Colombia Government Scholarship 2027 (ICETEX): Fully Funded Master’s in Latin America

70 fully funded scholarships for international Master’s, PhD, and Specialization students at Colombian universities — 100% tuition plus a monthly living allowance of COP 2,484,348 (≈ USD 580).

The ICETEX General Call is Colombia’s government scholarship for international students. The 2026 call closed June 5, 2026 (results June 24). The next call typically opens ~March-June 2027. If you want a fully funded degree in Latin America, this is the route to track.

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship	ICETEX General Call (Colombia Government Scholarship)
Funded by	Government of Colombia (ICETEX)
Level	Master’s, PhD, Specialization
Value	100% tuition + COP 2,484,348/month living
Awards	70 per call
Duration	Duration of program
Eligibility	International students under 50; strong GPA
Coverage	Tuition, living allowance, books, installation grant, health insurance
Application Route	ICETEX application (annual call)
Deadline	Next call ~March-June 2027
Website	icetex.gov.co

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What the Scholarship Covers

A complete package for graduate study in Colombia.

Tuition and Fees

• 100% tuition: covered at Colombian universities

• Books stipend: included

Living and Support

• Monthly living allowance of COP 2,484,348 (≈ USD 580)

• Installation grant: one-time support to settle in

• Health insurance: covered

What it does NOT cover:

• Travel to/from Colombia (verify current terms)

• Dependents’ costs

• Personal expenses beyond the allowance

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Eligibility Requirements

1. Age

• Under 50 years old

2. Academic Standing

• GPA 4.0/5.0 equivalent or better

• Strong academic record in your field

3. Admission

• Admission to an ICETEX catalog program at a Colombian university

• Your program must be in the ICETEX catalog of eligible programs

4. Nationality

• Open to international students (non-Colombian nationals)

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Application Process

Timeline: Annual call. 2026 call closed June 5 (results June 24). Next call typically ~March-June 2027.

Step 1: Find ICETEX Catalog Programs (Now)

• Review the ICETEX catalog of eligible Colombian university programs

• Match your field (Master’s, PhD, Specialization)

Step 2: Apply for University Admission

• Secure admission to a catalog program first

• Admission is required before the ICETEX scholarship application

Step 3: Apply to ICETEX (Next Call ~March-June 2027)

• Submit the scholarship application when the call opens

• Materials: admission letter, transcripts, GPA proof, references

Step 4: Results

• Results typically within weeks of the deadline (2026: June 24)

• Program starts per the Colombian academic calendar

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Selection Criteria

Merit-based with a clear academic threshold.

1. Academic Excellence

• GPA 4.0/5.0 equivalent — a hard requirement

• Relevant background to the chosen program

2. Admission Quality

• Admission to a catalog program at a Colombian university

3. Program Fit

• Alignment between your background and the chosen program

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ICETEX vs. Other Latin America Routes

Scholarship	Country	Coverage	Deadline
ICETEX	Colombia	100% tuition + living	~Mar-Jun 2027
Ireland Fellows	Ireland	Full fees + €700/mo	~Jul 2027
PEC-G	Brazil	Tuition-free UG	~mid-2027

ICETEX advantages:

• 70 awards per call — a defined, merit-based pool

• Study in Latin America itself, with Spanish-language immersion

Choose Ireland if: you want English-language study with a stipend. Choose PEC-G if: you’re an undergraduate targeting Brazil.

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Common Mistakes

1. Missing the GPA Threshold

Mistake: Applying with a GPA below 4.0/5.0.
Fix: GPA 4.0/5.0 equivalent is required. Verify your grading scale conversion before applying.

2. Applying Without Catalog Admission

Mistake: Expecting ICETEX to secure your university place.
Fix: You need admission to an ICETEX catalog program first.

3. Ignoring the Annual Window

Mistake: Applying at the wrong time.
Fix: The call runs once per year (~March-June). The 2026 call closed June 5. Track the 2027 announcement.

4. Underestimating the Age Limit

Mistake: Assuming age is flexible.
Fix: You must be under 50. Verify eligibility before investing time.

5. Skipping Program Research

Mistake: Choosing any Colombian program.
Fix: Only ICETEX catalog programs qualify. Research the catalog early.

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Should You Apply?

Yes, if:

• You’re under 50 with a GPA equivalent to 4.0/5.0 or better

• You’re interested in graduate study in Latin America

• You can secure admission to a catalog program

Realistic expectations:

• 70 awards is a defined pool — merit is the gate

• Admission to a catalog program is the harder first step

Worth applying:

• 100% tuition plus living allowance is a complete package

• Study in Colombia with Spanish immersion and regional networks

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Strategy Tips

1. Start Catalog Research Now

The ICETEX catalog defines what qualifies. Identify programs that fit your field before the call opens.

2. Secure Admission Early

Catalog admission is the prerequisite. Apply to universities in advance of the scholarship call.

3. Prepare GPA Documentation

Have your transcripts and a grading-scale conversion ready to prove the 4.0/5.0 threshold.

4. Track the Announcement

Set alerts for the ICETEX call announcement (~March-June 2027). The window is short.

5. Prepare References and Statement Early

Strong references and a clear statement of purpose give you an edge in a merit-based pool.

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Next Steps

1. Now: Review the ICETEX catalog for eligible programs

2. This year: Apply for admission to catalog programs

3. Early 2027: Prepare transcripts, GPA proof, references

4. ~March-June 2027: Apply when the next call opens

5. On award: Complete enrollment at your Colombian university

70 fully funded awards for graduate study in Colombia — 100% tuition, living allowance, and health insurance. The next call comes ~March-June 2027. Start your catalog research now.

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Related: Ireland Fellows Programme — Latin America · PEC-G Brazil 2027 · KU Leuven Scholarship for Central & South America · Qatar Scholarships 2027