Colombia is one of Latin America’s most vibrant and varied nations. It is located at the northern part of South America with its landscape marked by rainforests, Andes Mountains and numerous coffee plantations. Also, it is necessary to note that in the high-altitude capital, Bogotá, the Zona Rosa district is known for its restaurants and shops. In today's post we are discussing how to apply for higher education in Colombia, the range of tuition fees for international students and cost of living in Colombia. Please kindly sit tight as we dive into the main issue now.
Tuition Fees: The tuition fees you will be required to pay will depend on where you study. For instance, if you choose to study in a public university in Colombia, fees are usually very low when compared to other top study destinations in Europe or North America. It is usually about 2,000,000 pesos (~US$970) per semester. On the other hand, higher education in private universities charges between 2,000,000 and 11,000,000 pesos (~US$ 970-5,330) per semester.
Studying in Colombia will expose you to numerous scholarship opportunities. Some graduate-level scholarships for international students are available from the Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior (ICETEX).
Cost of Living: Cost of living is also considered generally lower than that in top destinations. As an international student, you can expect to spend,depending on your location and spending habit, about $500 to $1000 per month. This estimated amount will take care of rent, utilities, food and entertainment. Living in the minor cities can make your expenses less and bearable.
How to Apply: Spanish is usually the language of instruction used throughout the Colombian Universities. In this way, international applicants may be required to submit evidence of Spanish proficiency result or to take a language test set by the university. If you are not very fluent in speaking the language, you can attend language lessons before the commencement of your program.
Academic calendar: Most institutions and programs operate on semester system. There are two calendars, “A” and “B,” although A is the predominant calendar. The first semester for the A calendar begins in February and ends in June and the second semester begins in July and ends in November. The first semester of the B calendar runs from September through December and the second semester runs from January through June.
Visa: Are you planning to study in Colombia for more than three months? Then, you will have to obtain a Colombian Student Visa (TP-3). Below is a guide on how to get one for you:
1. You will need to show a certificate of enrollment/registration and prove that you have already paid your tuition fees.
2. Take photocopies of all the relevant paperwork.
3. Have your registration form signed by a notary. A notary is someone especially a lawyer, with official authority to be a witness when somebody signs a document thus, making it valid in law.
4. Take all documents and your passport to the Ministry of Foreign affairs in your local embassy.
After you successfully get the student visa, you will have to register for a Colombian Cedula (citizen card) at La Unidad Administrativa Especial Migración Colombia within 15 days; otherwise you may face a fine.
Low Tuition Universities in Colombia
National University of Colombia
Military University Nueva Granada
National Pedagogic University
Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia
Technological University of Pereira
Superior College of Public Administration
University of the Amazon
University of the Llanos
University of the Pacific