Colombian Government Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes5 Jun, 2026

ICETEX offers the Colombian Government Scholarship, officially known as the “Beca Colombia para Extranjeros,” as a fully funded program for international students. The scholarship offers full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the academic program at a participating university in Colombia. Moreover, it provides a monthly living stipend equivalent to two Colombian minimum wages, which helps students cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses. Additionally, scholars receive health insurance support and assistance with visa documentation, including a courtesy visa letter. They also receive a one-time allowance for obtaining the Cédula de Extranjería. As a result, students can focus fully on their studies without financial stress.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Colombian Government Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.2

Languages

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Yes

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline5 Jun, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionNational University of Colombia
CountryColombia
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

ICETEX offers the Colombian Government Scholarship, officially known as the “Beca Colombia para Extranjeros,” as a fully funded program for international students. The Colombian government provides this scholarship to support outstanding candidates who want to pursue postgraduate studies in Colombia. The program includes specializations and master’s degrees at participating Colombian higher education institutions, like the National University of Colombia. In addition, it promotes academic exchange and strengthens international cooperation by attracting talented students from around the world.

Background and Purpose

ICETEX developed this scholarship to enhance the internationalization of Colombia’s higher education system. The program encourages global academic mobility and strengthens educational ties between Colombia and partner countries. Therefore, it selects students based on academic excellence, professional experience, and geographic diversity. In addition, it prioritizes candidates from countries with cooperation agreements with Colombia. Through this initiative, the government aims to build academic collaboration while providing students with quality postgraduate education opportunities in Latin America.

Colombian Government Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship offers full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the academic program at a participating university in Colombia. Moreover, it provides a monthly living stipend equivalent to two Colombian minimum wages, which helps students cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses. Additionally, scholars receive health insurance support and assistance with visa documentation, including a courtesy visa letter. They also receive a one-time allowance for obtaining the Cédula de Extranjería. As a result, students can focus fully on their studies without financial stress.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be international students who have been admitted to an eligible postgraduate program listed in the official ICETEX catalog. They must secure admission to at least one Colombian university before selection. Furthermore, the program evaluates candidates based on academic performance, professional background, and country of origin. In addition, applicants must demonstrate strong academic records and meet the admission requirements of their chosen institution. However, eligibility may vary depending on bilateral agreements between Colombia and the applicant’s home country.

Colombian Government Scholarship Application Process

Applicants must first select an eligible program from the ICETEX postgraduate catalog and apply for admission to a Colombian university. After receiving admission, they must submit their scholarship application through the official ICETEX platform. Therefore, candidates should carefully follow deadlines and ensure all required documents are complete. The selection committee then reviews applications based on merit and program criteria. Successful candidates receive official notification from ICETEX.

Opportunities for Scholars

The Colombian Government Scholarship offers international students a valuable opportunity to study in a culturally rich and academically growing environment. Scholars gain access to high-quality postgraduate education and international academic networks. In addition, students experience Colombian culture and develop global perspectives through immersive learning. The program also supports Spanish language development for selected candidates. Overall, the scholarship helps students advance their academic and professional careers while contributing to international academic exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Colombia Government Scholarship?

It is a fully funded Colombian government scholarship that allows international students to pursue specializations, master’s degrees, or Spanish courses at Colombian higher education institutions, including universities like the National University of Colombia.

Who can apply?

It is open to non-Colombian citizens with a bachelor’s degree, strong academic performance, and admission to at least one eligible postgraduate program in Colombia. Applicants must also meet additional eligibility conditions such as GPA requirements and not having lived in Colombia recently.