Higher education in Colombia is divided into two levels: undergraduate and postgraduate education.

The bachelor's level, in turn, has three levels of training:

• Technical Professional level (related to Technical Professional programs).
• Technological level (related to technological programs).
• Professional level (related to professional programs of universities).

Postgraduate education includes the following levels:

• Specializations (related to programs of technical professional specialization, technological specialization and professional specialization).
• Master's degrees.
• Doctoral degrees.

For admission to the bachelor's level of Colombian higher education, it is necessary to confirm a complete secondary education and provide the results of a state test administered by ICFES or its equivalent in other countries, in addition to the requirements specified separately by each higher education institution

Student visa

The Colombia student visa is for international students who want to enroll in an academic program at a school or university in Colombia. To get a student visa, you must be enrolled in a public or private educational institution.

This institute must be recognized by the Colombian government. Most universities in Colombia are recognized and approved for a Colombian student visa. In addition, your academic plan should be at least 10 hours per week.

There are two types of student visa - V and M, i.e., visitor and migrant. The duration of the student visa depends on the duration of the educational program you are enrolled in.

The Colombian Migrant Student Visa is designed specifically for expats who wish to study at a university as an undergraduate or graduate student. On the other hand, the visitor student visa is for expats who want to study non-degree programs such as language courses.

Important - a student visa does not give permission to work!

That is why the student must prepare a letter (in Spanish) from a person guaranteeing to cover the student's expenses and documents confirming economic solvency. If you are a student, the letter must state that you are financially responsible for yourself while in Colombia.

To show "economic solvency", you can use a bank "certificate" showing that the average balance for the last six months exceeds 10 minimum wages in Colombia or 10,000,000 pesos ($3,900) in 2022. This reference must be notarized and translated.

Another option is that you can provide six months’ worth of bank statements without having to translate the bank statements. Credit card statements showing a sufficient available balance can also be used.

Documents

So, to apply for a visa, you need to prepare:

• Photocopy of passport;
• A photocopy of the page of your passport with the most recent entry or exit stamp from Colombia (if available);
• A photocopy of a previously issued Colombian visa (if available);
• Enrollment letter: certificate of enrollment or enrollment in an elementary school, high school, or higher education institution authorized in Colombia;
• Proof of existence and legal representation: photocopy of "certificate of existence and legal representation" from the university;
• Proof of financial sponsorship or economic solvency: parental power of attorney and identification of the person responsible for the student during his/her stay in Colombia, certified by a Colombian notary or consul in the case of minors;
• Document on legalization of financial sponsorship: translation and notarized document of financial sponsorship;
• Passport photo.

More information on the page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/temporary-students-visa-0 

Is it possible to get a scholarship for studies?

The best way to find out details about admission and scholarships is on the websites of the universities.