Pontifical Bolivarian University

Medellín, Colombia

Founded on September 15, 1936 in Medellín by the Catholic Archbishop and intellectuals, UPB is a private, Pontifical Catholic research university. It was originally titled Universidad Católica Bolivariana and gained its Pontifical status from Pope Pius XII in 1945 .
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UPB was founded in 1936 by the Archdiocese of Medellín and became a Pontifical university in 1945—making it a private, Catholic institution
UPB operates across five campuses: Medellín (main campus with Medicine School), Bucaramanga, Montería, Palmira, and Bogotá
UPB offers approximately 75 undergraduate programs, a similar number of specializations, 68 master’s, and 10 doctorate programs, spanning diverse faculties including Law and Political Sciences
UPB’s overall acceptance rate is about 50%, requiring a secondary school certificate (bachillerato) and passing national entrance exams; certain programs may require additional tests.
Incoming students must provide legalized secondary diplomas (e.g., International Baccalaureate, Abitur, SAT, IB), apostilled and equivalent to Colombia’s ICFES exams.
Applications are evaluated by a selection committee based on academic performance and entrance examination scores, sometimes supplemented by interviews.
The university follows a Security–Health–Work system (SGSST), which includes occupational risk management, emergency response protocols, and health policies .
Yes—“Campus Protegido” offers prehospital care during weekdays and weekends, ensuring immediate assistance for health incidents on campus .
UPB runs dedicated prevention and support groups (e.g., “Bienestar Institucional”) focusing on gender-based violence awareness and student wellbeing.
The university provides 74 undergraduate, 68 master’s, and 10 doctoral programs across faculties such as Architecture, Health Sciences, Law and Political Sciences
Yes—UPB has dual-degree agreements (such as with Germany’s HAWK Hildesheim for Design) and offers semester exchanges under academic alliances.
Some programs mandate language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/diagnostic tests). Non-native Spanish speakers may access courses like ESPEX tailored to foreign students.
Yes—UPB collaborates with national financial bodies like ICETEX and offers scholarships based on academic merit and socioeconomic status .
Exchange and visiting students may qualify for scholarships (on merit or via agreements); they also must have health and emergency insurance (approx. USD 25) .
Yes—UPB has discount partnerships (e.g., ACOLTEX) and financing deals that benefit students and their families .
No. However, through its “Vive y Aprende” program, it supports students in finding safe rentals nearby and offers guidelines to assist in the process .
The International Relations Office provides a mobility manual with information on visas, housing contacts, and arrival services
The main Medellín campus is in Laureles, well-integrated into urban infrastructure; other campuses are located in key regional cities (Bucaramanga, Montería, Palmira, Bogotá) .
Yes—exchange and visiting students must obtain Colombian student visas (M-9 or Visitor V category) which can be arranged with support from UPB and local partners .
M-9 student visa holders can work in internships consistent with their field of study, as long as UPB-affiliated internship placements comply with immigration rules .
Graduates may transition to a work visa (“V” or “M” temporary visas) or apply for permanent residency (“RE” visa) if they secure employment with a Colombian employer.

University Of Pontifical Bolivarian University Application Statistics

25823
1500
10:1
COP 26150000
COP 13000000
2
24
55 %

Learn About -

* All cost are in COP

University Of Pontifical Bolivarian University Application Statistics

25823
1500
10:1
COP 26150000
COP 13000000
2
24
55 %

Learn About -

* All cost are in COP

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