Fundación Universitaria UNIR Colombia

The Fundación Universitaria Internacional de La Rioja – UNIR is a Colombian higher education institution officially recognized by the Ministry of National Education in 2017. With a presence in over 95% of the national territory, it operates 12 University Service Centers as a strategic means of connecting with regional communities.

Since its founding, the Foundation has consistently expanded its academic offerings. In 2018, it received its first Qualified Registration for an undergraduate program, followed by its first postgraduate specialization in 2019. As of the academic term 2025-1, the institution offers 38 approved academic programs, including 10 professional undergraduate degrees and 28 postgraduate specializations, all delivered in a virtual format, and serves over 10,600 enrolled students.

The Foundation is distinguished by its strong commitment to ongoing institutional and program self-assessment, which led to a favorable evaluation from the Ministry of National Education in 2021 regarding its institutional conditions. This culture of continuous improvement has been reinforced through strategic planning and implementation, notably the 2024–2030 Institutional Development Plan, which guides its efforts toward academic excellence, educational innovation, and social impact.

Its mission is to provide comprehensive education to individuals with a global mindset through virtual learning, equipping them with the professional and technological competencies demanded by today’s society. This mission is grounded in five essential functions: teaching, research, social outreach, internationalization, and student well-being, generating impact not only within the academic community but also across Colombian society.

The Foundation’s vision establishes it as a leading institution in virtual education, recognized for its quality, its commitment to regional and national development, and its relevant academic programs that foster interdisciplinarity and reduce barriers to learning.

Its educational model is designed to offer flexible, open, and innovative solutions, particularly for individuals who, due to various circumstances, are unable to access traditional face-to-face education or prefer a modality that better suits their lifestyle. Educational technology is the cornerstone of its pedagogical approach, enabling students to attend live classes or access them asynchronously from anywhere.

This model is enhanced by a personalized learning experience, where each student is assigned a personal tutor from day one. The tutor provides academic guidance, ongoing support, and access to resources throughout the learning journey, ensuring a structured, supportive, and success-oriented experience.

Through this approach, the Foundation aims to strengthen student employability by promoting active learning methodologies, soft skills development, collaborative work, and real-world professional experiences.

Its academic portfolio spans a wide range of disciplines, including business administration, engineering, health sciences, law, social sciences, and education. This diversity reflects an interdisciplinary vision aimed at preparing professionals to address contemporary challenges from multiple perspectives.

In summary, the Fundación Universitaria Internacional de La Rioja offers an innovative, inclusive, and high-quality educational model, aligned with both regional and global contexts, and actively contributes to national development by preparing committed, critical, and socially engaged citizens ready to transform their environment.