Quick Summary
Situated in Bogotá, Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia is a public established in 1867. Ranked #219 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 55819 students including 1.2% from outside Colombia. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Art and Design, Mineral and Mining Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 7.5%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the premier public university in Colombia, offering the most rigorous academic environment and the highest research output in the country.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringArt and DesignMineral and Mining EngineeringAgriculture and ForestrySociologyStatistics and Operational Research
Founded1867
TypePublic
Total Students55819
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio18.5
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size121 hectares (Bogotá Main Campus)
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia (HUN)
AccreditationInstitutional High-Quality Accreditation by the National Council of Accreditation (CNA)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#219
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201–1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, Law, Arts, Sciences, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Economics
Programs
65+ PhD programs across various disciplines
PhD Programs
Limited; mostly blended learning and MOOCs via UNAL Virtual
Online Programs
Instituto de Estudios Políticos y Relaciones Internacionales (IEPRI), Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (ICTA), Observatorio Astronómico Nacional
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Institutional High-Quality Accreditation by the National Council of Accreditation (CNA)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate7.5%
IELTS6.0 (For specific postgraduate exchange or programs)
TOEFL80 (For specific postgraduate programs)
Min GPANULL (Admission is based strictly on the UNAL Entrance Exam score)
GRENot required for most programs
GMATNot required
SATNot required
ACTNot required
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · March 20 (For second semester August start)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · August 30 (For first semester February start)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Prepare intensely for the university's own admission exam, which tests Mathematics, Textual Analysis, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Image Analysis.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Colombian Peso
UG Tuition
Free
per year · COP
Living Cost
$22,000,000/yr
per year · COP
PG Tuition
$16,000,000/yr
per year · COP
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$38,130,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · COP
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable through ICETEX and internal university socio-economic support programs
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, Law, Arts, Sciences, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Economics programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Architecture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Law | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Political Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with public sector and major Colombian industries
Industry Connections
EcopetrolBancolombiaGovernment MinistriesNutresa
Notable Alumni
Gabriel García Márquez (attended), Fernando Botero (attended), Virginia Gutiérrez de Pineda, Antanas Mockus
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Olympic pool, Athletics stadium, multiple multi-purpose courts, gymnasiums
Student Clubs
Over 100 cultural, scientific, and political student groups
Library Resources
Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez (Largest university library system in Colombia)
Exchange Programs
Extensive global network (Erasmus+, bilateral agreements with Top 200 universities)
Summer Programs
Limited summer research internships