Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Wisdom, Faith, Future.

📍 Bogotá, Colombia 🇨🇴

🏆 #3 in Colombia · QS World #371 · THE World #1501

Quick Facts about Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

  • Type: Private Non-Profit
  • Students: 23,260
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Tuition: $8,000 – $15,000/year
  • Language: Spanish, English
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, a private Catholic university established in 1623, is one of Colombia's oldest and most respected higher education institutions. With its main campus in Bogotá and a branch in Cali, the university is part of a global network of Jesuit universities. It consistently ranks among the top universities in Colombia and Latin America, emphasizing holistic development, teaching, research, and social relevance.

Academics

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá boasts 18 faculties, 61 departments, and 14 research institutes, offering a multidisciplinary environment with 48 undergraduate programs, 77 master's degrees, and 13 doctorates. The university is recognized for its strong academic quality, being the first in Colombia to receive high-quality institutional accreditation. Notable areas of study include Law and International Business, and the university is committed to fostering critical thinking and a desire for excellence. The teaching approach integrates Ignatian pedagogy, encouraging responsible decision-making across various fields.

International Students

The university offers various support services for international students, including guidance on accommodation and general information about the city. While most courses are taught in Spanish, some English-taught programs are available, particularly at the Cali campus, and non-Spanish speakers may be required to take Spanish language courses. The "Punto de Apoyo a Estudiantes de Fuera de Bogotá" office assists with finding housing, with estimated monthly costs ranging from USD $200 to $600. International students can also benefit from the "Plan Parceros" buddy program, which helps with cultural integration and navigating campus life.

Campus & Location

The main campus in Bogotá is strategically located on Carrera Séptima, a significant avenue, bordering the Enrique Olaya Herrera National Park. The campus spans 18 hectares, featuring extensive green areas and modern buildings, including the San Ignacio University Hospital. Bogotá offers a vibrant city life with diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. The university's location provides easy access to public transportation, and within the campus, there are various services including sports facilities and dining options.

Career Outcomes

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana emphasizes strong industry connections and provides comprehensive career services to its students and alumni. These services include a job board with over 300 monthly vacancies, personalized advising, and employability fairs like ExpoLaborum, connecting students with numerous registered companies. The university also focuses on developing soft skills, leadership, and community engagement to prepare students for impactful careers. Alumni benefit from ongoing support in job searching and professional development.

Information for International Students at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available (~$200/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Spanish, English

Admissions Requirements for Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Pontificia Universidad Javeriana:

  • IELTS minimum: 5
  • Application fee: $30
  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)

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Programs at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (25 programs)

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offers 25 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (11)

  • Law (LLB) — 60 months · Spanish
    The program provides a strong foundation in legal theory, Colombian law, and international legal frameworks, developing critical thinking and advocacy skills for various legal professions.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Consultant
  • Philosophy (BA) — 96 months · Spanish
    The Philosophy program cultivates critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a deep understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and reason. Students analyze major philosophical traditions.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Philosopher, Researcher, Educator, Policy Analyst
  • Psychology (BA) — 60 months · Spanish
    This program explores human behavior and mental processes, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology, with a focus on research and application.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Psychologist, Counselor, Researcher
  • Civil Engineering (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    Students learn to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, with an emphasis on safety and efficiency.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager
  • Communication Studies (BA) — 60 months · Spanish
    Students develop skills in media production, journalism, public relations, and organizational communication, understanding the impact of communication in society.
    Field: Communication
    Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator
  • Industrial Engineering (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on optimizing complex processes, systems, and organizations, applying engineering principles to improve efficiency and productivity in various industries.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Industrial Engineer, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst
  • Medicine (MD) — 84 months · Spanish · STEM
    This comprehensive program prepares future physicians with extensive knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical practice, fostering ethical and compassionate care.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher
  • Business Administration (BBA) — 60 months · Spanish
    Students gain expertise in management, finance, marketing, and operations, preparing them to lead and innovate in diverse business environments.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Business Manager, Financial Analyst, Marketing Specialist
  • Electronic Engineering (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    Students acquire knowledge in the design, development, and application of electronic systems, including telecommunications, control systems, and digital electronics.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Electronic Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer
  • Systems Engineering (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on the design, implementation, and management of information systems and software solutions, preparing students for careers in technology and innovation.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant
  • Architecture (BA) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on the design and construction of buildings and urban spaces, integrating artistic vision with technical knowledge and sustainability principles.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Construction Manager

