Universidad del Valle
Univalle: Knowledge for a better Colombia.
📍 Cali, Colombia 🇨🇴
🏆 #3 in Colombia · QS World #1001 · THE World #1501
Quick Facts about Universidad del Valle
- Founded: 1966
- Type: Public
- Students: 30,320
- International: 1%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $700 – $3,500/year
- Language: Spanish
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Universidad del Valle
Academics
Univalle offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across various faculties, including Engineering, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics, and Administration Sciences. The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, emphasizing a challenging curriculum that prepares students for professional life. Univalle is known for its strong research focus, investing heavily in numerous research centers and institutes that encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. Notable for its academic excellence in Health, Humanities, Business, and Engineering, Univalle consistently ranks among the top universities in Colombia and Latin America.
International Students
While international students constitute a small percentage of the total student body (1%), Univalle welcomes applicants from around the world. The university's International Relations Office assists with incoming mobility for foreign students, facilitating academic exchange semesters, internships, and research stays. Although there are no specific English-taught degree programs mentioned, the university does offer English courses for adults and teenagers. International students can also participate in the "Programa Parceros," where Univalle students voluntarily assist international students with their integration and answer questions before and during their stay.
Campus & Location
Univalle has two main campuses in Cali: the Ciudad Universitaria Meléndez and the San Fernando campus. The Meléndez campus, one of the largest university campuses in Colombia, houses faculties like Engineering, Humanities, Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Social Sciences and Economics, featuring extensive green spaces and cultural programs. The San Fernando campus is home to the Faculties of Administration Sciences and Health. Cali, known for its vibrant culture, offers various transportation options, including an efficient bus system (MIO) that connects to the university, with some students benefiting from transport subsidies.
Career Outcomes
Univalle is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation that encourages entrepreneurial solutions to societal challenges. The university's Institutional Job Bank provides services to connect students and graduates with employers, offering workshops and guidance for employability. Univalle maintains strong industry connections, with companies like Microsoft, IBM, Pfizer, and P&G collaborating on academic alliances, internships, and recruitment opportunities for students in relevant fields. These partnerships provide students with access to specialized training and real-world experience, contributing to a robust startup culture within the university.
Information for International Students at Universidad del Valle
Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia welcomes international students, with 1% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 1% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Spanish
Admissions Requirements for Universidad del Valle
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Universidad del Valle:
- IELTS minimum: 4
- TOEFL minimum: 42
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: October 2025 (for 2026-1 semester)
Programs at Universidad del Valle (35 programs)
Universidad del Valle offers 35 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (22)
- Derecho (BA) — 120 months · Spanish
This program offers a comprehensive study of legal systems, laws, and jurisprudence, preparing students to practice law, work in public service, or pursue academic careers in law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Public Prosecutor, Legal Advisor - Medicina (BSc) — 144 months · Spanish · STEM
The Medicine program trains highly skilled medical professionals capable of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases, promoting public health, and conducting medical research.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher, Public Health Specialist - Química (BSc) — 108 months · Spanish · STEM
The Chemistry program provides a strong foundation in chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and research methodologies, preparing students for careers in industry, academia, or further studies.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, Chemical Engineer - Ingeniería Química (BSc) — 120 months · Spanish · STEM
Students learn to design, operate, and optimize chemical processes and industrial plants, focusing on the transformation of raw materials into valuable products while ensuring safety and environmental protection.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Research and Development Scientist, Environmental Engineer - Ingeniería de Sistemas (BSc) — 120 months · Spanish · STEM
Students learn to design, develop, implement, and manage information systems and software solutions, covering areas like programming, databases, networks, and cybersecurity.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Network Administrator - Administración de Empresas (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business management principles, including finance, marketing, human resources, and operations, to lead organizations effectively.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Financial Analyst - Ingeniería Civil (BSc) — 120 months · Spanish · STEM
This program trains professionals to design, construct, and manage infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, buildings, and hydraulic systems, with a focus on sustainability and safety.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Structural Designer, Construction Supervisor - Licenciatura en Educación Infantil (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program prepares educators to work with young children, focusing on pedagogical strategies, child development, and the creation of stimulating learning environments for early childhood education.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Teacher, Educational Consultant - Comunicación Social (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program focuses on the theory and practice of communication, preparing students for careers in journalism, public relations, corporate communication, and digital media.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator, Communications Manager - Contaduría Pública (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
Students gain expertise in accounting principles, financial reporting, auditing, and tax regulations, preparing them for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, or government.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Controller, Tax Advisor - Licenciatura en Música (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program offers comprehensive training in musical performance, composition, musicology, and pedagogy, fostering artistic and academic excellence in various musical disciplines.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Musicologist - Física (BSc) — 108 months · Spanish · STEM
The Physics program provides a rigorous education in fundamental physical principles, experimental techniques, and theoretical modeling, preparing students for research or advanced studies.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Physicist, Researcher, Data Scientist, Educator - Medicina (BSc) — 144 months · Spanish · STEM
The Medicine program trains highly skilled medical professionals capable of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases, promoting public health, and conducting medical research.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher, Public Health Specialist - Química (BSc) — 108 months · Spanish · STEM
The Chemistry program provides a strong foundation in chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and research methodologies, preparing students for careers in industry, academia, or further studies.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, Chemical Engineer - Ingeniería Química (BSc) — 120 months · Spanish · STEM
Students learn to design, operate, and optimize chemical processes and industrial plants, focusing on the transformation of raw materials into valuable products while ensuring safety and environmental protection.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Research and Development Scientist, Environmental Engineer - Ingeniería de Sistemas (BSc) — 120 months · Spanish · STEM
