Study in Bogotá

Bogotá for students

Colombia’s capital and largest city, Bogotá has transformed its image in recent years to become a cosmopolitan and vibrant metropolis. Attracting people from all around the world, the city has become extremely diverse and multicultural.

There are a number of public and private universities in Bogotá, including Universidad de Los Andes, which ranks joint 220th globally and is widely considered one of the most prestigious in Latin America.

Best universities in Bogotá - QS Best Student Cities ranking: =99^th

More about Bogotá

With nine universities featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings, Bogotá ranks joint 99th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings this year. The city earns its highest score in the employer activity ranking, placing 38^th.

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Bogotá?

Excellent job prospects

Graduates of Bogotá’s universities will be pleased to learn of the excellent job prospects offered by the city. It ranks 38^th in the world for employability – suggesting that graduates are extremely attractive to employers in the area. 

There’s always plenty to do

Enjoy the city’s eclectic mix of restaurants, museums and nightlight opportunities. One thing’s for sure – you won’t be bored in Bogotá.

A diverse city

A melting pot of cultures, Bogotá attracts people from all around the world and is therefore extremely multicultural.

It’s affordable for students

Ranking 38th for affordability, Bogotá has low international tuition fees and a cheap cost of living.

Cost of studying in Bogotá

Studying in Bogotá won’t break the bank and many students will find the city’s cost of living far lower than in other popular study destinations. Bogotá ranks 38th in the world for affordability this year.

Numbeo estimates a single person living in Bogotá will need around US$462 per month for living expenses plus an additional US$437 for rent in a single bedroom apartment on the city centre. Tuition fees will set you back around US$4,500 per year.

Life and culture in Bogotá

Located 2,630 meters above sea level (8,612 feet), Bogotá borders the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes mountain range, offering attractive surroundings.

The city has retained many of its colonial-era landmarks, which is particularly notable in the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria, with its government palaces, beautifully preserved colonial architecture and popular museums.

Bogotá also boasts a great restaurant scene, world-class museums, and a rich nightlife, including salsa clubs, trendy cocktail bars and English-style pubs.

If you study in Bogotá, you could also enjoy major cultural events. These include the Iberoamerican Theater Festival of Bogotá, one of the largest performing arts festivals in the world, or for rock fans, the free Rock al Parque, which attracts around 400,000 people every year.

Nicknamed “The South American Athens” due to its extensive education system and libraries, Bogotá was named World Book Capital in 2007 by UNESCO. It was the first Latin American city to be granted the title.

Career in Bogotá

Although Colombia generally has a high unemployment rate, Bogotá is a large city with good connections and has a more promising job market than other cities in the country. There are plenty of industries looking to recruit highly qualified graduates, particularly those who can also fluently speak Spanish. 

In addition, many multinational companies have chosen to set up their South American headquarters in Bogotá, meaning there are plenty of jobs available for graduates.

For these reasons the city ranks extremely highly in the employer reputation indicator, placing 38^th worldwide.