28 public universities in Colombia in 2026
The public universities in Colombia offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
28 public universities
Colombia has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca
Public institution in Bogota dedicated to management, education and design.
Universidad de la Amazonía
Public university in Florencia, dedicated to the development of the Colombian Amazon.
Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA)
Major public university in Medellín, one of Colombia's most prestigious, founded in 1803.
Universidad de Caldas
Public university in Manizales, known for its medicine and environmental sciences.
Universidad de Cartagena
Public university in Cartagena de Indias, strong in health, social sciences and tourism.
Universidad del Atlántico
Public university in Barranquilla, the Caribbean coast's reference in health and engineering.
Universidad de la Guajira
Public university in Riohacha, at the heart of the La Guajira desert.
Universidad del Valle (Univalle)
Major public university in Cali, renowned for engineering and public health.
Universidad de Nariño
Public university in Pasto, southern Colombia, dedicated to Nariño's development.
Universidad de Pamplona
Public university in Norte de Santander, strong in health, law and agronomy.
Universidad de Sucre
Public university in Sincelejo, dedicated to the development of the savanna Caribbean region.
Universidad de los Llanos
Public university in Villavicencio, at the heart of Colombia's eastern plains.
Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas
Public Bogota university, a reference in engineering and applied arts.
Universidad del Cauca
Historic public university in Popayán, founded in 1827, in the so-called university city.
Universidad del Magdalena
Public university in Santa Marta, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, strong in health and engineering.
Universidad del Pacífico
Public university in Buenaventura, dedicated to the Colombian Pacific's development.
Universidad del Quindío
Public university in Armenia, in the heart of the coffee region, known for its accessibility.
Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander (UFPS)
Public university in Cúcuta, on the Venezuelan border, strong in engineering and health.
Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS)
Excellence-driven public university in Bucaramanga, one of Colombia's best.
Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (UMNG)
Public Bogota university linked to the armed forces, strong in health, law and engineering.
Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL)
Colombia's largest and most prestigious public university, founded in 1867.
Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD)
Major Colombian public distance-education university, present nationwide and internationally.
Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC)
Major public university in Tunja, national reference in teacher training and engineering.
Universidad Pedagógica Nacional
Public Bogota university entirely dedicated to education sciences.