Scholarships for master's and doctoral degrees

Higher education in Colombia takes a historic step forward. The National Government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, approved Conpes 4182, a state decision that ensures the continuity of the National Scholarship Program for Master's and Doctoral Degrees, consolidating it as a stable public policy with guaranteed resources and a long-term vision.

This Conpes document supports an investment of approximately 370 billion pesos, through future budget allocations between 2026 and 2030, which will finance two cohorts and benefit nearly 900 Colombians in master's and doctoral programs. For the first time, the country has a long-term framework that eliminates budgetary uncertainty and structurally transforms access to advanced education.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ángela Yesenia Olaya Requene, emphasized that this decision marks a profound shift in the country's education policy. "With this Conpes document, the Colombian State regains its leadership in advanced training policy and sends a clear message: talent can no longer depend on social class, family name, or borrowing capacity," she stated.

The minister added that this is a political decision that addresses a historical inequality. “For 30 years, it was considered normal for young people from the most excluded areas to be left out of science and research. Today we say that this is not normal,” she stated.

One of the main advances of Conpes 4182 is that the State will directly assume the direction and execution of the resources, eliminating intermediation schemes and guaranteeing that every peso invested responds to the National Development Plan and the strategic priorities of the country.

The new model abandons student debt and focuses on comprehensive scholarships, not loans. The policy prioritizes professionals from socioeconomic levels 1, 2, and 3, who will no longer be debtors but will become direct beneficiaries of public investment aimed at closing social and educational gaps.

The measure also strengthens the national education system. 72% of the % placements will be offered at institutions within the country, and 60% of the % resources will be allocated to public universities, which will allow for the consolidation of scientific capabilities, strengthen institutions, and reduce brain drain.

In terms of equity, the Conpes establishes clear goals: at least 60% of the quotas will be for women, with priority inclusion of indigenous communities and Black, Afro-Colombian, Raizal and Palenquera populations, reaffirming the social justice approach in the country's science policy.

The resources will be directed towards strategic areas aligned with the Country Missions, such as artificial intelligence, energy transition, bioeconomy and quantum sciences and technologies, ensuring that advanced training responds to the productive, social and environmental challenges of Colombia.

With the approval of Conpes 4182, the National Government reaffirms its commitment to the consolidation of a knowledge society, where high-level education is recognized as a right and a responsibility of the State for the sustainable development of the country.

Source: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

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