Universidad del Cauca institutional logo

Universidad del Cauca

Popayán, Colombia Founded 1827 World Rank #3458

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: University of Cauca
Local Name: University of Cauca
Founded: 1827
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #3458
Rank in Colombia: #30
Motto: Posteris Lumen Moriturus Edat
Colours: Blue and red
View of the Universidad del Cauca campus
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Established in 1827, the Universidad del Cauca (University of Cauca) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Popayán (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Cauca.

Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Colombia (Ministry of National Education of Colombia), Universidad del Cauca is a large-sized coeducational Colombian higher education institution. Universidad del Cauca offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

This 196-year-old Colombian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. Universidad del Cauca also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Looking to reach Universidad del Cauca? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.

Address: Apartado Aéreo 1384 Calle 5 Nº 4-70
Phone: +57 (2) 820 9900
Fax: +57 (2) 820 9912
Social Media:

Academic Details

Universidad del Cauca's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Universidad del Cauca's qualifications.

Academic Year: January to December (January-June; August-December)
Recognition: Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Colombia
Accrediting Agency: Gobierno Nacional
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (bachillerato) and entrance examination
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban

Degrees

Also Diplomados; Especialización in Telecommunications Engineering with Universidad Mariana - Pasto and Universidad de San Buenaventura - Cali; Especialización in Safety Engineering with Icontec; MBA in Health Administration; Maestría in International Relations with Fundación Norte Sur-Universidad del Cauca; Maestría in Electrical Engineering with Escuela Naval Almirante Padilla - Cartagena.

Doctoral 11 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Agricultural Business
  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Cultural Studies
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Ethnology
  • Mathematics
  • Telecommunications Engineering
Other 96 programs
  • Accountancy
  • Administrative Law
  • Agricultural Business
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Agronomy
  • Anatomy
  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Art Education
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Bilingual and Bicultural Education
  • Bioengineering
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Civil Law
  • Community Health
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Engineering
  • Criminal Law
  • Cultural Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Epidemiology
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Forestry
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • Geological Engineering
  • Government
  • Graphic Design
  • Health Administration
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Human Rights
  • Humanities and Social Science Education
  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Management
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literacy Education
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mass Communication
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Medicine
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Music Education
  • Musical Instruments
  • Native Language
  • Native Language Education
  • Natural Resources
  • Nursing
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Occupational Health
  • Paediatrics
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Pathology
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education
  • Physical Engineering
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Primary Education
  • Private Law
  • Road Engineering
  • Science Education
  • Spanish
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
  • Sports
  • Structural Architecture
  • Surgery
  • Taxation
  • Teacher Training
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Tourism
  • Transport Engineering
  • Visual Arts

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Colombia.

North Santander de Quilichao (Campus) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Distance Education (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Accounting, Economic and Administrative Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Administration
  • Economics
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Financial Controller

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Agricultural Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Business
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Forestry
  • Industrial Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Arts (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Graphic Design
  • Music
  • Music Education
  • Musical Instruments
  • Visual Arts
Civil Engineering (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geological Engineering
  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Natural Sciences
  • Road Engineering
  • Structural Architecture
  • Transport Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Structural Engineer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health Sciences (Faculty) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anaesthesiology
  • Community Health
  • Health Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Paediatrics
  • Pathology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physiology
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Human and Social Sciences (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Geography
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy
  • Spanish

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law, Political and Social Sciences (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Criminal Law
  • Labour Law
  • Law
  • Mass Communication
  • Philosophy
  • Political Sciences
  • Private Law
  • Public Law
  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Natural, Exact and Educational Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Education
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Pedagogy
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Science Education
  • Sports

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Universidad del Cauca's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.

129 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Colombia

Bachelor's Degree 49 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Administracion de Empresas
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Antropologia
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Arquitectura
Architecture
Bachelor's Degree in Artes Plasticas
Visual Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Biologia
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Ciencia Política
Politics & International Relations
Bachelor's Degree in Comunicacion Social
Journalism
Bachelor's Degree in Contaduria Publica
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Derecho
Law
Bachelor's Degree in Direccion de Banda
Music

Showing 10 of 49.

Master's Degree 37 programmes

Master's Degree in Maestra en Educación
Education & Teaching
Maestria en Antropologia
Liberal Arts
Maestría en Artes Integradas con el Ambiente
Maestría en Automática
Electrical Engineering
Maestría en Bioingeniería
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Maestria en Biologìa
Maestría en Ciencias - Química
Chemistry
Master's Degree in Maestrìa en Ciencias Agrarias
Agriculture
Maestria en Ciencias Humanas
Maestría en Ciencias Matemáticas
Mathematics

Showing 10 of 37.

Doctorate 11 programmes

Doctorado en Antropologia
Liberal Arts
Doctorado en Ciencias Agrarias y Agroindustriales
Agriculture
Doctorado en Ciencias Ambientales
Biological Sciences
Doctorado en Ciencias de la Computación
Doctorado en Ciencias de la Educacion
Education & Teaching
Doctorado en Ciencias de la Electrónica
Electrical Engineering
Doctorado en Ciencias Humanas
Liberal Arts
Doctorado en Ciencias Matemáticas
Mathematics
Doctorado en Ciencias-Quimica
Chemistry
Doctorado en Etnobiologìa y Estudios Bioculturales
Biological Sciences

Showing 10 of 11.

Associate's Degree 2 programmes

Associate's Degree in Tecnologia Agroindustrial
Agriculture
Associate's Degree in Tecnologia en Telematica
Software Engineering

Postgraduate Certificate 30 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Especialización en Actividad Física para la Salud
Postgraduate Certificate in Especializacion en Derecho Administrativo
Law
Postgraduate Certificate in Especializacion en Derecho de Familia
Law
Postgraduate Certificate in Especializacion en Derecho Procesal Penal
Law
Postgraduate Certificate in Especialización en Desarrollo de Soluciones Informáticas
Software Engineering
Postgraduate Certificate in Especializacion en Educacion Comunitaria
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Especializacion en Educacion Matematica
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Especializacion en Educacion Multicultural
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Especialización en Educación y Discapacidad
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Especializacion en Entrenamiento Deportivo
Education & Teaching

Showing 10 of 30.

How to apply to Universidad del Cauca

What applying to Universidad del Cauca typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universidad del Cauca offers 129 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Universidad del Cauca has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Universidad del Cauca's online portal at www.unicauca.edu.co. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +57 (2) 820 9900. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad del Cauca

Common questions about Universidad del Cauca answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.

In what year was Universidad del Cauca established?

Universidad del Cauca was founded in 1827 (approximately 199 years ago).

Where can I find Universidad del Cauca?

The institution is located in Popayán, Colombia.

Is Universidad del Cauca a public or private institution?

Universidad del Cauca operates as a public institution.

How many students does Universidad del Cauca have?

The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.

How is Universidad del Cauca ranked?

Universidad del Cauca is ranked #3458 globally and #30 in Colombia.

What programmes are available at Universidad del Cauca?

Universidad del Cauca offers doctoral programmes.

Is Universidad del Cauca officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Gobierno Nacional.

How do I find Universidad del Cauca online?

You can find Universidad del Cauca online at www.unicauca.edu.co.

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Faculties at nearby universities

Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Universidad del Cauca. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Programme-level scholarships for Education & Teaching students vary substantially across Colombia institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.

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Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.

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