Master Programs (8)

  • Master in Law (LLM) — 12 months · Spanish
    This master's program offers advanced legal education in specific fields such as commercial law, public law, or human rights, preparing graduates for specialized legal practice.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Specialized Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Policy Analyst
  • Master in Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This program develops advanced management and leadership skills, focusing on strategic decision-making, financial analysis, and global business challenges.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Senior Manager, CEO, Consultant
  • Master in Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program addresses global health challenges, epidemiology, health policy, and public health interventions, aiming to improve population health outcomes.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Analyst
  • Master in Civil Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    This master's program offers specialization in advanced topics of civil engineering, such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and water resources management.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Advanced Civil Engineer, Researcher, Specialized Consultant
  • Master in Clinical Psychology (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This program provides advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. Students develop clinical competencies and engage in supervised practice.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist, Therapist, Mental Health Counselor
  • Master in Education (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This program focuses on advanced pedagogical theories, educational research, and curriculum development, preparing educators for leadership roles and innovative teaching practices.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Educational Leader, Curriculum Specialist, Teacher Trainer
  • Master in Finance (MSc) — 18 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program provides in-depth knowledge of financial markets, corporate finance, and investment strategies, preparing students for high-level roles in the financial sector.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Financial Manager, Investment Banker, Risk Analyst
  • Master in Psychology (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This program allows for advanced study and specialization in various areas of psychology, including clinical, organizational, and educational psychology, with a strong research component.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Specialized Psychologist, Therapist, Academic

PhD Programs (6)

  • PhD in Education (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in educational theory, policy, and practice, preparing scholars to lead innovation and reform in educational systems.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Educational Researcher, University Professor, Education Policy Advisor, School Superintendent
  • PhD in Philosophy (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    This program enables students to pursue in-depth philosophical inquiry and contribute original research to the field. It fosters advanced critical thinking and scholarly writing.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Philosophical Researcher, Ethical Consultant, Writer
  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program trains researchers in cutting-edge biomedical fields, focusing on molecular biology, genetics, and disease mechanisms to advance medical science.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Biomedical Researcher, Academic, Biotechnology Specialist
  • PhD in Engineering (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
    This doctoral program focuses on advanced research and innovation in various engineering disciplines, contributing to new knowledge and technological development.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Researcher, University Professor, R&D Director
  • PhD in Law (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    The PhD in Law program offers advanced legal research opportunities, allowing students to contribute to legal scholarship and policy development. It focuses on critical analysis of legal systems and doctrines.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: University Professor of Law, Legal Scholar, High-level Legal Advisor, International Law Expert
  • PhD in Social Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    This doctoral program fosters advanced research in various social science disciplines, including sociology, political science, and anthropology, addressing complex societal issues.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Social Scientist, University Professor, Policy Advisor

Scholarships & Tuition at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Annual tuition for international students: $8,000 – $15,000/year

✅ Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

  • National Ranking: #3 in Colombia
  • QS World University Ranking: #371
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #1501
  • Ranking tier: Top 500
  • Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses
  • Housing cost: ~$200/month

Key Highlights

  • Oldest, most respected Colombian university
  • Jesuit, global network affiliation
  • Top-ranked in Colombia, Latin America
  • Multidisciplinary academic excellence
  • Strong research and social relevance
  • Holistic student development focus

Accreditation

  • Ministerio de Educación Nacional
  • Consejo Nacional de Acreditación (CNA)
  • ABET

Fields of Study at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

  • Law
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Social Sciences

Notable Alumni

  • Álvaro Uribe Vélez
  • Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo
  • Juan Pablo Raba
  • Natalia Reyes
  • Manuel Elkin Patarroyo

Frequently Asked Questions about Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

What is Pontificia Universidad Javeriana?

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana is a private non-profit university located in Bogotá, Colombia. It has approximately 23,260 students.

How much does it cost to study at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana?

Tuition fees at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana for international students range from $8,000 – $15,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $200/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Pontificia Universidad Javeriana?

IELTS minimum: 5. Application fee: $30. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%).

What language are courses taught in at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana?

Courses at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana are taught in Spanish and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.

How many programs does Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offer?

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offers 25 programs: 11 Bachelor's, 8 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Pontificia Universidad Javeriana ranked?

#3 in Colombia · QS World #371 · THE World #1501.

Does Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offer scholarships?

Yes, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Pontificia Universidad Javeriana provide visa support?

Yes, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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