If you wish to study in Colombia with financial aid, the Colombian Government Scholarship rank among the best options available to international students. These scholarships offer fully funded study programs at Colombian universities across a variety of academic disciplines.

This guide provides comprehensive information about the Colombian Government Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help students apply successfully.

The Colombian Government Scholarship for 2026–2027 is available to international students seeking to enroll in specialization and master’s degree programs.

The scholarship covers key educational expenses such as tuition fees, study materials, monthly financial support, and other academic-related costs.

Colombia Government Scholarship

1. Benefits of the Colombia Government Scholarship

2. Eligibility criteria for Colombia Government Scholarship

3. How to apply for Colombia Government Scholarship

4. Deadlines for Colombia Government Scholarship

5. Frequently asked questions

1. Benefits of the Colombia Government Scholarship

Successful applicants of the Colombian Government Scholarships receive several advantages, including the following:

Monthly Financial Support:

ICETEX provides scholarship recipients with a monthly allowance equal to two Colombian legal minimum monthly wages (SMLMV). This amount is adjusted annually according to the regulations of the Colombian Ministry of Labor. This financial support is available only to students residing in Colombia while attending in-person academic programs. Payments are typically made every three months in arrears.

Full Tuition Fee Coverage:

The scholarship fully covers tuition fees for eligible study programs listed in the official scholarship catalog of Colombian universities.

Health Insurance:

The program also includes health insurance coverage for medical and hospital services during the study period in Colombia. However, this coverage applies solely to the scholarship holder and does not extend to family members. Costs for medicines, co-payments, or additional treatments must be borne by the student.

Support for Foreigner Identification Card:

Selected students receive a one-time financial contribution of COP $250,000 to assist with the cost of the Colombian Foreigner Identification Card. This payment is made together with the first monthly allowance after all required conditions have been verified.

Courtesy Visa Assistance:

ICETEX also issues an official support letter enabling scholarship recipients to apply for the Courtesy Visa type “V,” issued by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the duration of their studies. Family members must arrange their visa processes separately in accordance with Colombian immigration regulations.

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2. Eligibility criteria for Colombia Government Scholarship

To qualify for the Colombian Government Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be foreign citizens and must not hold Colombian nationality, including dual citizenship.
• Candidates must not currently reside in Colombia nor have lived there during the six months prior to applying.
• Applicants must not have already commenced studies in Colombia at the time of application.
• Candidates must be at least 18 years old and under 50 years old before the application deadline.
• Applicants must not have previously received funding through the ICETEX Beca Colombia Program.
• Candidates must not be married to or in a legal partnership with a Colombian citizen.
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent undergraduate qualification in any academic field.
• A minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0, or an equivalent according to the Colombian grading system, is required.
• Only undergraduate academic performance will be considered for GPA evaluation.
• Applicants must submit a medical certificate from a licensed physician confirming good physical and mental health.

3. How to apply for Colombia Government Scholarship

Applicants should follow these steps carefully when applying for the Colombian Government Scholarships:

• Eligible candidates must apply through the official online application system provided by the Government of Colombia.
• All required documents must be uploaded in PDF format via the ICETEX online platform.

 Required Documents:

• An official admission letter from a recognized Colombian higher education institution (minimum one and maximum three letters).
• Certified or notarized copies of academic degrees or diplomas. Short training certificates or courses are not accepted.
• Academic transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 or its equivalent, including the grading scale and weighted GPA details.
• Official translations into Spanish or English if the original documents are in another language.
• A motivation letter completed directly through the online application portal.
• A clear copy of the first page of a valid passport containing personal information and a photograph. The passport must remain valid for at least one year after the application deadline.
• A recent medical certificate issued within 30 days before the application closing date.
• Documents proving at least 12 months of professional work experience.

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4. Deadlines for Colombia Government Scholarship

The final date to apply for the Colombian Government Scholarship 2026–27 is June 5, 2026. Students wishing to study in Colombia through this fully funded scholarship opportunity are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. Applicants should prepare all required documents early and complete the application process on time to avoid missing this valuable opportunity.

5. Frequently asked questions

1. Who is eligible to apply?

International applicants who do not hold Colombian nationality and have not lived in Colombia during the previous six months are eligible. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 or its equivalent and must be under 50 years of age.

2. Which study programs are covered?

The scholarship supports postgraduate programs, including Specialization, Master’s, and PhD degrees. In some cases, Spanish language preparation courses may also be included if required by the university. Eligible programs must appear in the official ICETEX Academic Offer Catalogue.

3. What expenses are covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship generally covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Health insurance
• Financial assistance for books, visa support, and settling-in expenses

4. Is an admission letter necessary before applying?

Yes, applicants must first obtain an official admission letter from a Colombian university listed in the ICETEX academic offer before applying for the scholarship.

5. Is Spanish language proficiency required?

Yes, applicants whose native language is not Spanish must demonstrate a minimum B2 level of Spanish proficiency through recognized exams such as DELE or SIELE.

6. Where can applicants check the complete guidelines?

Applicants can review all eligibility requirements, document details, and step-by-step application instructions through the official ICETEX scholarship guidelines and application portal.