Bursary Description
Are you a South African citizen dreaming of studying abroad for your Master’s degree? Here’s an exciting opportunity that could make your dream come true — the Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme! Sponsored by the Government of Colombia and administered by ICETEX, this scholarship supports foreigners who want to study Master’s degree programs at top Colombian universities.
If you want to enhance your education, explore new cultures, and boost your career prospects, this scholarship is for you. The deadline to apply is 13 June 2025, so don’t miss out!
What is the Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme?
The Beca Colombia Scholarship is designed for international students, including South Africans, who want to pursue postgraduate studies in Colombia. It is a reciprocity scholarship, meaning it supports foreign students while promoting academic exchange between countries.
The programme fully funds your tuition fees and offers financial support to cover living expenses. It also provides important health insurance and visa assistance, making your study experience in Colombia worry-free.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Beca Colombia Scholarship covers several important expenses for your Master’s degree studies:
- Tuition: The Higher Education Institutions in Colombia will cover 100% of your tuition fees for the duration of your academic program.
- Monthly Stipend: ICETEX provides a monthly stipend equivalent to three minimum wages to help with your living costs while studying.
- Health Insurance: You will receive medical and hospital assistance in Colombia. The insurance includes repatriation in case of disability or death.
- Courtesy Visa: ICETEX will help by sending letters to Colombian consulates abroad to issue your Courtesy Visa type “V” (visitor).
- Foreigner Identification Support: You will get a one-time financial support of 250,000 COP for costs related to your immigration card issuance.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Beca Colombia Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a foreign citizen (South African citizens are eligible).
- Not have Colombian nationality.
- Not be residing or have resided in Colombia in the last 6 months before applying.
- Must not have any marital or de facto relationship in Colombia.
- Have never been a beneficiary of ICETEX through this programme.
- Be 50 years old or younger.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate average of 4.0 out of 5.0 or equivalent on your country’s grading scale.
- Hold a professional, undergraduate, or graduate degree in any field.
- Have admission to at least one and up to three postgraduate programs listed in the Academic Offer Catalog 2025-2.
- Have good physical and mental health, certified by a doctor.
How to Apply
Applying for the Beca Colombia Scholarship is straightforward. To get started:
- Visit the official ICETEX webpage for the scholarship:
https://web.icetex.gov.co/becas/programa-de-reciprocidad-para-extranjeros-en-colombia - Carefully read the guidelines, requirements, and academic program options available.
- Gather your documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, health certificates, and proof of admission.
- Submit your application online before the deadline on 13 June 2025.
Why Study in Colombia?
Studying in Colombia is more than just earning a degree — it’s an opportunity to experience a vibrant culture, make international friends, and access some of Latin America’s best universities. Colombian institutions are known for their high academic standards, especially in fields like business, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Additionally, the cost of living in Colombia is relatively affordable compared to many other countries, especially with the scholarship’s monthly stipend. You’ll also get to explore beautiful cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, rich in history and natural beauty.
If you’re a South African looking to take your education to the next level, the Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme is an incredible chance to study abroad with financial support. Don’t miss the June 13th deadline! This is your chance to gain international experience, earn a Master’s degree, and build a brighter future.
Start your application today and prepare for an unforgettable journey in Colombia!