ICETEX (INSTITUTO COLOMBIANO DE CRÉDITO EDUCATIVO Y ESTUDIOS TÉCNICOS EN EL EXTERIOR)
Colombian Government Master's Scholarship (ICETEX)
full · masters
- Full tuition + stipendFunding type
- ~€9,000–€18,000/yr (est.)Estimated total value
- 81 awards (2024 round)Recent intake
- Under 50 yearsAge limit
- Up to 3 programmesApplications allowed
- No IELTS requiredLanguage test
At a glance
full
Funding
€18k
Max amount
Jun 12, 2027
Deadline
All countries (non-Colombian citizens of any nationality)
Country
ICETEX (Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior)
Provider
The Colombian Government Master's Scholarship is funded by ICETEX, Colombia's official higher-education credit and study agency, and supports international students taking a Master's degree at accredited Colombian universities for the 2026/2027 cycle. In the 2024 round 81 international students were funded, and the number of places is expected to grow as Colombia widens academic cooperation. The award is fully funded: it covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, health and medical insurance, visa and relocation support, books and academic materials, a one-time settling-in allowance, and emergency support funding. There is no IELTS requirement, though Spanish proficiency is encouraged because most programmes are taught in Spanish. Eligibility is broad: applicants must be non-Colombian citizens of any nationality, hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline, be under 50 years of age, and not currently reside in Colombia or be married to a Colombian resident. Applicants must apply to up to 3 Master's programmes at participating universities and submit both digital and physical copies of their documents, with physical copies mailed to Colombia. Eligible fields span social sciences, engineering, health sciences, agriculture, business and economics, environmental studies, law, and humanities. Because stipend rates, the number of places, and the closing date are set each cycle, confirm the current 2026/2027 figures and deadline on the official ICETEX page before you apply.
What's covered
- Full tuition fees — Complete tuition coverage for an accredited Master's programme at a participating Colombian university for the full duration of study.
- Monthly living stipend — A monthly maintenance stipend to cover accommodation, food, and day-to-day costs (an estimated ~€700–€900 (est.) per month, confirm the current figure with ICETEX).
- Health and medical insurance — Health and medical insurance cover for the duration of the scholarship.
- Visa and relocation support — Support with visa processing and relocation, plus a one-time settling-in allowance to help with arrival costs.
- Books and materials — An allowance for books and academic materials required for the programme.
- Emergency support funding — Access to emergency support funding for unforeseen circumstances during the award period.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the ICETEX platform, with physical documents mailed to Colombia as part of the process.
- Secure admission — Apply for and secure admission to an eligible Master's programme listed by ICETEX at a participating Colombian university (you may apply to up to three programmes).
- Complete the online application — Complete your online application on the ICETEX platform before the closing date around 12 June 2026 (est.).
- Upload digital documents — Upload digital copies of all required documents in PDF format through the ICETEX portal.
- Mail physical documents — Send physical (certified) copies of your documents to the address provided by ICETEX so they arrive within the stated window.
- Check results and confirm — Check selection results on the ICETEX portal around 24 June 2026 (est.); selected applicants are notified by email shortly after and must confirm their place.
Eligibility
Nationality and residencyMust be a non-Colombian citizen of any nationality, not currently residing in Colombia, and not married to someone residing in Colombia.
AgeMust be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
Academic backgroundMust hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline and demonstrate a strong academic record and clear motivation.
Admission and programme choiceMust apply to up to three Master's programmes at participating Colombian universities listed by ICETEX, and secure admission to an eligible programme.
Spanish proficiency is encouraged because most programmes are taught in Spanish; a Spanish proficiency certificate may be required where applicable. No IELTS is required. Both digital and physical (mailed) copies of documents must be submitted.
Eligible countries
All countries (non-Colombian citizens of any nationality)
Deadlines
2026/2027 cycle (online)~12 June 2026 (est.)
2026/2027 cycle (results)~24 June 2026 (est.)
Selection
ICETEX assesses applicants on academic record, the strength of their motivation and academic statement, and the relevance of their chosen Master's programmes. Candidates must first secure admission to an eligible programme; submission of both complete digital and physical document sets is required to remain in consideration. In the 2024 round 81 international students were selected, and results are published on the ICETEX portal with email notification to successful applicants.
Verified sources
- ICETEX Official Websiteicetex.gov.coofficial
About the provider
ICETEX (Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior) is Colombia's national agency for higher-education funding, administering scholarships, student loans, and international study programmes. It manages government-funded scholarships for both Colombian and international students at accredited Colombian universities.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Colombian Government Master's Scholarship?
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Non-Colombian citizens of any nationality who hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline, are under 50, are not residing in Colombia or married to a Colombian resident, and apply to eligible Master's programmes at participating Colombian universities.
Who funds the scholarship?
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It is funded by ICETEX, Colombia's official higher-education credit and overseas-study agency, on behalf of the Colombian government.
What does the scholarship cover?
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Full tuition, a monthly living stipend, health and medical insurance, visa and relocation support, books and materials, a one-time settling-in allowance, and emergency support funding.
How much is the award worth?
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It is fully funded; the total value is an estimated ~€9,000–€18,000 (est.) per year depending on programme and living costs. Confirm exact figures with ICETEX.
Is there an age limit?
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Yes; applicants must be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
Do I need IELTS or English certification?
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No IELTS is required. Spanish proficiency is encouraged because most programmes are taught in Spanish, and a Spanish certificate may be requested.
How many programmes can I apply to?
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You may apply to up to three Master's programmes at participating Colombian universities.
How many scholarships are awarded?
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In the 2024 round 81 international students were funded, and the number is expected to increase in later cycles as cooperation expands.
What documents do I need?
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An academic recommendation letter, an admission letter, a CV, certified transcripts, a Spanish certificate (if applicable), an academic statement, a passport copy, proof of experience, and a health certificate.
How do I submit my application?
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Apply online through the ICETEX platform with digital PDF documents, then mail the physical certified copies to the address provided by ICETEX.
When is the deadline?
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The online application closes around 12 June 2026 (est.) with results around 24 June 2026 (est.); confirm the exact current-cycle dates officially.
Where can I verify the latest details?
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On the official ICETEX website linked in the sources section.