The Government of Colombia is inviting applications from South African citizens for the Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme, offering opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies (specialisation or Master’s degree) at Colombian Higher Education Institutions, as well as one-semester Spanish language courses.
This programme aims to strengthen academic training through culture, knowledge, and technology, while fostering international collaboration and social networks between scholars, Colombian institutions, and global partners.
Successful applicants will enrol in programmes listed in the 2026-2 Academic Offer Catalogue.
Informational Webinar
An online information session will be held to guide prospective applicants on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at 10:00 AM to answer questions from interested institutions and students. Webinar Link
More information on the Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme can be found at: https://web.icetex.gov.co/becas/beca-colombia-extranjeros
Degree level
Up to 70 scholarships will be awarded under two categories:
- Postgraduate Studies:
For applicants pursuing a specialisation or Master’s degree at accredited Colombian public or private institutions. - Postgraduate Studies with Spanish Training:
For applicants from non-Spanish-speaking countries who require Spanish language training prior to their studies, in line with the Academic Offer Catalogue.
Deadline
05 June 2026 (17h00 Colombian Time)
Important Dates
- Call opens: 25 March 2026
- Application deadline: 05 June 2026 (17:00, GMT-5)
- Evaluation and selection: 06 – 17 June 2026
- Publication of results: 18 June 2026
- Notification to successful applicants: 19 June 2026
- Acceptance of scholarship: 20 – 21 June 2026 (23:59, GMT-5)
- Commencement of studies: According to the academic programme schedule
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen (must not hold Colombian nationality, including dual citizenship);
- Be between 18 and 50 years old at the time of application;
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent);
- Have a minimum GPA equivalent to 4.0/5.0 at undergraduate level;
- Have admission to at least one (up to three) eligible programmes in the Academic Offer Catalogue;
- Not have resided in Colombia within the last six months;
- Not have previously benefited from the Beca Colombia Programme;
- Not be in a marital or de facto union with a Colombian citizen;
- Be in good physical and mental health (supported by a medical certificate).
Fields of study
Programmes are available across a wide range of disciplines at accredited Colombian institutions.
Refer to the Academic Offer Catalogue 2026-02 for the full list of programmes.
What the scholarship offers
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance
- Courtesy visa fees
- Foreigner ID allowance
Note: Applicants are responsible for university application fees and any additional costs not covered by the scholarship.
Application process
Applications must be submitted online via the ICETEX portal: https://internacionalizacion.icetex.gov.co/login/auth/login
Contact
For additional information, questions, or clarifications regarding the application process, please contact the International Relations Office at ICETEX via e-mail:
Documents and links
Catalogue of Academic Offering
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
