Universidad ICESI
ICESI: Excellence for Colombia's Future.
📍 Cali, Colombia 🇨🇴
🏆 #6 in Colombia · QS World #1001 · THE World #1201
Quick Facts about Universidad ICESI
- Founded: 1979
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 6,087
- Campus: Suburban
- Tuition: $7,000 – $14,000/year
- Language: Spanish, English
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Universidad ICESI
Academics
ICESI boasts five faculties: Administrative and Economic Sciences, Engineering, Law and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Health Sciences, alongside a School of Education. The university emphasizes an active learning model and a curriculum focused on developing competencies in various fields. Notable programs include Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business, Systems Engineering, Law, and Medicine, many of which hold national and international accreditations such as AACSB for its Business School and ABET for several engineering degrees. The university also has 14 research groups, with several classified in the highest categories by Colciencias, contributing to new knowledge and innovation.
International Students
The International Relations Office at ICESI provides support to international students, including assistance with finding accommodation. While most classes are taught in Spanish, the university offers a selection of English-taught courses, particularly within the AACSB-accredited School of Business and Economic Sciences and the ABET-accredited School of Engineering, Design, and Applied Sciences. A free, non-mandatory Spanish course is also available for non-native speakers. International students can engage in various extracurricular activities through the University Wellbeing Team, covering culture, sports, recreation, and social projects. The university also has a "buddy system" to help international students integrate into life in Cali.
Campus & Location
The ICESI campus is situated in the Pance area, south of Cali, offering a modern environment with extensive green areas and sports facilities across its 141,334 square meters. Cali, known as the "salsa capital of the world," offers a vibrant city life where music and dance are integral to the culture. The campus is located in the safe and prosperous Barrio Pance, a residential neighborhood with restaurants, shopping centers, and other universities nearby. Public transportation, including the "Universidades" station, connects the campus to various parts of the city. Nearby attractions include shopping centers like Jardin Plaza and Holguines Trade Center, as well as natural spaces like the Pance River.
Career Outcomes
ICESI maintains strong connections with the business sector, which contributes to its initiatives and provides support for student employment. The university's Professional Development Center assists students with professional internships and acts as a link between students and potential employers. ICESI also has an exclusive employability platform called "Tu IcesiJobs" to enhance graduates' professional development and expand their job prospects. The university fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, with its Center for the Development of Entrepreneurial Spirit (CDEE) having supported numerous startups, many of which have significantly increased their sales. Notable alumni include figures in politics and business, demonstrating the university's impact on leadership.
Information for International Students at Universidad ICESI
Universidad ICESI in Cali, Colombia welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$250/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Spanish, English
Admissions Requirements for Universidad ICESI
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Universidad ICESI:
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: October 31
Scholarships & Tuition at Universidad ICESI
Annual tuition for international students: $7,000 – $14,000/year
✅ Universidad ICESI offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Universidad ICESI
- National Ranking: #6 in Colombia
- QS World University Ranking: #1001
- Times Higher Education (THE): #1201
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at Universidad ICESI
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Suburban
- Housing cost: ~$250/month
Key Highlights
- Founded by local business leaders
- Top-ranked Colombian university
- AACSB and ABET accredited programs
- Strong emphasis on active learning
- Support for international students
- Modern campus in Cali
Accreditation
- Consejo Nacional de Acreditación (CNA)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET
- Ministerio de Educación Nacional
Fields of Study at Universidad ICESI
- Business
- Engineering
- Design
- Marketing
- Economics
Notable Alumni
- José Manuel Restrepo
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad ICESI
What is Universidad ICESI?
Universidad ICESI is a private non-profit university located in Cali, Colombia, founded in 1979. It has approximately 6,087 students.
How much does it cost to study at Universidad ICESI?
Tuition fees at Universidad ICESI for international students range from $7,000 – $14,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $250/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Universidad ICESI?
Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: October 31.
What language are courses taught in at Universidad ICESI?
Courses at Universidad ICESI are taught in Spanish and English.
What is Universidad ICESI ranked?
#6 in Colombia · QS World #1001 · THE World #1201.
Does Universidad ICESI offer scholarships?
Yes, Universidad ICESI offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Universidad ICESI provide visa support?
Yes, Universidad ICESI provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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