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Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

Medellín, 🇨🇴 Colombia Private
#8 National #1001 QS World #1501 THE
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana campus
26,000 students Multiple Campuses $5k - $10k/yr

About Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) is a private, Catholic university in Medellín, Colombia, established in 1936. Recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and social outreach, UPB is consistently ranked among the top universities in Colombia and Latin America. With a strong emphasis on integral human development, UPB aims to foster ethical, scientific, entrepreneurial, and socially conscious leaders.

Academics


UPB offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including 74 undergraduate, 68 master's, and 10 doctoral programs. The university's academic structure includes diverse schools such as Architecture and Design, Health Sciences, Economics, Administration and Business, Social Sciences, Law and Political Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Theology, Philosophy and Humanities. UPB's integrated pedagogical model is humanistic, multidisciplinary, and innovative, supported by well-equipped laboratories and digital resources. The university emphasizes research and innovation, with over 80 research groups contributing to its academic programs and offering transfer services.

International Students


The International Relations Office at UPB provides extensive support services for international students, including information on studying abroad, scholarships, visas, travel tips, and accommodation. While many programs are taught in Spanish, UPB offers an "Español para Extranjeros" (ESPEX) program through its Language Center, designed to help international students develop Spanish communicative competence and learn about Colombian culture. The university fosters cultural integration and supports students in developing their capacity to interact within diverse cultural contexts. UPB also has various student organizations, including artistic groups like theater, choir, dance, and music, as well as sports teams.

Campus & Location


UPB's main campus is situated in Medellín, a vibrant city known as the "City of Eternal Spring." The campus itself is noted for its beautiful environment and ample spaces for studying and socializing. Medellín offers a rich urban experience with various attractions and a pleasant climate. The university provides information and support regarding life in Colombia and at UPB to help international students acclimate.

Career Outcomes


UPB aims to produce excellent professionals who are well-prepared to face life's challenges. The university's commitment to research and innovation, along with its strong industry connections, contributes to favorable career outcomes for its graduates. UPB's career services and alumni network provide ongoing support for professional development. The university encourages an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong connection between academia and industry.

Highlights

  • Top-ranked Colombian and Latin American university
  • Comprehensive academic programs, 74 undergraduate
  • Humanistic, multidisciplinary, innovative pedagogy
  • Strong research and innovation focus
  • Extensive international student support
  • Vibrant Medellín campus

Subject Areas

EngineeringArchitectureSocial SciencesBusinessLaw

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 1Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 2Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 3Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 4Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 5Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 6Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 7Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 8Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana photo 9

Programs Offered at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (24)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Education Engineering Law Medicine & Health Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (14)

Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
bachelor in architecturebachelor architecture colombiabachelor's in architecturearchitecture program colombiaenglish bachelor architecture colombia
120 months Spanish Full-time

International Business

Business

Business
bachelorbusinesscolombiainternational
108 months Spanish Full-time

Business Administration

Business

Business
bachelor in businessstudy businessbusiness in medellínbusiness program in colombiabusiness career
108 months Spanish Full-time

Social Communication - Journalism

Communication

Communication
bachelorcolombiacommunicationjournalismmedellín
108 months Spanish Full-time

Graphic Design

Design

Design
babachelorbolivarianabsbsc
96 months Spanish Full-time

Chemical Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelorbachelor's degreechemicalcolombiaengineering
120 months Spanish Full-time

Civil Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Civil Engineering
babachelorbachelorsbolivarianabs
120 months Spanish Full-time

Industrial Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Industrial Engineering
babachelorbengbsccolombia
120 months Spanish Full-time

Bachelor in Systems Engineering

STEM

Systems Engineering

Engineering

Engineering
international engineering programengineering programs in colombiastudy engineering in colombiaundergraduate in engineeringstudy engineering medellín
120 months Spanish Full-time

Electronic Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
babachelorbengbolivarianabs
120 months Spanish Full-time

Medicine

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
babachelorbolivarianabsbsc
144 months Spanish Full-time

Nursing

STEM

Health Sciences

Nursing
babachelorbachelorsbscbtech
96 months Spanish Full-time

Law

Law

Law
babachelorbsbsccolombia
120 months Spanish Full-time

Psychology

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
Social Sciences BachelorBachelor in Social SciencesSocial Sciences BSSocial Sciences program ColombiaSocial Sciences Bachelor Medellín
108 months Spanish Full-time

Master Programs (7)

Master in Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
architecturecolombiamaster
24 months Spanish Full-time

MBA

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Business

Business
master businessmba programmaster business abroadstudy business in colombiabusiness degree
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Communication

Communication

Communication
colombiacommunicationmaster
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Education

Education

Education
study education in colombiaeducation program in medellínmaster in educationMSc educationmaster's in education
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Systems Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
masters in engineeringengineering programstem programengineering master programengineering degree
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Civil Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Civil Engineering
masters in civil engineeringstudy civil engineering in colombiacivil engineering program in colombiastudy civil engineering in medellínms civil engineering
24 months Spanish Full-time

Master in Public Health

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
master in public healthhow to study health sciencesmsc health scienceshealth sciences job prospectsmasters in health sciences
24 months Spanish Full-time

PhD Programs (3)

PhD in Education

Education

Education
colombiadoctoraldoctorateeducationphd
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
colombiaengineeringphd
48 months Spanish Full-time

PhD in Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
study social sciences in colombiadoctorate in social sciencesdoctoral program social sciencesphd in social sciencesphd program social sciences
48 months Spanish Full-time

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

2+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline October 30 (for Semester 1, starting mid-January); April 30 (for Semester 2, starting mid-July)
Tuition (per year) $5k - $10k/yr
Teaching Language Spanish, English
Accreditation
Consejo Nacional de AcreditaciónMinisterio de Educación Nacional

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Frequently Asked Questions About Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

Common questions from international students considering Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana.

What is the acceptance rate at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana?

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana cost for international students?

Tuition at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana ranges from $5k - $10k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana ranked globally?

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana holds the following rankings: QS World #1001, Times Higher Education #1501, #8 in Colombia. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

Are scholarships available at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana?

Yes, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana start its semesters?

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

What programs does Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana offer?

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana offers 24+ academic programs across multiple disciplines including Arts & Design, Business & Management, Education, Engineering. Programs are available at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.

Where is Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana located?

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana is located in Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana?

For specific details about Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How does Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana compare to other universities?

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #1001). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

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