If you are looking to study medicine in South America and are ready to study in Spanish, Colombia has several strong universities to consider. The options below focus on two well-known medical programs in Colombia.
How much does medical school cost in Colombia?
The cost of medical school in Colombia varies widely between public and private universities. At Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, the official listed tuition for the Medicine program is COP $37,322,000 per semester for 2026, which is about US$10,300 at late-April 2026 exchange rates. Public universities, including Universidad Nacional de Colombia, calculate tuition under their own rules, so applicants should check the current fee schedule directly with the university before applying.
How long will it take to study medicine in Colombia?
At both Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá and Universidad Nacional de Colombia, the undergraduate Medicine program lasts 12 semesters, or about six years. The official degree title is not listed as “MD” on these program pages: Javeriana lists the title as Médico/Médica, while Universidad Nacional de Colombia lists Médico(a) Cirujano(a).
Top Medical Schools in Colombia
1. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogota
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana is a Catholic and Pontifical private university founded and governed by the Society of Jesus. Its historical origin dates to 1623, when the legal inauguration of the university took place in Santafé.
The Medicine program in Bogotá is an in-person professional program lasting 12 semesters and totaling 300 credits. The curriculum is organized by year and semester, with basic and clinical training, emphasis courses, electives, and an internship phase in the final year. Applicants should have a strong interest in biological and human sciences and must meet the university’s admissions requirements, including completion of secondary education and submission of the Saber 11 exam or an ICFES-recognized foreign exam. Javeriana is one of Colombia’s internationally ranked medical schools, but the latest QS Medicine subject ranking places Universidad de Antioquia above it nationally.
2. Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Based in Bogotá, Universidad Nacional de Colombia is a public, state university created in 1867 by Law 66. Its Medicine program was also created in 1867 and forms part of the Faculty of Medicine.
The Medicine program lasts 12 academic semesters and awards the title of Médico(a) Cirujano(a). It is offered in the daytime modality and combines scientific, clinical, ethical, and community-oriented training. Regular undergraduate admission is based on performance in the university’s admissions test and compliance with the university’s rules and Colombian higher-education law.
I hope this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page and Available Courses for International Students.
