Study in Colombia 2026: Student Life Guide

Colombia has 104 universities, including Antonio Nariño University, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, and CESA. For international students, the first term is shaped by how quickly you settle into housing, campus routines, and daily life in Spanish.

Cost of living → Working & jobs →

Colombia’s university landscape includes institutions such as Universidad CES, Universidad Bellas Artes, and Conservatorio del Tolima. Students usually begin by learning how their program is organized across the term and how teaching, coursework, and schedules are handled on campus.

Housing is one of the first practical tasks after arrival. New students often need to settle this early in the term so they can focus on classes and daily routines without added pressure.

Spanish is the language you should expect to use in daily life. International students who are not already comfortable with it will usually need time to adjust in their first term, both in and out of class.

Colombia was about 36% of US price levels in 2023, which helps frame everyday costs for students comparing destinations. With a GDP per capita PPP of 17,383 USD, it is a place where planning ahead for living arrangements and monthly spending matters from the start.