Colombia
5 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodOctober StartGrant Length6-8 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The U.S. Study/Research Award enables young professionals, recent graduates, artists, and graduate students to conduct collaborative research projects for up to 8 months at a higher education institution, research center, public institution, or NGO in Colombia.
This program promotes academic mobility and integration for professionals, young researchers, artists, and graduate students while laying the groundwork for further academic collaboration and fostering interdisciplinary work/research that addresses different needs and challenges in Colombia and the U.S. This award also creates linkages between U.S. Student Researchers and key stakeholders in Colombia, including government agencies, entrepreneurs, NGOs, local communities, students, and others, and supports internationalization processes at Colombian higher education institutions and other eligible host institutions.
Grant benefits include:
- Round-trip international airfare, exclusively from the origin city in the U.S. to the destination city in Colombia and back, without the option to purchase from alternative locations.
- Monthly stipend based on the local context: social and economic.
- Accident and Sickness Health Benefit Plan for Exchanges (ASPE).
- Additional health insurance.
- Assistance in the visa application process.
- Orientation Seminar at the beginning of the grant period.
- Monitoring and advising by the Fulbright Commission during the stay in the country.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period must begin no earlier than October 1st, 2026, and end no later than June 1st, 2027, depending on the proposed length of the grant and subject to available resources and stakeholder negotiations. Changes or deferrals of the grant period are not allowed.
Grant dates must be clearly stated in the application and invitation letter. The grant period in months must be a whole number (6-8 months). Selected candidates must begin their grants in October to facilitate travel to Colombia. The completion date is at the discretion of each U.S. Grantee In this sense, the dates that must be included in the letters of invitation from the institutions are as follows:
- 6 months: October 1st, 2026 to April 1st, 2027.
- 7 months: October 1st, 2026 to May 1st, 2027.
- 8 months: October 1st, 2026 to June 1st, 2027
In Colombia, there is usually no academic activity in December and January of each year since they are vacation and holiday months, so it is recommended that these months be used for any fieldwork associated with the research proposal.
Orientation
Prior to arrival, the Fulbright Commission offers a series of informative webinars that provide relevant information on grantee preparation, the visa application process, grant document processing, and other key aspects of a successful grant start.
The grant period begins with an Orientation Seminar organized by the Fulbright Commission in late July 2026, which may be virtual due to the expected arrival date. Attendance at the Orientation Seminar is mandatory for all U.S. Student Researcher grantees.
Candidate Profile
On average, no more than five (5) U.S. Student Researcher Grants will be awarded by the Fulbright Commission in Colombia each year (depending on available resources and negotiations with stakeholders). The following academic profiles are eligible for this award: recent graduates, Master's students, Ph.D. students, and artists. Graduate students conducting thesis/dissertation research are strongly preferred.
Applications in all fields of study are welcome. However, the Fulbright Commission is particularly interested in receiving applications related to the following key areas, which have been identified as strategic by the Colombian government as part of the National Development Plan for the period 2022-2026:
- AI, Machine Learning, Technology, and Data Science.
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
- Territorial planning and water management (water quality, availability, governance, and infrastructure).
- Food security and Biotechnology (agricultural productivity, agricultural sector transformation, efficient supply chains).
- Entrepreneurship and enterprises (fostering innovation, business development, and sustainable growth).
- National Security.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Life for Fulbrighters in Colombia can be varied and enriching. Colombia offers a vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes for Fulbrighters to explore.
Fulbrighters in Colombia often find themselves immersed in a welcoming and hospitable society, where people are eager to share their culture and traditions. They can experience the warmth of Colombian hospitality firsthand, whether through conversations with locals, participating in cultural events, or enjoying traditional Colombian cuisine, as well as a natural curiosity to learn about the culture of the United States.
Academically, Fulbrighters will have the opportunity to interact with leading grantees, teachers, and researchers in their field, as Colombia is home to several prestigious universities and research institutions. They can also contribute to the academic community through teaching, research, or both, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. For more information about Colombian universities as a top destination for higher education and quality research, please consult the CCYK network, where you can find details about the country's leading institutions.
