Scholarships

🎓 Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 — Fully Funded Masters for International Students (All Nationalities)

Gradualin

May 16, 2026
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The Colombian Government is offering 70 fully funded scholarships to international students from every country in the world — covering 100% of tuition, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, and even your visa support — so you can study a Master’s or specialisation degree in one of Latin America’s most vibrant and culturally rich nations. This is the Beca Colombia Extranjeros 2026-2, administered by ICETEX (Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior), Colombia’s government educational funding body — and the application deadline is 5 June 2026.

This complete guide from Gradualin gives you everything you need to apply successfully: what the scholarship covers, who qualifies, what documents you need, and a step-by-step application walkthrough. Do not wait — this is one of the most accessible and genuinely funded Latin American government scholarships currently open worldwide.

📋 Quick Info Box

Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Beca Colombia Extranjeros 2026-2
Offered By	Colombian Government via ICETEX
Country	Colombia 🇨🇴
Degree Levels	Master’s (24 months) & Specialisation (12 months)
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Number of Awards	Up to 70 scholarships
Open To	All nationalities (foreign citizens only)
Monthly Stipend	2× Colombian minimum monthly wage (SMLMV)
Application Deadline	5 June 2026 (17:00 Colombia time)
Results Announced	18 June 2026
Official Website	web.icetex.gov.co
Apply Online	internacionalizacion.icetex.gov.co

🎓 About ICETEX and the Beca Colombia Program

ICETEX is the official Colombian government entity responsible for channelling educational scholarships and international cooperation programmes. Through the Programme of Reciprocity for Foreigners in Colombia, ICETEX provides the opportunity for foreign citizens to pursue postgraduate studies — including specialisation, Master’s, doctorate and research programmes — at Colombian higher education institutions.

The Beca Colombia Extranjeros is ICETEX’s flagship scholarship for international students, and it has been running successfully for many years with new calls opened each semester. What makes this programme genuinely remarkable is its scope: it funds students from every corner of the world, covers all major academic costs, and places scholarship holders in accredited Colombian universities across a wide range of disciplines.

The Colombian Government Scholarship 2026-2027 is offered to international students for specialisation degrees and Master’s programmes. These scholarships cover all expenses including books, a monthly grant, and tuition fees. This scholarship call is for foreign citizens of all nationalities to study at Colombian educational institutions, with 70 international scholarships available.

For international students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, or the Americas looking for a fully funded postgraduate opportunity in a dynamic and affordable country, Gradualin considers this one of the standout opportunities of 2026.

🎓 What Does the Scholarship Cover? — Full Benefits Breakdown

Here is the best part — and what makes Beca Colombia stand apart from many partially funded programmes. The scholarship covers the following in full:

💰 Monthly Living Allowance (Stipend)

ICETEX provides each scholarship holder with a monthly living allowance equivalent to two (2) Colombian legal minimum monthly wages (SMLMV), updated annually according to the adjustment approved by the Ministry of Labor of Colombia. This allowance is only granted to scholarship holders who are physically present in Colombia and enrolled in in-person academic programmes. Payments are made on a quarterly basis in arrears.

The Colombian minimum monthly wage in 2026 is approximately COP 1,423,500 (verify current rate on official website), making the monthly stipend approximately COP 2,847,000 — roughly USD 680–720 per month depending on the exchange rate. This is a very comfortable living amount in Colombia, where costs of living are significantly lower than in North America or Western Europe.

🎓 Full Tuition Coverage

100% coverage of all tuition costs is granted directly by the Colombian universities — applicable only for academic programmes found in the official catalogue of this call.

This means you pay nothing for your Master’s or specialisation degree at a Colombian university. Zero tuition fees for the entire programme duration.

🏥 Health Insurance

The programme provides financial support for medical and hospital assistance for the scholarship holder during the period of study in Colombia. This benefit applies exclusively to the scholarship holder and does not extend to family members. Costs related to medications, copayments, or other medical expenses must be covered by the scholarship holder.

