fra
• https://mina7portal.com/opportunit%C3%A9s/bourse-detude-en-colombie/programme-premier-cycle

Testimonials from International Students

“Thanks to the ICETEX scholarship, I was able to cover all my tuition and living expenses. The intensive Spanish courses allowed me to integrate quickly, and the monthly stipend was sufficient to live in Bogotá. I was also able to complete a paid internship at a company partnered with the university, which enriched my professional experience.”

“I obtained a university scholarship that covered half of my tuition fees. For the rest, I worked at the campus library and found a paid internship in a research laboratory. The diversity of funding options in Colombia is a real asset for international students.”

Key takeaway:
To maximize your chances, prepare your application in advance, target multiple funding sources, and regularly consult official platforms for new opportunities.

Impact of International Education on Expatriates’ Careers

Students who have completed an academic stay in Colombia develop intercultural skills particularly sought after in the global job market. Immersion in a multicultural society and attendance at international schools enable the acquisition of:

• Adaptability to varied and complex environments
• Mastery of local cultural codes and the ability to navigate between different social and professional norms
• An open-minded attitude and increased tolerance, thanks to exposure to diverse perspectives
• Skills in conflict resolution and intercultural communication, useful in international teams

Learning Spanish in Colombia significantly enriches professional opportunities:

• Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world, providing access to growing markets in Latin America, Spain, and the United States
• International companies value Spanish-English bilingualism, particularly in sectors like finance, international trade, tourism, NGOs, and education

Alumni Testimonials

“After my master’s in Bogotá, I joined a technology company based in Medellín. Understanding local cultural dynamics allowed me to lead regional projects.”

“My experience at an international school in Cali gave me access to an alumni network, facilitating my integration into a multinational company in Madrid.”

“Thanks to the Spanish I learned during my stay, I was able to secure a project management position in an NGO operating between Colombia and Mexico.”

Sectors in Colombia Benefiting from the Influence of Alumni Who Studied in the Country

Sector	Examples of Impact from International Alumni
Technology / IT	Startup creation, development of multilingual services
Energy and Mining	Management of transnational projects, technical expertise
International Trade	Development of subsidiaries and strategic alliances
Tourism and Hospitality	Market opening and international attractiveness
Education	Pedagogical innovation, international academic exchanges
NGOs and Sustainable Development	Regional cooperation, management of intercultural programs

Statistics on Employability of Expatriates After Studying in Colombia

• Over 85% of international graduates find employment within 6 to 12 months after completing their studies, in Colombia or internationally
• Alumni who developed bilingual skills (Spanish-English) benefit from a salary premium of 10 to 25% compared to their monolingual peers
• Colombian and international employers consider academic experience in Colombia as a differentiating asset for positions with an international dimension

Economic and Sectoral Differences: Colombia vs Other Study Destinations

Criterion	Colombia	Other Destinations (Canada, Europe, USA)
Economic Fabric	Emerging market, strong regional growth	Mature market, increased technological innovation
Leading Sectors	Energy, agriculture, IT, commerce, tourism	Finance, health, engineering, research
Networking	Strong local and regional anchoring	Diversified global networks
Language	Spanish, English in international schools	English, French, German, etc.
Cultural Integration	Strong Latin American immersion	Global diversity, but sometimes closed communities

Tips to Maximize the Impact of an Educational Experience in Colombia on an International Career

• Get involved in local and international projects to expand your network
• Highlight acquired intercultural and linguistic skills on your resume
• Join alumni associations and professional networks
• Target growing sectors where knowledge of the Latin American context is an asset
• Stay informed about professional mobility opportunities between Colombia and other world regions

The educational experience in Colombia is not just academic training: it constitutes a strategic lever for an international career, combining competence, network, and openness.