While living in Colombia, Fulbrighters may encounter some challenges, such as language barriers, adapting to a new environment with each host institution, or adjusting to a different pace of life. Still, the rewards of cultural immersion and personal growth often outweigh these. Overall, Fulbright life in Colombia is characterized by a blend of academic pursuits, cultural exploration, impact on diverse regions, and meaningful connections with the local community.
For more information, please visit our website, where you will find testimonials, videos, and photos from past Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher grantees. We also invite you to follow us on our social networks to keep up with all of our grantees' experiences in Colombia:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulbrightcolombia/.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fulbright-colombia-225a2229/.
- X: https://x.com/FulbrightCol.
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fulbrightcol.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fulbright.colombia.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens holding dual U.S.-Colombian citizenship are eligible.
- Residency in the host country is permitted in the year prior to the grant.
- Grantees with dual U.S. and Colombian nationality are required by Colombian law to enter the country on a Colombian passport.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
As part of their project proposal, candidates must identify the academic products, contributions, or outcomes they expect to achieve during their grant period. Regardless of their award activity, all grantees are expected to lead at least one public conference related to their project or field during their grant period.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Spanish language proficiency is required, not only for the development of the proposed grant activities but also for ease of adjustment and daily communication. In general, an intermediate or higher level of Spanish is recommended to facilitate the grantee's successful academic performance and interaction with Colombian counterparts, the local population, and other relevant stakeholders.
However, language requirements vary depending on the specific grant activity. Candidates with basic or limited Spanish proficiency may also be considered if the research topic and proposed grant activities do not require fluency in Spanish.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Spanish language proficiency is required, not only for the development of the proposed grant activities but also for ease of adjustment and daily communication. In general, an intermediate or higher level of Spanish is recommended to facilitate the grantee's successful academic performance and interaction with Colombian counterparts, the local population, and other relevant stakeholders.
However, language requirements vary depending on the specific grant activity. Candidates with basic or limited Spanish proficiency may also be considered if the research topic and proposed grant activities do not require fluency in Spanish.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Applicants must submit a letter of invitation signed by the director of the department, academic unit, institute, or research center interested in hosting the candidate, or alternatively, signed by the professor or researcher interested in collaborating with the candidate on the proposed project, provided that the department head or dean has approved the invitation. For more information please visit our website at: https://fulbright.edu.co/en/fulbright-u-s-student-researcher-program/.
In addition to specifying the support that the host institution will provide to the applicant (e.g., access to facilities or resources, collaboration with an ongoing project, etc.), the letter should indicate that a contact person at the host institution will be available during the grant period to mentor the applicant and/or supervise the applicant's work on the proposed project.
Applicants must confirm with their home institution in the U.S. and their host institution in Colombia whether any research permits are required for their projects to be approved or carried out. Securing a letter of invitation is an essential step in the application process for this award. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential host institutions in Colombia as early as possible, as response times will vary depending on the internal procedures and policies of the Colombian institution.
It is important to note that only projects approved by the U.S. Embassy in Colombia and that received security clearance related to their chosen site/placement will be funded.
Inquiries or questions about the Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program in Colombia may be directed to Ana María Carvajal, Educational Advisor at the Fulbright Commission in Colombia at consejeria@fulbright.edu.co. For more information about the Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program in Colombia, please visit our website at: https://fulbright.edu.co/en/fulbright-u-s-student-researcher-program/.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
U.S. Student Researchers may attend some undergraduate or graduate courses at the host institution as observers/guests, provided that this does not interfere with their grant activities. It is important to note that U.S. Student Researchers in Colombia do not have formal enrollment status at the host institution. There may be fees associated with attending classes that are not covered by the grant. Grantees may use personal funds to pay for such courses.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
The monthly stipend is based on the local social and economic context. This stipend is intended to cover various living expenses in Colombia, including settling in, maintenance, housing, etc. The stipend does not cover research expenses. If necessary, grantees are encouraged to proactively seek alternative sources of funding for any research-related expenses they may incur during their stay. Please note that the Fulbright Commission is unable to provide additional funding specifically for research expenses.
