Quick Summary
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, in Medellín, Colombia, is a private, catholic that has shaped higher education since 1936. Ranked #611-620 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 30450 students including 2.5% from outside Colombia. Known for strengths in Theology, Design, Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 75%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Highly ranked for academic quality in Colombia with a strong focus on ethics, sustainability, and humanism.
Subject Strengths
TheologyDesignEngineeringPetroleum EngineeringBusiness & Management Studies
Founded1936
TypePrivate, Catholic
Total Students30450
Intl Students2.5%
Faculty Ratio17
CampusUrban Eco-campus
Campus Size20 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsClínica Universitaria Bolivariana
AccreditationCNA Institutional Accreditation of High Quality
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#611-620
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Architecture, Design, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Business, Theology, Philosophy
Programs
PhD in Engineering, PhD in Philosophy, PhD in Social Sciences, PhD in Education, PhD in Law
PhD Programs
UPB Virtual offers various specializations, certifications, and master's degrees
Online Programs
CIDI (Centro de Innovación, Desarrollo e Investigación)
Research Centers
High
Research Output
CNA Institutional Accreditation of High Quality
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate75%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Submit high SABER 11 scores (for Colombians) or validated high school transcripts for international students; an interview is required for some health programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Colombian Peso
UG Tuition
$18,000,000/yr
per year · COP
Living Cost
$28,000,000/yr
per year · COP
PG Tuition
$22,000,000/yr
per year · COP
Application Fee
$45
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$46,175,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · COP
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidICETEX agreements, Sapiencia, and internal financing plans
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Architecture, Design, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Business, Theology, Philosophy programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Social Communication and Journalism | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Industrial Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with companies like Grupo Sura, Bancolombia, and EPM
Industry Connections
Extensive network within the Antioquia business cluster and international corporate partners
Notable Alumni
Belisario Betancur, Martha Lucía Ramírez, César Gaviria
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Coliseum, swimming pool, soccer fields, gym, tennis courts
Student Clubs
Over 40 clubs including theater, music, ecology, robotics, and debate
Library Resources
Central Library 'Octavio Arizmendi Posada', specialized faculty libraries, and digital databases
Exchange Programs
Over 200 agreements with international universities
Summer Programs
International Summer School programs available across multiple disciplines