Scholarship in Colombia: Requirements and how to apply

Getting a scholarship to study in Colombia is possible, even if you’re an international student. Thanks to its high academic standards, Colombia’s education system has caught the attention of national and global organisations. These institutions have signed agreements and launched various programmes to promote professional, cultural, and innovative exchange. The goal is clear: To boost socio-economic development and foster mutual benefits between countries.

Many scholarships to study in Colombia cover tuition fees and even living expenses. This means significant savings and the chance to explore the country while advancing your career—all with your costs covered.

So, sit back and start reviewing the best scholarship options, general requirements, and a few essential tips to boost your chances.

The best scholarships to study in Colombia

Colombia’s education system is known for academic excellence. Institutions like Universidad Nacional and Universidad de los Andes stand out. According to Statista, Universidad de los Andes ranks sixth among the best universities in Latin America. It’s no surprise that many national and international organisations are eager to establish partnerships and create scholarship programmes in Colombia. These initiatives offer undergraduate, postgraduate, or specialised scholarships for both Colombian citizens and international students aiming to reach new professional goals. At Holafly, we’ll now dive into three top scholarship options you could apply for in 2025.

1. Colombia Scholarship for Foreigners – ICETEX

The Colombia Scholarship for Foreigners, managed by the Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior (ICETEX), aims to strengthen educational and cultural ties between Colombia and other countries. This programme is designed for international students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in top Colombian universities, such as specialisations, master’s degrees, or doctorates.

Partner institutions and international agreements

ICETEX partners with prestigious public and private universities in Colombia, including: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de los Andes and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. These partnerships ensure access to high-quality programmes in fields such as engineering, social sciences, health, and business administration.

On a global scale, ICETEX collaborates with initiatives like the Pacific Alliance (Mexico, Chile, and Peru) and maintains academic exchange agreements with institutions across Europe, Asia, and North America, offering valuable scholarship opportunities for foreigners interested in studying in Colombia.

Priority areas

The Colombia Scholarship for Foreigners prioritises fields like scientific research, technology, and innovation, but it also supports humanities, arts, and other specific disciplines, depending on the partner universities. These include:

1. Basic and applied sciences: Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering.
2. Social sciences: Economics, sociology, law, and political science.
3. Arts and humanities: Literature, visual arts, music, and design.
4. Technology and innovation: IT, artificial intelligence, and applied tech systems.
5. Health: Specialisations in medicine, public health, and nursing.

Programmes and scholarships offered

Alongside the Colombia Scholarship for Foreigners, ICETEX also provides several stand out funding programmes:

• Reciprocity Scholarship for Foreigners in Colombia: Focused on postgraduate studies such as specialisations, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
• Spanish language improvement scholarships: Short-term courses aimed at boosting Spanish skills and easing academic integration in Colombia.
• Academic mobility scholarships: For exchange stays at Colombian universities.
• Specific scholarships in strategic areas: Bilateral agreements with Spanish institutions.

Coverage and benefits:

• Full tuition fees for the selected programme.
• Monthly stipend equal to three legal minimum monthly wages in Colombia.
• Medical insurance covering both medical and hospital care.
• One-time financial aid for initial settlement expenses.
• Annual allowance for books and study materials.
• Courtesy visa (type “V”) processing fee covered.
• Cost of issuing the foreigner ID card included.

Duration of the scholarship

• Specialisations: Up to 18 months (three academic semesters).
• Master’s degrees: Up to 24 months (four academic semesters).
• Doctorates: Up to 48 months (eight academic semesters).
• Important: For programmes longer than one year, recipients must renew the scholarship annually. This requires maintaining a minimum GPA of 4.0 and submitting academic progress reports.

How to apply for the ICETEX scholarship to study in Colombia

The 2025 application period opened on 31 October 2024 and will close on 15 January 2025. It’s essential to apply within this timeframe, as all scholarship announcements and updates are published on the official ICETEX website.