At the time this award description was published, the Monthly Stipend in Purchasing Power Parity rate (PPP) corresponds to USD 2,595. This is a preliminary estimate projected in U.S. dollars at market exchange rates. These values are estimates and are subject to the availability of funding from stakeholders for program development.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)
In addition to the universal Fulbright U.S. Student grant benefits provided (see "Award Benefits" section), Colombia also provides the following benefits to grantees:
- Additional health insurance.
- Assistance in the visa application process.
- Orientation Seminar at the beginning of the grant period.
- Monitoring and advising by the Fulbright Commission during the period of stay in the country.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Navigating life in Colombia involves understanding the expected daily expenses. This includes housing, daily necessities, and cultural activities. The cost of living in Colombia varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. Affluent areas, such as Cartagena's Boca Grande and Medellín's El Poblado, generally charge more for rent and food. In addition, cities known for tourism often have higher overall costs, with more budget-friendly housing alternatives typically found away from the beach.
The Commission strongly recommends that interested candidates explore various non-official websites for comprehensive information on the estimated cost of living in Colombia. Platforms such as Numbeo, Expatistan, and Causa-Efecto-Propuesta serve as valuable references and provide insight into the financial aspects associated with living in the country. However, it's important to note that these are external resources and are not officially affiliated with the Commission.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Fulbright Colombia provides grantees with general information about housing options. While the Commission can assist in providing housing information, it cannot make housing arrangements. It is the grantee's responsibility to secure housing in Colombia during the grant period according to their preferences and needs.
Grantees are strongly encouraged to contact the International Relations Office at their host institution, which is accustomed to hosting international students and may be able to share resources for housing in different cities.
Country Profile
Life as a U.S. Fulbrighter in Colombia
About Colombia:
Located in the northwestern corner of South America, Colombia has a rich and complex geography shaped by three lush branches of the Andes mountain system and bordered by both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. With more than 50 million citizens, Colombia has the second-largest population in South America and is Latin America's oldest and most stable democracy. Colombia is a free-market economy with significant trade and investment ties with countries around the world, including the United States.
Over the past five years, Colombia has established itself as one of the most innovative economies in Latin America. The country's natural diversity is matched by its rich cultural heritage, which reflects the indigenous, Spanish, and African origins of its people. This makes Colombian food, music, dance, and art very diverse and unique.
Colombia is a paradigmatic example of a middle-income economy, and although still highly dependent on fossil fuels for its national income, it is poised to transition to a carbon-neutral and circular economy that could become a replicable example for other developing countries. Colombia's range of ecosystemic, economic, social, and cultural variety provides an engaging setting for research projects that seek solutions to the greatest global challenges of our time.
Colombia as an academic destination:
Colombia has always been a preferred destination for students and scholars from around the world who are conducting research or are interested in biodiversity and sustainable development. As the second most biodiverse country in the world, Colombia offers many opportunities for academic visitors to expand their knowledge. Colombia is home to an unparalleled diversity of natural environments, from plains and deserts to high mountains, snowcapped peaks, Amazonian jungles, and Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, each with its unique flora and fauna. This provides the perfect setting for adventurous scholars who want to explore diverse ecologies and network with local communities.
As one of the largest economies in Latin America, Colombia has the potential to influence the region as a whole and, in particular, to exemplify a path to sustainable development despite challenging socio-political contexts. The country's deep ties to the Pacific Alliance and its strategic geographic location, as well as its historical drive-in international contexts, position Colombia to lead efforts that can be transformative at the regional and global levels.
Colombia’s economic context:
Colombia is the fourth-largest economy in Latin America, with a GDP of around USD 400 billion in 2023, and a population of 52 million. Colombia has consistently grown faster than the Latin American average over the past decade, supported by the peace deal with the FARC guerrilla movement in 2016, but remains notably poorer than the regional average in per capita terms. It is a member of the Pacific Alliance trade bloc along with fellow members Chile, Mexico, and Peru, and joined the OECD in 2020.
