The Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded postgraduate award offered by ICETEX on behalf of the Colombian government, providing up to 70 scholarships to international students pursuing a specialization or master’s degree at accredited Colombian public and private universities. Benefits include full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, health insurance, a courtesy visa, a foreigner ID allowance, and books and study materials support. Non-Spanish-speaking applicants additionally receive up to six months of Spanish language training. IELTS is not required, and the application deadline is 5 June 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Government Postgraduate Scholarship |
| Organising Body | ICETEX – Government of Colombia |
| Mode | On-Campus (Offline) |
| Duration | Up to 6 months (Spanish) + up to 24 months (Master’s) |
| Location | Colombian Public and Private Higher Education Institutions |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 June 2026 |
About the Program
ICETEX – Colombia’s national higher education financing institution — administers the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 as part of the government’s broader international cooperation and cultural exchange strategy, actively positioning Colombia as a competitive destination for postgraduate study in Latin America. The programme awards up to 70 scholarships across two distinct categories: one for applicants directly entering a specialization or master’s programme, and a second specifically designed for non-Spanish-speaking applicants who additionally require structured language preparation before beginning their academic studies.
Furthermore, selected scholars gain access to a wide range of participating Colombian universities and postgraduate programmes, with applicants allowed to apply for up to three degree options simultaneously — significantly increasing each candidate’s chances of securing a placement. Consequently, the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 offers one of the most accessible and comprehensively funded pathways to postgraduate study in South America currently available to international students of any nationality.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Applicants must hold a professional, undergraduate, or graduate degree in any area of knowledge from an accredited institution.
- Applicants must not be Colombian citizens or nationals; the scholarship targets exclusively non-Colombian international students.
- Applicants may apply for up to three postgraduate degree programmes simultaneously across participating Colombian universities.
- IELTS or equivalent English language test scores are not required.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Foreign citizens of any nationality are eligible to apply, with no restriction on country of origin.
- Applicants must not be older than 50 years of age at the time of application.
- Applicants must not hold any marital or de facto relationship with a Colombian citizen or resident.
- A letter of admission from a participating Colombian university is required as part of the application package.
- Applicants from non-Spanish-speaking countries may additionally apply under the Spanish Language + Postgraduate Studies category.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
The Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 provides a comprehensive financial package covering all primary costs of postgraduate study and settlement in Colombia.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% covered for the full programme duration |
| Monthly Stipend | Provided to cover living expenses in Colombia |
| Health Insurance | Medical coverage support included |
| Courtesy Visa | Provided by the Colombian government |
| Foreigner ID Allowance | Covered |
| Books & Study Materials | Support provided |
| Spanish Language Course | Up to 6 months for non-Spanish-speaking applicants |
Selection Process
- Online application submission through the official ICETEX scholarship portal
- Verification of nationality, age, and marital status eligibility conditions
- Review of academic degree and transcripts against programme requirements
- Assessment of the academic essay on the importance of study in Colombia
- Evaluation of Spanish language proficiency scores (where applicable)
- Verification of letter of admission from a participating Colombian university
- Review of academic letter of recommendation and professional experience certificate
- Final selection and scholarship allocation by ICETEX
How to Apply
- Visit the official ICETEX scholarship portal and review the full academic programme list to identify up to three eligible degree programmes at participating Colombian universities.
- Secure a letter of admission from your chosen Colombian university for the selected programme, as this is a mandatory application document.
- Prepare all required documents: academic letter of recommendation, letter of university admission, CV, Spanish language proficiency score (if applicable), academic essay, notarised copies of academic transcripts, passport copy, certificate of professional experience, and a health certificate.
- Write a strong academic essay clearly arguing the academic and professional importance of pursuing your studies in Colombia.
- Complete the online scholarship application form on the official ICETEX portal, attaching all required supporting documents.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline of 5 June 2026.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 5 June 2026 |
| Spanish Language Course Duration | Up to 6 months |
| Specialization Programme Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Master’s Degree Duration | Up to 24 months (18 months for 3-semester programmes) |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Academic Programme List | Available Programmes 2026 |
| Official Website | ICETEX Official Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026?
Foreign citizens of any nationality who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree, are under 50 years of age, have no marital relationship in Colombia, and are not Colombian nationals are eligible to apply.
How many scholarships does the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 award?
ICETEX awards up to 70 scholarships across two categories – postgraduate studies only, and Spanish language training plus postgraduate studies for non-Spanish-speaking applicants.
What does the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 cover financially?
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, a courtesy visa, a foreigner ID allowance, and books and study materials support throughout the programme.
Can applicants apply to more than one programme under the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026?
Yes. Applicants may apply for up to three different postgraduate degree programmes simultaneously across participating Colombian universities, strengthening their chances of placement.
When is the deadline for the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026?
The application deadline is 5 June 2026; applicants should secure their university admission letter and prepare all required documents well in advance of this date.