Scholarship: Beca Colombia Program for foreigners- Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad [ICETEX] (Deadline June 2024)

Scholarship: Beca Colombia Program for foreigners- Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad [ICETEX] (Deadline June 2024)

Introduction to the Beca Scholarship Program for Foreigners 2024-02 by ICETEX

The Beca Colombia Scholarship Program, managed by ICETEX (Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior), is a significant initiative of the Colombian State designed to foster higher education and international cooperation. This program aims to provide educational opportunities to foreign nationals with limited economic resources but strong academic performance, aligning with the Strategy of Reciprocity for foreigners.

Objectives and Opportunities

The Beca Colombia Scholarship is tailored for international students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Colombia. It offers two primary avenues:

1. Postgraduate Studies: For foreign students aiming to undertake specialization, master’s, and doctorate degrees at Colombian public and private higher education institutions as specified in the “2024-2 Academic Offer Catalog.”
2. Spanish Language Enhancement: For non-Spanish speaking international students who need to improve their Spanish proficiency to successfully engage in postgraduate studies in Colombia. These students must present acceptance letters for both a Spanish language course and their intended postgraduate program.

Eligibility and Application Process

The program is open to foreign nationals who:

• Do not hold Colombian nationality.
• Are not residing in Colombia and have not lived there for the six months preceding the application.
• Hold a professional or bachelor’s degree.
• Meet the academic and health criteria specified by ICETEX.

Program Structure and Benefits

Types of Scholarships

1. Postgraduate Scholarships:
   • Specialization: Up to 18 months (3 academic semesters)
   • Master’s: Up to 24 months (4 academic semesters)
   • Doctorate: Up to 48 months (8 academic semesters)
2. Spanish Language Enhancement:
   • Duration: Up to 6 months
   • Requirement: Beneficiaries must complete the Spanish course before starting their postgraduate program.

You may also be eligible for:

Scholarship: Fulbright Grants by The United States Embassy in Uzbekistan

MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY (METI) GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2024-FULLY FUNDED TO JAPAN

Coverage and Benefits

The scholarship provides extensive support to ensure that students can focus on their studies without financial burden. The benefits include:

1. Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees at the Colombian institution.
2. Health Insurance: Medical and hospital assistance including repatriation in case of disability or death. This coverage is exclusive to the scholarship recipient and does not extend to family members.
3. Courtesy Visa: ICETEX facilitates the process of obtaining a courtesy visa (Type “V” visa) for the duration of the study period.
4. Monthly Living Expenses: Financial support equivalent to three current legal monthly minimum wages in Colombia. The amount is adjusted annually based on the Colombian Ministry of Labor’s decrees.
5. Installation Expenses: A one-time support for initial setup costs in Colombia.
6. Books and Materials: Annual financial support for educational materials. The number of supports varies by the type of program:
   • Specialization: Single support
   • Master’s: Up to two supports
   • Doctorate: Three to four supports depending on the program duration
7. Foreign Identification Costs: Financial support equivalent to 250,000 COP for the issuance of the “Cédula de Extranjería.”

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality: Must be a foreign national without dual Colombian nationality.
2. Residence: Should not be residing or have resided in Colombia for the six months prior to the application.
3. Education: Must hold a professional or bachelor’s degree.
4. Academic Performance: Must have a minimum cumulative average of 4.0 out of 5.0 (or its equivalent in the applicant’s country) in undergraduate studies.
5. Health: Must have a certificate of good physical and mental health.
6. Professional Experience: At least one year of professional experience, including internships.
7. Admission Letters: Must have admission to at least one postgraduate program listed in the “2024-2 Academic Offer Catalog.” If applying for a Spanish course, an admission letter for the course and the postgraduate program is required.
8. Age: Should not be older than 50 years.

Application Process

The application process is entirely online and involves several stages:

1. Document Submission: Applicants must submit all required documents through the ICETEX platform, including:
   • Letter of admission from the university
   • Academic recommendation letters
   • Certificate of undergraduate or graduate transcripts
   • Copy of valid passport
   • Health certificate
   • Professional experience certificate
   • Resume or CV
   • Essay explaining the importance of studying in Colombia and the expected impact
2. Evaluation and Selection: Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, coherence between academic/professional career and the proposed studies, professional experience, and geographical location of the Colombian institution.
3. Notification: Selected candidates will be notified by email and must confirm their acceptance of the scholarship within the stipulated timeframe.
4. Scholarship Acceptance: Selected candidates must send a signed “Letter of Commitments” outlining the academic, migratory, and legal obligations during their study period.

Scholarship Management and Monitoring

ICETEX oversees the management and monitoring of scholarship recipients, ensuring they adhere to the program’s requirements. Scholarship holders must:

1. Academic Performance: Maintain a minimum average of 4.0 out of 5.0.
2. Quarterly Reports: Submit experience reports each quarter, signed by their academic coordinator or tutor.
3. Compliance: Adhere to the rules of the educational institution and attend all ICETEX meetings.
4. Legal Obligations: Comply with Colombian laws and regulations, including obtaining and maintaining a valid visa and foreigner identity card.

Financial Disbursements

Disbursements for living expenses are made quarterly. Scholarship holders must open a savings account in Colombia and provide ICETEX with the necessary bank details. The first payment will cover maintenance, installation, and book expenses and is processed upon receipt of the required documents.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 9, 2024
• Evaluation and Selection: June 10-19, 2024
• Notification to Candidates: June 20, 2024
• Scholarship Acceptance: June 21-23, 2024
• Start of Studies: According to the academic program schedule

Contact Information

For additional information, applicants can contact the ICETEX International Relations Office at:

This comprehensive support framework under the Beca Colombia Scholarship Program ensures that international students can pursue their academic goals in Colombia with financial stability and institutional support, fostering educational and cultural exchange.

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