Due to its mountainous geography, Colombia is more culturally and geographically diverse than many Latin American countries. Large parts of the country are very isolated, and building infrastructure is a challenge in many cases. For this reason, it is important to note the economic differences between the different regions. The most developed part of Colombia is the interior, including some departments such as Cundinamarca (including Bogotá D.C.), Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, and Santander. These departments have a well-developed commercial and industrial base, especially in their capitals. Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and Santander also have important agricultural industries.
On the contrary, peripheral departments such as Sucre, Cesar, and Magdalena (on the Caribbean coast), and Chocó, Cauca, and Nariño (on the Pacific coast) are among the most underdeveloped in Colombia. These departments base their economies on agriculture, cattle ranching, and mineral extraction, which is also an important part of the economy.
Colombia has a pronounced socioeconomic stratification, especially in the large urban centers, where neighborhoods are divided into "estratos". Colombian cities are divided geographically into six socioeconomic strata (from the lowest stratum 1 to the highest stratum 6), in which dwellings are grouped according to their characteristics and the area in which they are located. Estrato 1 includes the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, while estratos 3 and 4 represent the middle class, and estratos 5 and 6 represent more affluent communities.
In 2025, the current minimum wage in Colombia was set at COP 1,423,500 per month. When converted, this amount is approximately 332 USD, subject to exchange rate fluctuations. According to Colombia's National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), supported by the Ministry of Labor, more than 2.2 million people earn only the minimum wage, representing 9.9% of the country's 22.7 million workers.
A diversified and connected system of higher education:
In recent years, Colombia has made education a top priority for the country's economic and social development, investing more resources in this sector than in any other. Colombia is a country that has made great efforts to provide quality education for all by implementing policies that have increased the number of hours children spend in school, ensured education for children at younger ages, and strengthened the bridge to higher education. The country has also invested in improving teacher training and development.
Colombia has a growing and diverse higher education system, consisting of more than 360 active higher education institutions offering approximately 3,000 master's programs and 500 doctoral programs. Colombian higher education institutions have innovated their programs and procedures to attract more foreign scholars and students. The National Ministry of Education and its allies, MinCiencias and ICETEX, have invested heavily in advancing the installed capacities of Colombia's higher education system to improve research and teaching on their campuses.
The country has developed policies to increase the number of employees with university degrees and to promote research. There are currently 6,160 research groups in Colombia, and the main areas of research are social sciences, engineering and technology, humanities, agricultural sciences, and natural sciences. For more information on research centers and other recognized institutions that are part of the National System of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Colombia, click here. In addition, the national initiative “Colombia Challenge your Knowledge” (CCYK)", led by the country's top universities, has analyzed and implemented the best internationalization practices to attract more international visitors.
Finally, according to the Plan Nacional Decenal de Educación (2016 - 2026), the current government is working towards an education system that promotes the social and economic development of the country and the construction of a society based on the recognition of differences. It is also important to note that this plan seeks to improve the quality of education by first looking at the social and economic aspects of how education is provided, in order to identify and address the needs of the population who are eager to expand their knowledge in the different regions of Colombia.
Colombia’s bet on Science, Technology, and Innovation:
In recent years, new partnerships have been established between Colombian and U.S. universities, many of which have been funded by Colombia Científica. As the Colombian government's flagship initiative to promote internationalization, science, and research in the country, Colombia Científica has coordinated efforts with the productive sector and world-class institutions.
This inter-institutional initiative, supported by the World Bank, has brought together 148 stakeholders participating in eight scientific ecosystems in the following strategic focus areas: bioeconomy, health, sustainable energy, food, and society. More than 1100 products have been developed through this alliance, including patents, prototypes, bioprocessing equipment, industrial design registrations, and spin-offs.
