Quick Summary
Public in Bucaramanga, Colombia — Universidad Industrial de Santander, est. 1948. Ranked #701-710 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 22000 students including 1.5% from outside Colombia. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Top-tier engineering reputation, high research focus, and affordable public tuition for qualified students.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringChemical EngineeringCivil Engineering
Founded1948
TypePublic
Total Students22000
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusUrban
Campus Size161 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitario de Santander (HUS)
AccreditationCNA (Consejo Nacional de Acreditación) - Institutional High Quality Accreditation
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#701-710
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201–1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Engineering, Medicine, Health Sciences, Basic Sciences, Humanities, Industrial Arts
Programs
Doctorate in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Education, Health Sciences
PhD Programs
Limited distance education via IPRED (Institute of Regional Projection)
Online Programs
Guatiguará Technology Park, CINTEL, Center for Research in Sustainable Energy
Research Centers
High
Research Output
CNA (Consejo Nacional de Acreditación) - Institutional High Quality Accreditation
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Undergraduate admission is primarily based on the Saber 11 (ICFES) national exam scores. Higher scores in math and science are critical for engineering tracks.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Colombian Peso
UG Tuition
$3,200,000/yr
per year · COP
Living Cost
$20,000,000/yr
per year · COP
PG Tuition
$14,000,000/yr
per year · COP
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$23,200,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · COP
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Engineering, Medicine, Health Sciences, Basic Sciences, Humanities, Industrial Arts programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Chemical Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong industry links with Ecopetrol and regional energy sectors
Industry Connections
EcopetrolICP (Colombian Petroleum Institute)Regional Chambers of Commerce
Notable Alumni
Rodolfo Hernández, Mario Hernández, various ministers and energy CEOs
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Olympic swimming pool, athletics track, indoor gymnasiums, soccer fields
Student Clubs
Robotics club, UIS Orchestra, theater groups, debate society
Library Resources
Main Library (Biblioteca Central), regional specialized libraries, digital database access
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, PAME, and bilateral agreements with universities in France, Germany, and USA
Summer Programs
Not Available