Universidad ICESI
Cali, Colombia • Founded 1979 • World Rank #2763
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1979, the Universidad ICESI (ICESI University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Cali (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Valle del Cauca.
Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Colombia (Ministry of National Education of Colombia), Universidad ICESI is a medium-sized coeducational Colombian higher education institution. Universidad ICESI offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 44-year-old Colombian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Colombian higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Universidad ICESI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidad ICESI's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Universidad ICESI operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
The internal academic structure of Universidad ICESI — by faculty, school, and unit. Research-only units exist alongside teaching units; their function and student involvement differ.
Unit 6 items
- College of Business and Economc Studies
- College of Engineering
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Law and Social Sciencies
- College of Natural Science
- School of Education Sciences
Degrees
Universidad ICESI's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.
Doctoral 1 program
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Economics
Other 78 programs
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Advertising and Publicity
- Agricultural Engineering
- Anaesthesiology
- Anthropology
- Art Education
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Cardiology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Child Care and Development
- Commercial Law
- Computer Engineering
- Criminal Law
- Data Processing
- Dermatology
- Design
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Epidemiology
- Finance
- Fiscal Law
- Foreign Languages Education
- Genetics
- Government
- Haematology
- Health Administration
- Higher Education Teacher Training
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- International Business
- International Economics
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Labour Law
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Native Language Education
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Neurosciences
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Orthopaedics
- Paediatrics
- Political Sciences
- Primary Education
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Law
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
- Safety Engineering
- Sales Techniques
- Science Education
- Social Psychology
- Social Studies
- Sociology
- Surgery
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Writing
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Colombia.
Administrative Sciences and Economics (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Technology
- 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) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Social Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Law
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Studies
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Educational Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Universidad ICESI offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
107 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Colombia
Bachelor's Degree 33 programmes
Showing 10 of 33.
Master's Degree 32 programmes
Showing 10 of 32.
Postgraduate Certificate 41 programmes
Showing 10 of 41.
How to apply to Universidad ICESI
Practical steps to apply to Universidad ICESI, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Research programmes at Universidad ICESI
Universidad ICESI's catalogue includes 107 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Universidad ICESI's admissions process.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Universidad ICESI's official website at www.icesi.edu.co. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +57 (2) 555 2334. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad ICESI
Quick reference for Universidad ICESI: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When did Universidad ICESI open?
Universidad ICESI traces its founding to 1979 (approximately 47 years ago).
What city is Universidad ICESI in?
Universidad ICESI operates from Cali, Colombia.
Is Universidad ICESI public or private?
Universidad ICESI is a private institution.
How big is Universidad ICESI's student body?
Universidad ICESI serves approximately 6,000-6,999 students.
What is Universidad ICESI's ranking?
Universidad ICESI holds rank #2763 globally and #16 in Colombia.
What programmes are available at Universidad ICESI?
Programmes at Universidad ICESI cover doctoral programmes.
What is Universidad ICESI's academic structure?
Universidad ICESI has 6 academic units.
Who recognises Universidad ICESI?
Yes, Universidad ICESI is recognised by Ministerio de Educación Nacional.
What is Universidad ICESI's official website?
You can find Universidad ICESI online at www.icesi.edu.co.
Top-Ranked Universities in Colombia
Alumni network strength of Colombia's national leaders compounds over time. The peer-graduate networks at top institutions often outweigh academic differences in long-run career outcomes.
Members of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Fellow Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) members alongside Universidad ICESI are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Faculties at nearby universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Universidad ICESI. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study Medicine
Universities in Colombia with strong Medicine provision give natural alternatives to Universidad ICESI. Specialism strengths vary by institution and often correlate with faculty research interests and industry partnerships.
Universities Compared with Universidad ICESI
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
Studying in Colombia: guides and resources
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