Colombia — Living: Education

Key facts

• Government expenditure on education: 5.3 % of GDP (2020)
• School enrolment, primary: 105 % gross (2022)
• School enrolment, secondary: 102 % gross (2022)
• School enrolment, tertiary: 59 % gross (2022)
• Adult literacy rate: 95.3 % of people aged 15+ (2024)

Steps

1. Deciding on Education Options — Expats should research the different types of schools and institutions available in Colombia, considering factors like curriculum, cost, and location.
2. Applying to Schools — The application process for schools in Colombia typically involves submitting documents like birth certificates, transcripts, and proof of language proficiency.
3. Enrolling in Tertiary Education — Students who wish to pursue tertiary education in Colombia typically need to take the 'Saber 11' exam, which assesses their knowledge in areas like math, science, and language.
4. Obtaining a Student Visa — To study in Colombia, expats may need to obtain a student visa, which requires proof of admission to a Colombian educational institution and sufficient financial resources.

Costs

• Public school fees (if applicable): varies by municipality
• Private school tuition: €500-€1,500 per month (approximately)
• Tuition fees for tertiary education: varies by institution and program

Timelines

• Application and enrollment process: typically 2-4 weeks
• Saber 11 exam preparation and administration: varies by student

Required documents

• Birth certificate
• Transcripts from previous educational institutions
• Proof of language proficiency (e.g. English, Spanish)
• Proof of financial resources
• Student visa application documents (if applicable)

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the complexity of the application process for tertiary education
• Not researching the specific requirements for the educational institution or program of interest
• Not considering the costs associated with living in Colombia and studying in a particular location

What these figures do not cover

Gross enrolment ratios can exceed 100% because they count pupils of any age against the school-age population. These are national statistics. International schools, fees, admissions, curricula and school calendars are not covered here.