Universidad del Norte

Uninorte: Shaping Futures, Driving Progress.

📍 Barranquilla, Colombia 🇨🇴

🏆 #5 in Colombia · QS World #1201 · THE World #1501

Quick Facts about Universidad del Norte

  • Type: Private Non-Profit
  • Students: 16,000
  • Campus: Urban
  • Tuition: $6,000 – $12,000/year
  • Language: Spanish, English, German, French, Portuguese
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 34:1
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Universidad del Norte

Universidad del Norte (Uninorte) is a private research university located in Barranquilla, Colombia, founded in 1966. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in Colombia and the Caribbean region. Uninorte is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social development.

Academics

Uninorte offers a substantial number of programs across ten academic divisions, including Engineering, Administrative Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Legal Sciences, and Basic Sciences. The university provides 28 undergraduate programs, 62 professional specialization programs, 50 master's programs, and 15 doctoral programs. A notable strength is its engineering programs, all accredited by ABET, a significant international accreditation agency. The teaching approach emphasizes a strong faculty, with 60% holding doctoral degrees from top universities in the US and Europe, and a focus on research and innovation.

International Students

Uninorte welcomes international students and provides various services, including study abroad and exchange programs. While most courses are taught in Spanish, requiring intermediate proficiency, some faculty may accept assignments and exams in English. The university has over 300 international agreements, facilitating exchanges, double degrees, and internships. International Studies Abroad (ISA) has an office on campus to support US and Canadian students with language, travel, and cultural integration.

Campus & Location

The Uninorte campus is situated in Barranquilla, the largest city in Colombia's Caribbean region. The campus is modern, eco-friendly, and features extensive green areas, comfortable buildings, and various amenities such as restaurants, shops, and study spaces. Barranquilla offers a vibrant city life, conveniently located between popular tourist destinations like Cartagena and Santa Marta, with easy transportation via taxi and bus. The campus also boasts cultural and sports facilities, including the Coliseo de los Fundadores, which hosts major events.

Career Outcomes

Uninorte focuses on preparing students for the professional world, with career services that include professional practice coordination and a digital employment platform called Turpial. The university works to build strong relationships between the university and businesses to provide students with practical experience. Graduates from Uninorte's international partnerships have gone on to work at major companies such as Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Intel Corporation, and Dell Technologies. The university also offers simulations of selection processes to help students prepare for job interviews and identify their strengths.

Information for International Students at Universidad del Norte

Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Spanish, English, German, French, Portuguese

Admissions Requirements for Universidad del Norte

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Universidad del Norte:

  • IELTS minimum: 6.5
  • GPA minimum: 2.5
  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)

Apply to Universidad del Norte →

Programs at Universidad del Norte (45 programs)

Universidad del Norte offers 45 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (28)