Students learn to design, develop, implement, and manage information systems and software solutions, covering areas like programming, databases, networks, and cybersecurity.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Network Administrator - Administración de Empresas (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business management principles, including finance, marketing, human resources, and operations, to lead organizations effectively.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Financial Analyst - Ingeniería Civil (BSc) — 120 months · Spanish · STEM
This program trains professionals to design, construct, and manage infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, buildings, and hydraulic systems, with a focus on sustainability and safety.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Structural Designer, Construction Supervisor - Licenciatura en Educación Infantil (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program prepares educators to work with young children, focusing on pedagogical strategies, child development, and the creation of stimulating learning environments for early childhood education.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Teacher, Educational Consultant - Comunicación Social (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program focuses on the theory and practice of communication, preparing students for careers in journalism, public relations, corporate communication, and digital media.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator, Communications Manager - Contaduría Pública (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
Students gain expertise in accounting principles, financial reporting, auditing, and tax regulations, preparing them for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, or government.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Controller, Tax Advisor - Licenciatura en Música (BA) — 108 months · Spanish
This program offers comprehensive training in musical performance, composition, musicology, and pedagogy, fostering artistic and academic excellence in various musical disciplines.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Musicologist
Master Programs (8)
- Maestría en Ingeniería Eléctrica (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This program offers advanced studies in electrical engineering, covering areas such as power systems, control systems, electronics, and telecommunications, with a strong research component.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Researcher, University Lecturer, Consultant - Maestría en Literatura (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
This program offers advanced study in literary theory, criticism, and history, allowing students to specialize in various literary traditions and conduct in-depth research.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Literary Critic, University Lecturer, Editor, Researcher - Maestría en Salud Pública (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This master's program focuses on the promotion and protection of community health, covering epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and health management.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Program Manager, Health Policy Analyst - Maestría en Biología (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This master's program offers advanced study and research opportunities in various biological disciplines, including ecology, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biologist, Researcher, Environmental Consultant, Biotechnology Specialist - Maestría en Ingeniería Eléctrica (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This program offers advanced studies in electrical engineering, covering areas such as power systems, control systems, electronics, and telecommunications, with a strong research component.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Researcher, University Lecturer, Consultant - Maestría en Literatura (MA) — 24 months · Spanish
This program offers advanced study in literary theory, criticism, and history, allowing students to specialize in various literary traditions and conduct in-depth research.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Literary Critic, University Lecturer, Editor, Researcher - Maestría en Salud Pública (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This master's program focuses on the promotion and protection of community health, covering epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and health management.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Program Manager, Health Policy Analyst - Maestría en Biología (MSc) — 24 months · Spanish · STEM
This master's program offers advanced study and research opportunities in various biological disciplines, including ecology, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biologist, Researcher, Environmental Consultant, Biotechnology Specialist
PhD Programs (5)
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
This doctoral program offers advanced research training in various biomedical fields, enabling students to contribute new knowledge and innovations to health sciences.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biomedical Innovator, Drug Developer - Doctorado en Ciencias de la Administración (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
This doctoral program provides rigorous training in management theories and research methodologies, preparing students for academic careers and advanced leadership roles in business and organizations.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: University Professor, Management Consultant, Senior Researcher, Business Strategist - Doctorado en Ciencias Sociales (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
This program provides advanced theoretical and methodological training in social sciences, enabling students to conduct original research and contribute to the understanding of social phenomena.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Social Researcher, Policy Analyst, Consultant - Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish · STEM
This doctoral program offers advanced research training in various biomedical fields, enabling students to contribute new knowledge and innovations to health sciences.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biomedical Innovator, Drug Developer - Doctorado en Ciencias de la Administración (PhD) — 48 months · Spanish
This doctoral program provides rigorous training in management theories and research methodologies, preparing students for academic careers and advanced leadership roles in business and organizations.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: University Professor, Management Consultant, Senior Researcher, Business Strategist
Scholarships & Tuition at Universidad del Valle
Annual tuition for international students: $700 – $3,500/year
✅ Universidad del Valle offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Universidad del Valle
- National Ranking: #3 in Colombia
- QS World University Ranking: #1001
- Times Higher Education (THE): #1501
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at Universidad del Valle
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
Key Highlights
- Prominent public research university
- Top Colombian, Latin American university
- Strong research focus, diverse programs
- International student support programs
- Leading university southwest Colombia
Accreditation
- Ministerio de Educación Nacional
- ASCUN
- AUIP
- SUE
- Universia
Fields of Study at Universidad del Valle
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Arts
Notable Alumni
- Antonio Navarro Wolff
- Gustavo Álvarez Gardeazábal
- Sabas Pretelt de la Vega
- Raul Cuero
- Antonio Dorado
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad del Valle
What is Universidad del Valle?
Universidad del Valle is a public university located in Cali, Colombia, founded in 1966. It has approximately 30,320 students, with 1% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Universidad del Valle?
Tuition fees at Universidad del Valle for international students range from $700 – $3,500/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Universidad del Valle?
IELTS minimum: 4. TOEFL minimum: 42. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: October 2025 (for 2026-1 semester).
What language are courses taught in at Universidad del Valle?
Courses at Universidad del Valle are taught in Spanish. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 4.
How many programs does Universidad del Valle offer?
Universidad del Valle offers 35 programs: 22 Bachelor's, 8 Master's, and 5 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Universidad del Valle ranked?
#3 in Colombia · QS World #1001 · THE World #1501.
Does Universidad del Valle offer scholarships?
Yes, Universidad del Valle offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Universidad del Valle provide visa support?
Yes, Universidad del Valle provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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