Colombia · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
International students in Colombia apply for a Migrant (M) visa for study once accepted by a Colombian institution — note the naming: it sits in the Migrant category rather than being labelled a student visa. A confirmed enrolment supports the application, and applicants show funds, health cover and a clean record. The visa is time-limited and tied to the study programme.
International students apply for a Migrant (M) visa for study once accepted by a Colombian institution.
- A confirmed enrolment supports the student Migrant visa application.
- Applicants show funds, health cover and a clean record.
- The visa is time-limited and tied to the study programme.
- 1
Get accepted by a Colombian institution
A confirmed enrolment supports the student Migrant visa application. Secure the place before starting the visa process.
- 2
Apply under the Migrant (M) category
Study sits within the Migrant (M) visa category rather than under a separately named student visa. Search for it by category to avoid looking for the wrong thing.
- 3
Prepare funds and health cover
Applicants show funds and health cover alongside enrolment. Arrange both before submitting rather than after a request for more documents.
- 4
Obtain a clean-record certificate
A clean record is part of the requirements. These certificates take time to issue and may need legalisation, so start early.
- 5
Track the visa against your programme
The visa is time-limited and tied to the study programme. If your programme extends, the visa position needs revisiting rather than assuming continuity.
- Acceptance by a Colombian institution confirmed
- Application made under the Migrant (M) category
- Proof of funds prepared
- Health cover arranged
- Clean-record certificate obtained and legalised if needed
- Visa validity tracked against the programme dates
- Plan in place if the programme is extended
- Migración Colombia
Migración Colombia — student visas.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Colombian student visa?
Study sits within the Migrant (M) visa category rather than under a separately named student visa. If you search for a Colombian student visa you may not find the right page, so look under the M category instead.
Do I need a criminal-record certificate for the Colombian M visa?
Yes — a clean record is among the requirements, alongside funds and health cover. Start it early, since such certificates take time to issue and may need legalisation before they are accepted.
What happens if my course runs longer than the visa?
The visa is time-limited and tied to the study programme, so continuity is not automatic. If your programme extends, revisit your visa position with the authorities before the current validity ends.
Government portals
- GOV.CO — Colombian State Portal — Single entry point to more than 78,000 government procedures.
- DIAN — Tax and Customs — RUT tax registration, income tax and VAT filing, and customs clearance.
- RUES — Unified Business Register — Look up any Colombian company: registration, legal representative and status, through the chambers of commerce.