How To Get a Student Visa in Colombia
The Colombia student visa is intended for foreign students who wish to enroll in an academic program at a school or university in Colombia.
To be eligible for a student visa, you must be enrolled in a public or private educational institution.
Most universities in Colombia are recognized and approved for the purpose of obtaining a student visa in Colombia. In addition, you must take at least 10 hours of classes per week.
How To Get a Student Visa in Colombia
Why study in Colombia?
Every year a good number of foreigners travel to Colombia to study at the undergraduate and graduate level in public and private universities.
For the most part, students feel very comfortable with the environment, the academic training offered at the institutions.
If you plan to study in Colombia for more than six months, apply for a student visa beforehand.
How To Get a Student Visa in Colombia
What academic programs qualify for a student visa in Colombia?
The following academic programs qualify for the Colombian student visa:
1. Academic exchange, art or craft studies and graduate studies.
Participation in an academic exchange program, to advance training in a specific art or craft, or to participate in different educational programs at the graduate level.
2. Primary, secondary, middle school and undergraduate students.
A foreigner admitted by an educational institution in Colombia may apply to attend preschool, primary, secondary, middle school and undergraduate studies.
This will be valid for three years.
The duration of these visas will depend on the academic program, with multiple entries for the duration of each course, usually valid for 2 to 3 years.
How To Get a Student Visa in Colombia
What are the financial requirements for the Colombian student visa?
A letter (in Spanish) from the person with financial responsibility for the student.
If you are the student, the letter must state that you will be financially responsible for yourself while in Colombia.
To show “economic solvency”, you can use a bank “certificate” showing that the average balance in the last six months is greater than 10 times the legal minimum wage in Colombia or 10,000,000 pesos ($3,900 at an exchange rate of 4,000 pesos per USD) in 2022.
Alternatively, you can provide six months of bank statements without the need to translate the bank statements.
How To Get a Student Visa in Colombia
What documents are required for the student visa?
Photocopy of your passport:
A photocopy of the first page of your valid passport showing your biographical information. The photocopy can be in color or black and white.
Proof of legal entry into the country:
A photocopy of the page of your passport showing the last stamp of entry or exit from Colombia.
Photocopy of previously issued Visa:
If you have had a previous Colombian visa, such as a student or tourist.
Letter of admission:
Certificate of admission or enrollment for primary, secondary or higher education studies at authorized undergraduate schools in Colombia.