General requirements for ICETEX scholarships in Colombia

• Be a foreign citizen with no Colombian nationality.
• Mustn’t have lived in Colombia in the six months prior to applying.
• Hold a minimum undergraduate GPA of 4.0/5.0.
• Present a final admission letter from a Colombian university.
• Submit all academic and professional certificates.
• Include a relevant academic essay aligned with your study interests.
• Hold a valid passport and provide a recent health certificate.
• Mustn’t have received this scholarship before.
• Maximum age to apply: 50 years.

Selection criteria for ICETEX scholarship (for foreign applicants)

• Academic excellence – 30%.
• Relevance of prior studies to the chosen programme – 30%.
• Professional experience – 20%.
• Geographic location of the host institution – 10%.
• Bilateral cooperation reciprocity – 10%.

All applicants must submit their information through the online platform available at: web.icetex.gov.co Be sure to prepare all documents in advance and apply before the deadline.

2. Scholarships Fundación Carolina

Since its arrival in Colombia in 2004, Fundación Carolina has supported over 3,500 people, strengthening academic and cultural ties between Ibero-America and Spain. The programme aims to promote professional development and academic mobility in key areas related to sustainable development, gender equality, and scientific innovation.

Key focus areas

These scholarships target strategic themes that align with global development goals, including: Environment (planet), human development (people), economic Innovation (prosperity), cooperation for peace and international partnerships.

Coverage and benefits:

• Full or partial tuition coverage.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses, typically around $600.
• Health insurance
• Round-trip airfare and installation expenses.
• In certain programmes, mobility support for researchers.

Featured programmes

The Fundación Carolina offers 185 academic programmes, covering master’s degrees, PhDs, short research stays and academic mobility In the 2024–2025 call, titled “ODS Scholarships That Change Lives”, 669 scholarships have been made available:

• 251 for postgraduate studies.
• 206 for doctoral programmes.
• 36 for faculty mobility in Brazil and Argentina.
• Special programmes like STEM for Female Graduates, aimed at reducing gender gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Who are these scholarships for?

• Postgraduate and PhD scholarships: For professionals from any field looking to continue their studies.
• Research stays: For academics planning short-term research in international institutions.
• Faculty mobility: For university professors interested in joining Ibero-American academic networks.
• Gender focus: Women are especially encouraged to apply for STEM-related programmes.

Institutional partnerships

Fundación Carolina collaborates with a wide network of universities and research centres across Ibero-America and Spain. In Colombia, partners include: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de los Andes and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. At the international level, it works with institutions in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, and in Spain, it partners with the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) to support researcher mobility.

How to apply for the Fundación Carolina scholarship

You must complete the application process through their official website: www.fundacioncarolina.es. Key dates for each programme are usually announced between January and April every year.

Requirements to apply for a Fundación Carolina scholarship

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a Latin American country that is part of the Ibero-American Community of Nations.
• Academic background: A university degree in a field related to the programme you’re applying for is required.
• Academic excellence: A strong academic record with a competitive GPA is essential.
• Work experience: Some programmes may require relevant professional experience in your field.
• CV: Submit a well-structured and up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter: Clearly explain your academic goals and how this scholarship supports your future plans.
• Proof of experience: Include documents verifying your professional background, if applicable.
• University acceptance letter: Required for certain calls, especially research-based programmes.
• Language: If the programme is in Spain, a good command of Spanish is essential. For English-taught programmes, you may need a TOEFL or IELTS certificate.
• Age: There’s no strict age limit, but your career stage should align with the scholarship level.

3. Fulbright scholarships in Colombia

The Fulbright Foundation is an international organisation established in 1946 by the United States Senate. Its mission is to promote mutual understanding between nations through educational exchanges.

In Colombia, the programme is run by the Fulbright Colombia Commission. It aims to encourage global leadership and social commitment through education and international cooperation. The Fulbright Colombia scholarships are available for international students who want to pursue postgraduate studies at recognised Colombian institutions.

