Studying in Colombia: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing, and Universities

Thinking about studying in Colombia? This article’s got everything you need to know to plan your adventure: from the application requirements if you’re an international student, to the most popular cities, top universities, and the best things to do while you’re there. Plus, we’ll give you tips on where to stay and why Colombia should be at the top of your exchange list.

Known as the coffee country, it’s one of the hottest spots for international students in Latin America. With friendly locals, great universities, stunning landscapes —from Caribbean beaches to the Andes— and a buzzing culture full of music, dance, and tasty food, studying in Colombia is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget!

Popular Cities in Colombia for international students

There are loads of great places to study in Colombia, but it’ll mostly depend on which university your home institution has an agreement with. Bogotá, the capital, is basically the academic hub: loads of unis and a buzzing student and cultural scene. Medellín’s another top pick, with its spring-like weather all year round, lovely locals and a mix of modern and homely vibes. You might also want to check out Cali, famous for its energy, music and laid-back feel, or Barranquilla, a Caribbean city that gives you that proper tropical, coastal experience.

BOGOTÁ With a wide range of universities and a very active student life, finding good student accommodation in Bogotá can be a complicated task if you don't look far enough in advance. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the types of accommodation available, the best areas to live, and other key tips for choosing your ideal place. Stud

MEDELLÍN Finding student accommodation in Medellín can be simple if you know the available types, the most recommended areas, and approximate prices. In this article you’ll find everything you need to know so you can choose the option that best suits your needs and make the most of your experience in the city of “Paisas”. Medellín is one of the liveliest cities in Co

Studying in Colombia: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Colombia

There are a few documents you'll need to hand in, and some procedures you'll need to sort out, including:

If you’re coming from a country that doesn’t need a visa to enter Colombia, and your exchange lasts less than 180 days, you won’t need to apply for a visa. Though you’ll need to get the Integration and Development Permit (Permiso de Integración y Desarrollo - PID) from Colombian Migration. If you're staying longer than 180 days, then you’ll have to apply for a Foreigner’s ID card (Cédula de Extranjería).
If you're from a country that does need a visa to enter Colombia, you’ll have to apply for the ‘V’ visa before travelling. If you're staying for more than three months, you’ll also need to get a Foreigner’s ID card (Cédula de Extranjería) from Colombia Migration within the first 15 days after you arrive. And, if your stay goes over 180 days, you’ll need to apply for the ‘M’ visa instead.
A cover letter from your home University and a personal letter from you explaining why you want to go.
Official certificate of grades, in some cases translated and apostilled.
A valid passport and a copy of it.
Proof that you’ve got enough money to cover your expenses during the exchange. If you’ve been awarded a scholarship, you’ll need to include a document that confirms it.
If Spanish isn’t your first language, you’ll need a certificate showing at least a B1 level.
You’ll also need international health insurance that covers your whole stay. Some unis might also ask for a one-off payment for personal accident cover once you get there.
And don’t forget: you must have the yellow fever vaccine.

Why study in Colombia?

Still not sure if Colombia’s the right choice for your exchange? Here are some of the top reasons why it’s totally worth it:

First off, you’ll get to dive into a culture that’s packed with history, traditions, and artistic expressions. Every region has its own vibe, from massive celebrations like Barranquilla’s Carnival to Medellín’s famous Flower Fair. The music, food, and way of life make each day a bit different and never boring.

Another big plus? The people. Loads of international students say one of the best things about Colombia is how warm and friendly everyone is. It’s really common for locals to invite you out, help you if you’re lost, or just have a chat. That type of kindness makes a big difference when you’re settling into a new place.

If Spanish isn’t your first language, this is also a great chance to learn or improve it. The Colombian accent — especially in Bogotá — is super clear and pretty easy to understand. People are generally patient and happy to help if you’re still getting the hang of things, which makes learning feel a lot less stressful.

And lastly (though we could go on), Colombia’s natural and cultural diversity is unreal. You can spend one weekend hiking in the mountains, the next chilling on a Caribbean beach, and after that, wandering around a colonial town. Every place has its own food, accent, and lifestyle. It’s like getting a whole bunch of different countries in one!

Best things to do in Colombia as a student

One of the best parts of studying in Colombia is everything you can do outside of class. The country is divided into different regions, each with its own unique charm. Here, we’ll tell you some of the things you can do during your stay.

If you’re studying in the Caribbean Region, in places like Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Santa Marta, you’ll be surrounded by beaches, music and loads of history. You can wander around Cartagena’s old town, explore Tayrona Park, go hiking in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, or enjoy the Barranquilla Carnival. The coastal culture is lively, super welcoming, and full of party vibes. Plus, the food’s top-notch, with dishes like coconut rice and fried fish with “patacones”.

In the Andean Region, cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga, or Manizales have mountain landscapes and a lively university vibe. Here you can do more hiking, in the Andes, visit charming towns like Villa de Leyva, and check out the famous “Eje Cafetero” (Coffee Axis), with spots like Salento and Pereira, where some of the best coffee in the world is grown. Plus, the cultural scene is amazing, including theatres, concerts, museums, and events for every taste.

For the adventurers, the Amazon Region in the south is where nature’s still totally wild. Places like Leticia, right in the heart of the jungle, are perfect if you want to explore rivers, rainforests, and indigenous cultures. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, miles away from the noise of city life.