Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Colombia • Founded 1867 • World Rank #602
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1867, the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (National University of Colombia) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Bogotá (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), Bogota.
This institution also has branch campuses in Medellín, Manizales, Palmira, Arauca, Leticia and San Andrés Islas. Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Colombia (Ministry of National Education of Colombia), Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL) is a very large-sized coeducational Colombian higher education institution.
Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL) 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 156-year-old Colombian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Colombian higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UNAL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidad Nacional de Colombia's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Universidad Nacional de Colombia are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Academic Structures
How Universidad Nacional de Colombia structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.
Unit 14 items
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Architecture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering and Administration
- Faculty of Human Sciences
- Faculty of Law, Political and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Mines
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics
Programs Offered
Universidad Nacional de Colombia's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
381 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Colombia
Bachelor's Degree 67 programmes
Showing 10 of 67.
Master's Degree 139 programmes
Showing 10 of 139.
Doctorate 55 programmes
Showing 10 of 55.
Postgraduate Certificate 120 programmes
Showing 10 of 120.
How to apply to Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Application guidance for Universidad Nacional de Colombia, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Universidad Nacional de Colombia's 381 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Universidad Nacional de Colombia typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit your application
Universidad Nacional de Colombia processes applications through unal.edu.co. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +57 (1) 316 5469. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Quick reference for Universidad Nacional de Colombia: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When was Universidad Nacional de Colombia founded?
Universidad Nacional de Colombia was established in 1867 (approximately 159 years ago).
In which city is Universidad Nacional de Colombia?
Universidad Nacional de Colombia is based in Bogotá, Colombia.
Is Universidad Nacional de Colombia public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Universidad Nacional de Colombia?
Universidad Nacional de Colombia has approximately 40,000-44,999 students.
What is Universidad Nacional de Colombia's ranking?
Universidad Nacional de Colombia is ranked #602 globally and #1 in Colombia.
How is Universidad Nacional de Colombia organised academically?
The institution comprises 14 academic units.
Is Universidad Nacional de Colombia officially recognised?
Universidad Nacional de Colombia is accredited by Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Colombia.
How do I find Universidad Nacional de Colombia online?
Universidad Nacional de Colombia's official website is unal.edu.co.
Members of Asociación Columbus
Joint conference hosting among Asociación Columbus members brings academic communities together. Students at Universidad Nacional de Colombia and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.
Where Else to Study Medicine
Industry advisory boards on Medicine programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each Colombia alternative to Universidad Nacional de Colombia publishes its industry partners.
Universities Compared with Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Universidad Nacional de Colombia often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.
Studying in Colombia: guides and resources
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