🪪 Foreigner ID Card Allowance

The scholarship holder will receive a one-time financial support of COP $250,000 to cover the costs related to the issuance of the Foreigner Identification Card (Cédula de Extranjería) in Colombia. This benefit is disbursed only once during the academic programme and is paid together with the first living allowance payment.

✈️ Courtesy Visa Support

ICETEX provides each scholarship holder with a letter to request the Courtesy Visa type “V”, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, for the duration of the academic programme. This benefit applies exclusively to the scholarship holder.

This letter significantly simplifies the visa process — Colombia’s foreign affairs ministry processes the visa based on ICETEX’s official endorsement.

Summary of Benefits:

Benefit	Coverage
Tuition Fees	✅ 100% covered
Monthly Living Allowance	✅ 2× Colombian minimum wage (~USD 680–720/month)
Health Insurance	✅ Medical & hospital assistance covered
Foreigner ID Card	✅ COP 250,000 one-time support
Courtesy Visa Letter	✅ Provided by ICETEX
Family Members	❌ Not covered
Airfare	❌ Not included — you fund your own travel
Medications / Copayments	❌ Not covered

🎓 Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?

The Beca Colombia scholarship has clear and specific eligibility requirements. Read every point carefully:

✅ All nationalities welcome — The applicant must be a foreign citizen and must not hold Colombian nationality under any circumstances, including cases of dual nationality.
✅ Age requirement: The applicant must be over 18 and under 50 years of age at the time of the closing of the call. This requirement is strict and does not admit exceptions.
✅ Bachelor’s degree required: The applicant must hold a professional undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in any field of knowledge and must certify a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 at the undergraduate level, or its equivalent according to the Colombian grading scale based on the grading system of the country of origin.
✅ Not currently in Colombia: The applicant must not be residing in Colombia, nor have resided in the country during the six (6) months immediately prior to the application, and must not have started studies in Colombia at the time of applying.
✅ Good health: The applicant must certify good physical and mental health through a medical certificate issued by a licensed general physician.
✅ Minimum 12 months professional experience required
✅ Admission letter from a Colombian university (between 1 and 3 letters from institutions on the official catalogue)

❌ You are NOT eligible if:

You have previously been a beneficiary of ICETEX through the Beca Colombia Program in any previous call.
You have a marital relationship or de facto union with a Colombian citizen at the time of application.
You hold Colombian nationality (including dual nationality)
You are currently residing in Colombia or have done so in the past 6 months
Your undergraduate GPA is below 4.0/5.0 (or equivalent)
You are 50 years of age or older at the application deadline

🗣️ Is Spanish Required? Yes — but with important nuance. For non-Spanish-speaking citizens to access postgraduate programmes, a minimum B1 level of Spanish is required, or the level established by the receiving Higher Education Institution (HES). However, the programme also includes Spanish language courses for students who need to strengthen their language skills before entering a postgraduate programme — making it accessible even for those still developing their Spanish. No IELTS or TOEFL is required for this scholarship. (verify on official website)

🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not

✅ Apply if you:

Are a foreign national aged 18–49 with a Bachelor’s degree and strong GPA
Want a fully funded Master’s or specialisation in Latin America
Speak at least B1-level Spanish (or are committed to learning)
Have at least 12 months of professional work experience
Are NOT currently living in Colombia or studying there
Are passionate about experiencing Colombian culture, academia, and professional networking in Latin America
Are from any country in the world — Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Americas all welcome

❌ Don’t apply if you:

Hold Colombian nationality (even dual nationality)
Have previously received a Beca Colombia scholarship from ICETEX
Are already residing in Colombia or have done so in the past 6 months
Have a Colombian spouse or domestic partner
Do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 4.0/5.0
Are 50 years of age or older by the application deadline
Cannot commit to studying in person in Colombia for the full programme duration

🎓 Available Study Levels and Duration

The programme duration consists of:

12 months for a specialisation degree
24 months for a Master’s degree

The scholarship covers the following programme types:

Spanish Language Courses — for non-Hispanic citizens who need to reach the required Spanish level before starting postgraduate studies
Specialisation Programmes — intensive 12-month postgraduate professional development programmes
Master’s Degrees (Maestría) — full 24-month academic Master’s at accredited Colombian universities

All available programmes are listed in the Official Academic Catalogue 2026-2, which can be downloaded from the ICETEX website: Catálogo de Oferta Académica 2026-2

Fields available typically span:

Business Administration and Management
Engineering and Technology
Social Sciences and International Relations
Education and Pedagogy
Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Law and Political Science
Health Sciences (selected programmes)
Arts, Culture and Humanities
Agriculture and Natural Resources

(Check the official academic catalogue for the exact list of programmes available for 2026-2)

🎓 Required Documents

Upload the following required documents digitally to the ICETEX application platform in PDF format:

Admission Letter(s) from Colombian university/universities — minimum 1 letter, maximum 3 letters from institutions featured in the official academic catalogue
Certified copy of your university degree/diploma — must be certified by the issuing Higher Education Institution or notarised. Short courses, certificates, or training programmes are not accepted
Official academic transcript — must show a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0/5.0. The transcript must explicitly include the grading scale, indicating the minimum and maximum passing grades, as well as the weighted GPA, to allow comparison with the Colombian grading system. If this information is not included, the application will be rejected. Accepted in Spanish, Portuguese, French, or English; if in another language, an official translation must be attached
Motivation letter — completed directly in the application platform during the process. Must NOT be uploaded separately as a file
Valid passport copy — clear copy of the first page with personal data and photograph. The passport must have a minimum validity of one (1) year counted from the closing date of the call.
Medical certificate — issued by a licensed physician, must not have been issued more than 30 calendar days prior to the closing date of the call. Must include the physician’s signature and stamp, plus identification and professional registration information.
Professional experience certificates — proving a minimum of 12 months of professional experience
CV / Résumé — updated curriculum vitae

🎓 How the Selection Works

Applications are reviewed and scored out of 100 points. The International Portfolio Committee exercises the authority to select scholarship beneficiaries, considering institutional convenience, availability of quotas, geographical balance, international reciprocity, and other factors. For evaluation, objective elements may be considered such as compliance with requirements, previous participation history, and other relevant background information. The decision of the International Portfolio Committee is final and not subject to appeal.

Key scoring criteria include:

Academic excellence and GPA strength
Quality and relevance of the motivation letter (written directly in the platform)
Professional experience background
Institutional and geographic balance among recipient countries
Programme selection and institutional fit

🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Download and read the official application guidelines carefully. The English-language version is available here: Bases de postulación (inglés) 2026-2

Step 2: Review the Academic Catalogue 2026-2 to identify which universities and programmes are available for this call: Catálogo de Oferta Académica 2026-2

Step 3: Apply for admission to 1–3 programmes listed in the official catalogue. You must have at least one admission letter before submitting your ICETEX scholarship application. Contact universities directly to begin the admission process as early as possible.

Step 4: Gather all required documents (see checklist above). Book your medical appointment immediately — your certificate cannot be older than 30 days at the time of submission.

Step 5: Create your account and begin your scholarship application on the ICETEX internationalisation platform: internacionalizacion.icetex.gov.co. Select the “foreign applicant” profile.

Step 6: Complete your motivation letter directly in the platform — do not upload it as a separate document, or your application may be disqualified.

Step 7: Upload all documents in PDF format as specified. Double-check that your transcript includes the full grading scale and your weighted GPA — missing this information means automatic rejection.

Step 8: Submit your application before 5 June 2026 at 17:00 Colombia time. Late submissions are not accepted.

Step 9: Check the ICETEX website for results on 18 June 2026.

🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines

Event	Date
Application Period Open	15 May 2026
Application Deadline	5 June 2026 (17:00 Colombia time)
Results Published	18 June 2026
Programme Start	2026-2 Semester (verify with your chosen university)

📌 Bookmark this page and check back for updates. ICETEX publishes the academic catalogue and application bases as PDFs — always download the most current version from the official website.