  • Diseño Gráfico — 48 months · Spanish
    The Graphic Design program teaches students to create visual communications for various media, including print, digital, and branding. It emphasizes creativity, aesthetics, and effective message delivery.
    Field: Arts and Design
    Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Art Director, Web Designer
  • AdministraciĂłn de Empresas — 60 months · Spanish
    The Business Administration program equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage organizations effectively, covering areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, and strategic management.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur
  • PsicologĂ­a — 60 months · Spanish
    The Psychology program explores human behavior, mental processes, and emotional development. Students learn about various psychological theories, research methods, and therapeutic approaches.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Psychologist, Counselor, Human Resources Specialist
  • Licenciatura en MĂşsica — 60 months · Spanish
    This program provides comprehensive training in music theory, performance, history, and composition. Students develop their musical talents and critical understanding of various musical genres and traditions.
    Field: Arts and Humanities
    Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer
  • ContadurĂ­a PĂşblica — 60 months · Spanish
    The Public Accounting program provides a strong foundation in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. Students develop skills for accurate financial reporting and analysis.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst
  • Arquitectura — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program combines artistic design with technical knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Students learn about architectural history, urban planning, and sustainable design principles.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer
  • EconomĂ­a — 60 months · Spanish
    This program analyzes how societies allocate scarce resources, covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and public policy. Students develop strong analytical and quantitative skills to understand economic phenomena.
    Field: Economics
    Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor
  • IngenierĂ­a Industrial (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on optimizing complex processes, systems, and organizations. Students learn about operations research, supply chain management, quality control, and process improvement.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Industrial Engineer, Process Improvement Specialist, Supply Chain Manager
  • IngenierĂ­a de Sistemas (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on the design, development, and implementation of software and information systems. Students learn about programming, databases, networks, and cybersecurity.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant
  • Derecho — 60 months · Spanish
    This program provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, national and international law, and legal procedures. Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for legal practice.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Advisor
  • Medicina — 84 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Medicine program prepares students to become compassionate and skilled medical professionals, covering human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice. It emphasizes patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher
  • IngenierĂ­a Civil (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, and hydraulic systems. Students learn about structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and construction management.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager
  • ComunicaciĂłn Social y Periodismo — 60 months · Spanish
    This program focuses on developing communication skills for various media platforms, including journalism, public relations, and corporate communication. Students learn about media ethics, digital storytelling, and audience engagement.
    Field: Communication
    Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator
  • IngenierĂ­a ElectrĂłnica (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program covers the design, development, and application of electronic systems and devices. Students learn about circuits, telecommunications, control systems, and digital signal processing.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Electronics Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Control Systems Engineer
  • Diseño Gráfico — 48 months · Spanish
    The Graphic Design program teaches students to create visual communications for various media, including print, digital, and branding. It emphasizes creativity, aesthetics, and effective message delivery.
    Field: Arts and Design
    Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Art Director, Web Designer
  • AdministraciĂłn de Empresas — 60 months · Spanish
    The Business Administration program equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage organizations effectively, covering areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, and strategic management.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur
  • PsicologĂ­a — 60 months · Spanish
    The Psychology program explores human behavior, mental processes, and emotional development. Students learn about various psychological theories, research methods, and therapeutic approaches.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Psychologist, Counselor, Human Resources Specialist
  • Licenciatura en MĂşsica — 60 months · Spanish
    This program provides comprehensive training in music theory, performance, history, and composition. Students develop their musical talents and critical understanding of various musical genres and traditions.
    Field: Arts and Humanities
    Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer
  • ContadurĂ­a PĂşblica — 60 months · Spanish
    The Public Accounting program provides a strong foundation in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. Students develop skills for accurate financial reporting and analysis.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst
  • Arquitectura — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program combines artistic design with technical knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Students learn about architectural history, urban planning, and sustainable design principles.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer
  • EconomĂ­a — 60 months · Spanish
    This program analyzes how societies allocate scarce resources, covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and public policy. Students develop strong analytical and quantitative skills to understand economic phenomena.
    Field: Economics
    Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor
  • IngenierĂ­a Industrial (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on optimizing complex processes, systems, and organizations. Students learn about operations research, supply chain management, quality control, and process improvement.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Industrial Engineer, Process Improvement Specialist, Supply Chain Manager
  • IngenierĂ­a de Sistemas (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on the design, development, and implementation of software and information systems. Students learn about programming, databases, networks, and cybersecurity.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant
  • Derecho — 60 months · Spanish
    This program provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, national and international law, and legal procedures. Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for legal practice.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Advisor
  • Medicina — 84 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Medicine program prepares students to become compassionate and skilled medical professionals, covering human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice. It emphasizes patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher
  • IngenierĂ­a Civil (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, and hydraulic systems. Students learn about structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and construction management.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager
  • ComunicaciĂłn Social y Periodismo — 60 months · Spanish
    This program focuses on developing communication skills for various media platforms, including journalism, public relations, and corporate communication. Students learn about media ethics, digital storytelling, and audience engagement.
    Field: Communication
    Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator
  • IngenierĂ­a ElectrĂłnica (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · STEM
    This program covers the design, development, and application of electronic systems and devices. Students learn about circuits, telecommunications, control systems, and digital signal processing.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Electronics Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Control Systems Engineer

Master Programs (13)