The Territorial Ecosystems of Science, Technology, and Innovation (CT&I) created by MinCiencias also provide a framework for development in the different regions of Colombia. By integrating the specific needs of the regions into strategic investment projects, competitive production areas, and development initiatives, the Departmental Councils of CT&I have played a key role in aligning regional initiatives with the goals and policies of science, technology, and innovation in the country.
Finally, in the last decade, Colombia has made impressive progress in terms of digital government and policies to strengthen information and communication technologies. As part of this achievement, the Colombian government has created centers of excellence and appropriation that aim to position Colombia in the field of big data analytics.
Fulbright U.S. Student Researchers in Colombia:
Since 1958, more than 395 U.S. graduate students and young researchers have conducted academic activities in different cities of Colombia, as part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program. Based on their feedback and comments, the following recommendations can facilitate future U.S. researchers’ adaptation process and overall experience in the country:
The host institution and local partners can be of great help to U.S. grantees to better prepare for their experience and cultural adaptation. Selected grantees are encouraged to discuss issues related to the local context, lifestyle, and culture with their hosts in the months before their arrival to better manage their expectations and gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in their cities of placement. Along these lines, grantees are also encouraged to reach out to the International Office of their host institution, which can provide insightful specific orientation and additional resources.
Maintaining close communication with the assigned Program Officer and mentors will allow the Fulbright Commission to provide orientation or assistance in a timely manner, and identify specific issues or situations in which grantees may require additional accompaniment and help.
Plan any in-country trips in advance. Please note that all domestic and international travel during the grant period in Colombia, including fieldwork trips, must be approved by the Fulbright Commission.
Potential candidates can find additional information and recommendations about safety and security, health, housing, and how to prepare for living in Colombia in the Orientation Handbook for U.S. grantees available at: https://fulbright.edu.co/en/fulbright-u-s-student-researcher-program/.
Fulbright in Colombia:
The Fulbright Commission in Colombia has made a determined effort to increase access to its portfolio of opportunities for graduate study, research, teaching, and English language training. Expanding the geographic presence of U.S. grantees in the country has been critical to achieving these goals.
The expanded coverage of Fulbright programs for U.S. participants in the country has been possible thanks to the significant contributions of Colombian partners such as ICETEX, the National Ministry of Education, MinCiencias, SENA, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad del Valle, Universidad de los Andes, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad de Antioquia, Universidad del Norte, Universidad del Rosario, Universidad EAFIT, among others.
To promote the internationalization of higher education and position Colombia as a quality academic and scientific destination, the national government developed the Go Colombia 2020 platform, the result of the joint work of the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN), the Ministry of Education, ProColombia, ICETEX and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. This initiative is built and articulated with the entire educational sector and higher education institutions, allowing students, teachers, and researchers of all nationalities to obtain relevant information on the country's educational offer. To access these resources, please click on the following link: https://www.gocolombia.edu.co/. To learn more about Colombia as a tourist destination, visit http://www.colombia.co/.
For questions related to the Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program in Colombia, please email Ana María Carvajal, Educational Advisor at the Fulbright Commission in Colombia at consejeria@fulbright.edu.co.
Finally, to learn more about the history and impact of the Fulbright Program in Colombia, we invite you to watch the 65th Anniversary Fulbright Colombia miniseries, a painstaking work of historical memory that brings together interviews and anecdotes from members of the Fulbright community (grantees and alumni), Fulbright Colombia team members, partners, members of our Board of Directors, and Fulbright Excellence Award winners. Through 7 chapters of less than 7 minutes each, you will learn about the milestones of our Commission in parallel with historical and cultural moments in Colombia and the United States through six decades of history: click here to watch.
Public Health:
The Fulbright Commission in Colombia strongly encourages U.S. participants to follow all U.S. and Colombian government guidelines regarding public health in both countries. Below are some links where U.S. participants can find updated and official information about travel to Colombia, as well as other useful information. Grantees are expected to follow all recommendations issued by the Colombian government, the Fulbright Commission, and host institutions regarding the public health situation in Colombia.
U.S. information:
Colombia information: