🇨🇴 Colombia · Study Abroad
How to study in Colombia as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Colombia you apply to the university, then, once admitted, apply for a student visa (Visa V for students) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and register for a foreigner ID card (cédula de extranjería) after arrival. Most teaching is in Spanish. Explore the university sites and apply by the deadline.
Colombia hosts international students at public and private universities; students enrol directly and obtain a student (migrant) visa. Foreign degrees may need convalidation.
- International students apply to the institution first, then request a student visa.
- Public universities are lower-cost; private universities charge tuition.
- Recognition (convalidación) of foreign qualifications may be required.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the university; most teaching is in Spanish. Explore the university sites.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
Apply for a student visa (Visa V) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; after arrival, register for a cédula de extranjería.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Ministerio de Educación Nacional
Ministry of Education — institutions and degree recognition.
- Migración Colombia
Student (migrant) visas for international students.
Frequently asked questions
What visa do I need for Colombia?
A student Visa V from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then a cédula de extranjería (foreigner ID card) after arrival.
What is a cédula de extranjería?
The foreigner identity card you register after arriving on a visa, which evidences your legal stay in Colombia.
Do I need Spanish?
Usually — most teaching is in Spanish, though some graduate programs offer English; check the language of instruction.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.