Top 5 student cities in Colombia

Colombia has become one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for higher education, both for the quality of its universities and for its affordable cost of living and cultural diversity. In this article on the top 5 student cities in Colombia, we analyse the destinations most chosen by national and international students, taking into account academic offerings, lifestyle and accommodation options. In addition, through our online student accommodation platform, we help you find rooms, residences and shared flats in each city in a simple and secure way.

 

Bogotá

Bogotá is Colombia's main academic and cultural centre, and one of the most popular cities for students thanks to its wide range of universities, active cultural life, and academic and professional opportunities. It’s also a multicultural city that welcomes students from all over the country and abroad, creating a dynamic and enriching environment for university life.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Bogotá

The academic experience in Bogotá has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

 

Pros of studying in Bogotá

• Wide range of cultural activities, events, museums and nightlife.
• Highest concentration of universities and research centres in the country.
• Good internship and employment opportunities for students.

 

Cons of studying in Bogotá

• The cost of living is higher than in other cities in the country.
• Cold and changeable weather for much of the year.
• Heavy traffic and long journeys.

 

Top Universities in Bogotá

Bogotá is home to many renowned institutions in the country.

 

Universidad Nacional de Colombia (National University of Colombia)

It’s the most important public institution in the country and one of the best in Latin America. It offers excellent teaching quality and stands out for its large campus located in the heart of the city. If you're going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near the National University of Colombia.

 

Student housing in Bogotá

The reality is that the Colombian capital usually has the highest rental prices in the country. However, it depends greatly on the area and the type of accommodation. As a reference, rooms in shared flats usually range from a minimum of COP $800,000-1,300,000 (approx. €170-280) per month.

 

Are you planning to study in Colombia? Don't miss our guide to student housing in Bogotá, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

 

Medellín

Medellín is one of Colombia's most innovative cities and an increasingly popular destination among students thanks to its pleasant climate, urban development and young, creative atmosphere. Added to this is a good quality of life, a well-connected city and a cultural and entrepreneurial scene that attracts both national and international students.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Medellín

Medellín stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

 

Pros of studying in Medellín

• It’s more accessible than Bogotá.
• Mild climate throughout the year.
• Good public transport system.

 

Cons of studying in Medellín

• When looking for accommodation, it’s important to choose safe neighbourhoods.
• More concentrated university offerings in fewer institutions.
• Fewer job opportunities than in the capital.

 

Top Universities in Medellín

Medellín is home to one of Colombia's most important universities.

 

Universidad de Antioquia (University of Antioquia)

The University of Antioquia is one of the most prestigious public institutions in the country, recognised for its high academic standards, its dedication to research and its strong social impact at regional and national level.

It has campuses throughout the department of Antioquia, and two of the largest are in Medellín. In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find housing close to the University of Antioquia.

 

Student housing in Medellín

Rent for students in Medellín is usually cheaper than in Bogotá: the cost of a room in a shared flat ranges from COP $700,000 to 1,590,000 (approx. €500-€350).

 

If you’re going to study in this Colombian city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Medellín, with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

 

Manizales

Manizales is a quintessential university town located in the beautiful Coffee Region. It has a peaceful atmosphere and a strong academic tradition. It’s a highly valued option for students seeking a good quality education in a smaller, more accessible environment.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Manizales

Studying in Manizales can be incredible, although there are also some drawbacks that should be taken into account.

 

Pros of studying in Manizales

• Lower cost of living than in large cities.
• Marked university and student atmosphere.
• A safe city with a good quality of life.

 

Cons of studying in Manizales

• More limited cultural and leisure activities.
• Fewer universities than in Bogotá or Medellín.
• Rainy weather for most of the year.

 

Top Universities in Manizales

Several important higher education institutions are based in Manizales.

 

Universidad de Caldas (University of Caldas)

The University of Caldas is one of the most renowned public institutions in the Coffee Region, noted for its academic quality, its focus on research, and its strong ties to the cultural and scientific life of the region.

Their faculties are spread across different parts of the city, so it’s a good idea to identify where you’re going to study before looking for accommodation.

 

Student housing in Manizales

Manizales welcomes many students every year, attracted in part by having the most affordable rents in Colombia. For example, single rooms in shared flats typically cost between COP $500,000 and $900,000 per month (approx. £330-£530).

 

Bucaramanga

In recent years, Bucaramanga has established itself as an important university hub in Colombia, attracting students from different regions of the country. It’s a dynamic city, highly valued for its quality of life, warm climate and natural surroundings.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Bucaramanga

Being a student in Bucaramanga has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

 

Pros of studying in Bucaramanga

• Good balance between cost of living and educational quality.
• Good student atmosphere and green areas nearby.
• A manageable city, with short distances.

 

Cons of studying in Bucaramanga

• Cultural offerings are more limited than in large capital cities.
• Very hot weather at certain times of the year.
• Less presence of international private universities.

 

Top Universities in Bucaramanga

Among the institutions based in Bucaramanga, one stands out above all others.

 

Universidad Industrial de Santander (Industrial University of Santander)

The Industrial University of Santander is one of Colombia's most prestigious public universities. It’s recognised for its excellence in engineering, science and technology, as well as for its strong research profile.

 

Student housing in Bucaramanga

Rent for students in Bucaramanga is usually quite affordable. Rooms in shared flats typically cost between COP $600,000 and $1,000,000 per month (approx. £400-£700), depending on the area and the services included.

 

Cali

Cali is one of the main cities in south-western Colombia and an attractive destination for students due to its warm climate, university atmosphere and vibrant cultural life. In addition to its renowned arts and sports scene, it offers a more affordable cost of living than other large cities in the country.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Cali

Student life in Cali has many positive aspects, but also some disadvantages that may affect your daily routine.

 

Pros of studying in Cali

• Wide range of university courses and a pleasant student atmosphere.
• The cost of living is moderate compared to Bogotá.
• Active cultural life, with music, sport and events.

 

Cons of studying in Cali

• It’s very hot for much of the year.
• Some areas require careful choice of accommodation.
• Public transport isn’t the best during rush hour.

 

Top Universities in Cali

Several important institutions have offices in Cali.

 

Universidad Icesi (Icesi University)

It’s one of the most prestigious private institutions in Colombia. It stands out for its international focus, its strong links with the business world and the high quality of its academic programmes.

 

Student housing in Cali

Despite being a large city, rental costs in Cali are generally relatively affordable. For example, single rooms in flats shared with other students typically cost between COP $700,000 and $1,100,000 per month (approx. 150-240 €), depending on the area, the type of accommodation and the services included.

 

Find accommodation in Colombia with Erasmus Play

Colombia offers a wide variety of cities to study in, capable of adapting to different student profiles. From large academic centres such as Bogotá and Medellín to quieter university towns such as Manizales or Bucaramanga, the country offers the possibility of different experiences.

Through our online student accommodation platform, you can compare accommodation options and easily find the one that best suits your needs in each of these cities.

Other guides on studying and living in Colombia

Here you'll find more important information for your exchange:

• Studying in Colombia