  • MaestrĂ­a en AdministraciĂłn de Empresas (MBA) (MBA) — 18 months · Spanish
    The MBA program focuses on developing leadership and strategic management skills for professionals. It covers advanced topics in finance, marketing, operations, and global business, preparing graduates for executive roles.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: CEO, General Manager, Business Consultant
  • MaestrĂ­a en EducaciĂłn (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This master's program enhances pedagogical skills and knowledge in educational theory, curriculum design, and educational leadership. It prepares educators for advanced roles in teaching and administration.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Educational Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Teacher Trainer
  • MaestrĂ­a en IngenierĂ­a Civil (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    This master's program deepens knowledge in advanced topics of civil engineering, such as structural analysis, transportation engineering, and water resources management. It prepares students for specialized roles and research.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Senior Civil Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Researcher
  • MaestrĂ­a en Salud PĂşblica (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Master in Public Health focuses on promoting and protecting community health through epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health. Students learn to address public health challenges.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Administrator
  • MaestrĂ­a en Finanzas (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Master in Finance provides specialized knowledge in financial markets, investment analysis, corporate finance, and risk management. It prepares students for careers in the financial industry.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Financial Manager, Investment Banker, Risk Analyst
  • MBA - MaestrĂ­a en AdministraciĂłn de Empresas (MBA) — 24 months · Spanish
    The MBA program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, finance, and marketing. It prepares professionals for executive roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: CEO, Director, Senior Manager
  • MaestrĂ­a en Derecho (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This master's program offers advanced specialization in various legal fields, such as constitutional law, commercial law, or human rights. It enhances legal expertise for complex legal challenges.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Specialized Lawyer, Legal Consultant, Academic
  • MaestrĂ­a en AdministraciĂłn de Empresas (MBA) (MBA) — 18 months · Spanish
    The MBA program focuses on developing leadership and strategic management skills for professionals. It covers advanced topics in finance, marketing, operations, and global business, preparing graduates for executive roles.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: CEO, General Manager, Business Consultant
  • MaestrĂ­a en EducaciĂłn (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
    This master's program enhances pedagogical skills and knowledge in educational theory, curriculum design, and educational leadership. It prepares educators for advanced roles in teaching and administration.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Educational Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Teacher Trainer
  • MaestrĂ­a en IngenierĂ­a Civil (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    This master's program deepens knowledge in advanced topics of civil engineering, such as structural analysis, transportation engineering, and water resources management. It prepares students for specialized roles and research.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Senior Civil Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Researcher
  • MaestrĂ­a en Salud PĂşblica (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Master in Public Health focuses on promoting and protecting community health through epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health. Students learn to address public health challenges.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Administrator
  • MaestrĂ­a en Finanzas (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
    The Master in Finance provides specialized knowledge in financial markets, investment analysis, corporate finance, and risk management. It prepares students for careers in the financial industry.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Financial Manager, Investment Banker, Risk Analyst
  • MBA - MaestrĂ­a en AdministraciĂłn de Empresas (MBA) — 24 months · Spanish
    The MBA program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, finance, and marketing. It prepares professionals for executive roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: CEO, Director, Senior Manager

PhD Programs (4)

  • Doctorado en IngenierĂ­a (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
    This doctoral program focuses on advanced research and innovation in various engineering disciplines. Students conduct original research, contributing new knowledge to their chosen field.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, R&D Director
  • Doctorado en Ciencias Sociales (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    The PhD in Social Sciences offers advanced research opportunities in areas such as sociology, political science, and anthropology. Students engage in critical analysis and contribute to social theory and policy.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, Policy Analyst, Social Scientist
  • Doctorado en IngenierĂ­a (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
    This doctoral program focuses on advanced research and innovation in various engineering disciplines. Students conduct original research, contributing new knowledge to their chosen field.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, R&D Director
  • Doctorado en Ciencias Sociales (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
    The PhD in Social Sciences offers advanced research opportunities in areas such as sociology, political science, and anthropology. Students engage in critical analysis and contribute to social theory and policy.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, Policy Analyst, Social Scientist

Scholarships & Tuition at Universidad del Norte

Annual tuition for international students: $6,000 – $12,000/year

âś… Universidad del Norte offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Universidad del Norte

  • National Ranking: #5 in Colombia
  • QS World University Ranking: #1201
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #1501
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Universidad del Norte

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Urban

Key Highlights

  • ABET-accredited engineering programs
  • Extensive graduate program offerings
  • Strong international agreements
  • Modern, eco-friendly campus
  • Vibrant Barranquilla city life

Accreditation

  • Ministerio de EducaciĂłn Nacional
  • ABET
  • Instituto Cervantes

Fields of Study at Universidad del Norte

  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Architecture

Notable Alumni

  • Karen Abudinen
  • Alejandro Char Chaljub
  • Eduardo Verano de la Rosa
  • Natalia Cruz
  • Mauricio GĂłmez AmĂ­n

Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad del Norte

What is Universidad del Norte?

Universidad del Norte is a private non-profit university located in Barranquilla, Colombia. It has approximately 16,000 students.

How much does it cost to study at Universidad del Norte?

Tuition fees at Universidad del Norte for international students range from $6,000 – $12,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Universidad del Norte?

IELTS minimum: 6.5. GPA minimum: 2.5. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%).

What language are courses taught in at Universidad del Norte?

Courses at Universidad del Norte are taught in Spanish and English and German and French and Portuguese. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

How many programs does Universidad del Norte offer?

Universidad del Norte offers 45 programs: 28 Bachelor's, 13 Master's, and 4 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Universidad del Norte ranked?

#5 in Colombia · QS World #1201 · THE World #1501.

Does Universidad del Norte offer scholarships?

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

Does Universidad del Norte provide visa support?

Yes, Universidad del Norte provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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