Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 [Fully Funded]

The Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 is now accepting applications from international students worldwide. Funded by ICETEX (the Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad), this fully funded scholarship supports Master's and Specialization programs at public and private higher education institutions in Colombia. A total of 70 scholarships are available. Selected scholars receive 100% tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, health insurance, courtesy Colombia visa, foreigner ID allowance, and study materials support. Non-Spanish speakers receive a free Spanish language course for up to 6 months before starting their degree. The scholarship is open to non-Colombian citizens under 50 years of age with an undergraduate degree. No IELTS required. The application deadline is 5 June 2026. Read on for complete details about eligibility, benefits, participating universities, and how to apply.

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Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 [Fully Funded]

Want to study in South America for free? The Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 offers exactly that opportunity. The Government of Colombia, through ICETEX , invites international students from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies (Master's and Specializations) at Colombian public and private higher education institutions. This initiative promotes international cooperation, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.

The scholarship includes a free Spanish language course for up to 6 months for non-Spanish speakers. You will learn the language while experiencing Colombia's rich culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. With 70 scholarships available, this is a competitive but achievable opportunity for talented students from all countries. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees , provides a monthly stipend , includes health insurance , and even covers study materials.

If you have an undergraduate degree, are under 50 years old , and want to study in Latin America, this could be your chance. In this guide, we will cover everything about the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 , including financial benefits, eligibility, participating universities, and how to apply.

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Scholarship Name: Colombia Government Scholarship

Funded By: ICETEX (Government of Colombia)

Host Country: Colombia

Degree Levels: Master's / Specialization (Postgraduate)

Number of Scholarships: 70

Spanish Course: Up to 6 months (free for non-Spanish speakers)

Eligible Applicants: Non-Colombian citizens / World Students

IELTS Requirement: Not required

What is the Colombia Government Scholarship?

The Colombia Government Scholarship is an initiative by ICETEX , the Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad. It aims to support foreign students in pursuing higher education in Colombia.

Program goals:

Promote international cooperation and cultural exchange
Provide academic opportunities in various fields
Strengthen ties between Colombia and other nations
Develop human capital through quality education

The scholarship offers two categories:

Postgraduate Studies Only – For foreign citizens wishing to pursue a specialization or master's degree
Spanish Language + Postgraduate Studies – For non-Spanish speakers who require language training before beginning their degree

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What are the Financial Benefits Colombian Government Scholarships?

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support:

100% Tuition Fee Waiver – Full coverage of academic costs
Monthly Stipend – For living expenses during your studies
Health Insurance Allowance – Medical coverage support
Courtesy Visa – Sponsored visa for international students
Foreigner ID Allowance – For official identification in Colombia
Books and Study Materials Support – Financial help for academic resources
Free Spanish Language Course – Up to 6 months for non-Spanish speakers

Number of Scholarships and Duration

Number of Scholarships
1. Total: Up to 70 scholarships awarded through this call
Duration of Spanish Language Course
1. Up to 6 months for non-Spanish-speaking applicants
Duration of Specializations
1. Up to 12 months
Duration of Master's Degrees
1. Generally up to 24 months (2 years)

If a Master's program has only three academic semesters , coverage is limited to 18 months

What are the Participating Universities and Programs in Government of Colombia Scholarships?

The scholarship is available at participating Colombian public and private Higher Education Institutions.

To see the complete list of eligible programs and universities:

Refer to the official ICETEX scholarship link provided in the application portal

Fields of study include many disciplines. Check the official list for specific programs

What is Eligibility Criteria for Colombia Government Scholarships 2026?

To qualify for the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026 , applicants must meet these requirements:

Nationality

Must be a foreign citizen (non-Colombian)
Colombian citizens and nationals are not eligible

Age

Must not be older than 50 years at the time of application

Marital Status

Must not have any marital or de facto relationship in Colombia

Academic Qualifications

Must have a professional, undergraduate, or graduate degree in any area of knowledge

Program Applications

Applicants can apply for up to three degree programs (ranked by preference)

Language

IELTS is not required
Non-Spanish speakers will receive a free Spanish course

Health

Must be in good health (health certificate required)

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What are the Required Documents for Government of Colombian Scholarships?

Prepare the following documents for your application:

Academic Letter of Recommendation – From a professor or employer
Letter of Admission – From a Colombian university (if already secured)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Detailed resume of education and experience
Spanish Language Proficiency Score – If you already have Spanish proficiency (optional)
Academic Essay – Arguing the importance of your studies in Colombia
Notarized Copies of Academic Transcripts – From all previous degrees
Copy of Passport – Valid for travel
Certificate of Professional Experience – If applicable
Health Certificate – Proving good health

Note: Not all documents may be required for every applicant. Check the official ICETEX application portal for specific requirements.

Who Should Apply for this Colombian Scholarship?

This scholarship is ideal for:

International students (non-Colombians)
Graduates seeking postgraduate studies (Master's or Specialization)
Individuals interested in studying in Latin America
Applicants with a strong academic background
Non-Spanish speakers – the free language course makes it accessible

What is Deadline for 2026 Colombian Government Scholarships?

The deadline is 5 June, 2026!

How Can I apply for 2026 Colombia Government Scholarship Application?

Follow these steps to apply for the Colombia Government Scholarship 2026.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm you are a non-Colombian citizen
Ensure you are under 50 years old
Have an undergraduate or professional degree

Step 2: Research Programs and Universities

Visit the official ICETEX scholarship link - https://web.icetex.gov.co/es/becas/beca-colombia-extranjeros
Browse participating universities and eligible programs
Select up to three degree programs (rank by preference)

Step 3: Secure Admission (If Possible)

While not mandatory before applying, having a letter of admission strengthens your application
Contact Colombian universities directly

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents (see list above)
Get notarized copies of transcripts
Write your academic essay
Request recommendation letters

Step 5: Complete Online Application

Go to the official ICETEX application portal
Fill in all personal, academic, and contact details
Upload all required documents
Rank your program preferences (up to three)

Step 6: Submit Before Deadline

Ensure submission by 5 June 2026
Late applications will not be accepted

Step 7: Wait for Results

Applications reviewed by ICETEX selection committee
Successful applicants will be notified
Visa and travel arrangements will follow

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Start Early

The deadline is 5 June 2026
Document preparation, notarization, and university admissions take time

2. Write a Strong Academic Essay

Explain why studying in Colombia is important
Connect your chosen program to your career goals
Show how you will contribute to your home country

3. Secure Recommendation Letters Early

Ask professors or employers who know your work well
Give them at least two weeks' notice

4. Rank Programs Wisely

You can apply for up to three programs
Rank them in order of true preference
Research each program thoroughly

5. Check Spanish Requirements

No Spanish proficiency needed to apply
Non-Spanish speakers receive free language training
If you already speak Spanish, mention it in your application

6. Ensure Documents Are Notarized

Academic transcripts must be notarized
Follow ICETEX guidelines for document formats

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can apply?

Non-Colombian citizens from any country who are under 50 years old and hold an undergraduate or professional degree.

Q2: Is IELTS required?

No. IELTS is not required for this scholarship.

Q3: Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. Non-Spanish speakers receive a free Spanish language course for up to 6 months before starting their degree.

Q4: What does the scholarship cover?

100% tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, courtesy visa, foreigner ID allowance, books and study materials, and up to 6 months of free Spanish language training.