Colombia can be an appealing South American destination for international students. Tuition and living costs vary by institution, program, city, neighborhood, and lifestyle, so students should compare current official information before applying. In this article, we discuss affordable universities in Colombia.
Choosing Colombia as a study-abroad destination can offer benefits inside and outside the classroom. Students may have opportunities to improve their Spanish, experience Colombian culture, and explore different parts of the country. Colombia’s climate varies significantly by region and elevation.
During their free time, students can explore museums, parks, cultural events, beaches, historic Cartagena, and the Andean region.
Housing and food expenses vary considerably by location and lifestyle. Before applying, create a current budget for accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, visa costs, and other personal expenses.
Let’s take a closer look at Colombia’s higher education system and the affordable universities in Colombia to consider.
Affordable Schools in Colombia for International Students
1. University of the Andes (Uniandes)
Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) is the highest-ranked university on this list in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is ranked 212th globally and eighth in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Uniandes is a private university in Bogotá. Students should review the university’s current academic offerings and admissions information before applying because available programs and requirements may change.
The university explains how full, half, and quarter tuition charges apply based on the number of registered credits. Financial-support and international-mobility opportunities have separate eligibility rules. Tuition obligations for exchange, mobility, and dual-degree opportunities vary by agreement, so applicants should check the conditions of the specific opportunity rather than assume that a standard discount applies.
2. Pontifical Xavierian University
Established in 1623, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, commonly called Javeriana, is a private university with its main facilities in Bogotá and a sectional campus in Cali. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked 371st globally and 18th in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Applicants should use the official tuition page to check the current cost of their preferred program. The admissions process, deadlines, and financial-support information are also available on the university’s official website.
3. University of Antioquia
Universidad de Antioquia is a public university based in Medellín. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked between 781st and 790th globally and 20th in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The university offers undergraduate programs in Medellín and other locations in the Antioquia region. International applicants should review the current admissions process for their selected program and location. Mobility agreements may establish different tuition conditions.
4. Externado University of Colombia
Universidad Externado de Colombia is a private university in Bogotá. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked between 951st and 1,000th globally and 79th in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Undergraduate tuition, program duration, and admissions requirements vary by program. For example, public accounting is listed at 9,066,000 COP per semester, while finance and international relations and government and international relations are listed at 20,467,000 COP per semester.
Applicants should review the requirements for their selected program before applying. Any interview, test, or additional documentation requirement should be confirmed on the current program-specific admissions page.
5. University of Rosario
Universidad del Rosario traces its history to the Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, founded in 1653. The university is located in Bogotá. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked between 781st and 790th globally and 27th in Latin America and the Caribbean.
For 2026, standard semester fees range from 10,428,000 COP for programs such as speech therapy and occupational therapy to 37,881,000 COP for medicine. The university also publishes discounted net tuition rates for certain programs. For example, the bachelor’s degree in social sciences has a listed net semester fee of 5,582,000 COP after the stated discount.
Admissions calendars, available programs, application steps, deadlines, and scholarship conditions can change by program and admission period. Applicants should consult the university’s current admissions and financing pages before applying.
6. University of La Sabana
Universidad de La Sabana is a private, nonprofit university established in 1979. Its main campus is in Chía, near Bogotá. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked between 951st and 1,000th globally and 34th in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Admissions requirements and tuition fees vary by program. Applicants should complete the application process, submit the required documents, and review the current official page for their selected program before creating a budget.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in Colombia was helpful. To find more information about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