Key focus areas

• Social sciences and Humanities
• Natural sciences
• Engineering and Technology
• Public health
• International development
• Education

Fulbright Colombia: Programmes and scholarships for studying in Colombia

1. Fulbright Master’s and PhD Scholarships: These scholarships cover full tuition, a monthly stipend, and additional benefits for international students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Colombia. They focus on key areas such as social sciences, engineering, health, and more.
2. Fulbright research scholarships: Aimed at researchers looking to conduct academic research in Colombia, this scholarship promotes collaboration between Colombian and international institutions.
3. Fulbright professional scholarships: Designed for professionals seeking advanced academic or professional training in Colombia. Ideal for those focused on social development and innovation.

Partnerships with national and international institutions

Fulbright Colombia has agreements with several prestigious national and international universities:

Coverage and benefits:

• Tuition exemption.
• Monthly stipend.
• Visa assistance.
• International health insurance.
• Access to the Fulbright alumni network.

General requirements for the Fulbright Colombia scholarship

• Undergraduate or professional degree
• Strong academic record.
• Professional experience: Demonstrated commitment to social impact or community-based projects.

Application process

1. Check the specific requirements for each programme on the official Fulbright Colombia website, https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org, as these requirements and eligibility processes vary according to the country of origin.
2. The application is done online and calls for applications for scholarships to study in Colombia are usually open from February to May each year. We recommend keeping a close eye on Colombia’s official scholarship portal to confirm the exact opening and closing dates.

Tips on how to get a scholarship in Colombia

1. Research scholarships specifically for Colombia

Colombia offers scholarships through both government and private institutions. One of the best ways to discover opportunities is by visiting the official websites of universities and organisations like Fulbright or ICETEX, which provide dedicated programmes for international students. It’s also a good idea to stay informed about scholarships offered by foreign governments for studying in Colombia, such as those from the European Union or the United States.

2. Prepare in advance

Many scholarships in Colombia require you to submit documents and meet both academic and social criteria. Make sure you have all the essentials ready—your academic degree, recommendation letters, and proof of your professional experience or social engagement. Additionally, if the scholarship requires language proficiency, secure the necessary certificate in advance, such as TOEFL for English or DELE for Spanish.

3. Showcase your social commitment and leadership

Scholarships in Colombia, like Fulbright, prioritise students with strong leadership potential and a clear social commitment. So, make sure to highlight any involvement in volunteering, community projects, or initiatives that have positively impacted your surroundings. These experiences can significantly strengthen your application and set you apart from other candidates.

4. Tailor your application to each programme’s requirements

Some scholarships in Colombia require a clear study plan and defined professional goals. Therefore, always customise your motivation letter and supporting documents to match the scholarship’s objectives. This shows the selection committee that your profile aligns perfectly with the programme’s mission.

Top universities to study in Colombia

1. Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá)

It’s one of Colombia’s most prestigious universities, especially recognised for its programmes in engineering, economics, social sciences, and law. Its master’s and PhD programmes are highly ranked in international university rankings.

2. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá)

With an excellent academic reputation, this university offers top programmes in medicine, social sciences, engineering, and psychology. It also places a strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility.

3. Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Bogotá)

It’s the largest public university and one of the most prestigious in the country. It’s renowned for its programmes in natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, and the arts. It offers excellent education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

4. Universidad del Valle (Cali)

The University of Valle is widely recognised for its academic excellence across multiple fields, especially engineering, health, social sciences, and culture. Its programmes are designed to blend theory with practical experience. With a strong regional focus, the university is committed to the social and economic development of southwest Colombia, aiming to shape professionals with a critical and responsible outlook.

Stay connected while studying in Colombia with Holafly. Don’t let your studies be interrupted while abroad. With Holafly’s Colombia eSIM, you’ll enjoy high-speed, unlimited data during your entire stay. Just activate it through the app before travelling and you’re good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions about scholarships to study in Colombia

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