🎓 Why Study in Colombia?

Colombia is one of Latin America’s most exciting, diverse, and rapidly developing countries — and it is an extraordinary destination for international students. Here is why choosing Colombia for your Master’s is a decision you will not regret:

🌿 Extraordinary natural diversity — from Caribbean coastlines to Amazonian rainforests, the Andes Mountains to the Pacific coast, Colombia’s geography is simply breathtaking
🏙️ World-class cities — Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, and Barranquilla each offer a unique cultural identity, buzzing university life, and growing innovation ecosystems
💰 Exceptional affordability — Colombia has one of the lowest costs of living in the Americas for international students. Your stipend goes very far
🎓 Strong universities — Colombia’s leading institutions such as Universidad de los Andes, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de Antioquia, and Universidad del Valle are internationally recognised for research and academic quality
🌎 Spanish language immersion — Colombia is widely considered to have one of the clearest and most beautiful forms of spoken Spanish in the world, making it an ideal place to develop genuine language fluency
📈 Latin American career networks — studying in Colombia places you at the heart of one of the region’s most dynamic economies with growing sectors in technology, agribusiness, creative industries, and sustainability

For international students, Gradualin believes Colombia represents one of the most underrated and genuinely rewarding study destinations in the world in 2026.

🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this scholarship open to students from ALL countries? A: Yes. This scholarship call is for foreign citizens of all nationalities — as long as you do not hold Colombian nationality (including dual nationality) and have not been residing in Colombia for the past six months.

Q: Is Spanish required to apply for this scholarship? A: Spanish proficiency is required for most postgraduate programmes. Non-Spanish-speaking citizens must have at least a B1 level of Spanish, or the level established by the receiving institution. The programme also includes Spanish language courses for students who need to strengthen their proficiency before starting a postgraduate degree. No IELTS or English test is required. (verify on official website)

Q: Can I apply if I have already received a Beca Colombia scholarship before? A: No. The applicant must not have previously been a beneficiary of ICETEX through the Beca Colombia Program in previous calls. Each student may benefit from this programme only once.

Q: Do I need to have my admission letter before applying for the scholarship? A: Yes. You must have been accepted into at least one programme from the official academic catalogue. You can submit up to three admission letters — having more than one strengthens your application.

Q: Does the scholarship cover my family members’ expenses? A: No. The health insurance benefit applies exclusively to the scholarship holder and does not extend to family members. If family members require a visa, they must complete the process independently.

Q: When will results be announced? A: Results will be published on the ICETEX website on 18 June 2026.

🎓 Official Sources & Application Links

Official ICETEX Scholarship Page: https://web.icetex.gov.co/es/becas/beca-colombia-extranjeros
Online Application Portal: https://internacionalizacion.icetex.gov.co/login/auth/login
Academic Catalogue 2026-2 (PDF): Download here
Application Guidelines in English (PDF): Download here
Application Guidelines in Spanish (PDF): Download here
ICETEX Address: Carrera 3 No. 18-32, Bogotá, Colombia
ICETEX Call Centre: +57 333 602 5656
National Freephone: 018000-916821

🎓 Complete Summary Table

Detail	Information
Scholarship	Beca Colombia Extranjeros 2026-2
Offered By	ICETEX — Colombian Government
Country	Colombia 🇨🇴
Degree Levels	Master’s (24 months) / Specialisation (12 months)
Funding	Fully Funded
Number of Awards	Up to 70 scholarships
Tuition	100% covered
Monthly Stipend	2× SMLMV (~USD 680–720/month)
Health Insurance	Included
Visa Support	Courtesy Visa letter provided
Foreigner ID Allowance	COP 250,000 (one-time)
Age Limit	18–49 years
GPA Requirement	Min. 4.0/5.0 or equivalent
Spanish Required	B1 minimum for postgraduate programmes
IELTS Required	❌ Not required
Open To	All nationalities (non-Colombian citizens)
Application Deadline	5 June 2026 (17:00 Colombia time)
Results Date	18 June 2026
Official Link	web.icetex.gov.co