The Industrial University of Santander (UIS), established in 1948, is Colombia’s leading public, multidisciplinary research university. Located in Bucaramanga, with satellite campuses across Santander, UIS excels in engineering, sciences, social sciences, health, and humanities. With over 22,000 students, it offers 124 academic programs, including undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and specialized studies—making it one of Colombia’s most selective and respected institutions.

1. History & Mission

• Established by ordinance in 1944 and began classes in March 1948, initially focused on electronics, mechanical, and chemical engineering
• Expanded in the 1950s–70s to include petroleum, health sciences, systems, mathematics, and, in 1994, law and political science—the first public law program in the region.
• UIS’s mission: form ethical, innovative professionals and build a better future through teaching, research, and community service.

2. Academic Programs & Campus

• Offers 45 bachelor’s programs, 21 master’s, 6 doctorates, and 9 medical residencies
• Faculties include Engineering, Physical-Chemical Engineering, Sciences, Health, Humanities, Economics, Law, and Industrial & Business Studies ccyk.com.co.
• Main academic locations:
  • CUP (main campus): Engineering, Sciences, Humanities
  • Health faculty: Near University Hospital
  • Regional sites: Barrancabermeja, Barbosa, Málaga, Socorro, Piedecuesta, Floridablanca.

3. Research & Innovation

• UIS is a national research leader, housing 94 labs, 98+ research groups, its own publishing house, and over 50 registered patents
• Hosts innovation hubs like the Guatiguará Tech Park, within the Ministry of Science’s top-tier network .
• Fields of research include petroleum engineering, agrarian science, tropical medicine, astroparticle physics, industrial engineering, and more.

4. Quality & Recognition

• Institutionally accredited as “high quality” by Colombia’s CNA in 2005, 2014, and again for 10 years in 2022
• Ranked within the 1201–1400 band globally by QS, and placed 1501+ by Times Higher Education in 2025 .
• Recognized as the top university in Colombia’s north & among the country’s best public universities.

5. Industry Connections & Community

• The School of Industrial & Business Studies maintains over 150 partnerships with industry, promoting applied research and knowledge transfer
• Health campus integrates with the University Hospital, enhancing medical education and public health service.
• Strong focus on community engagement and regional needs aligns academic excellence with practical impact .

6. Scholarships & International Support

• UIS offers various scholarships, mobility programs, and collaborates with international partners to support student and faculty exchange .
• Languages are increasingly supported through programs in English, French, Portuguese, German, Korean, and Mandarin .

7. Contact & Further Information

Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS)
📍 Carrera 27 #9 – Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia

Why UIS Matters

UIS stands out as a leading institution balancing academic rigor, innovation, and social responsibility, with comprehensive programs, cutting-edge research, and strong community ties. Ideal for students seeking well-rounded education in engineering, sciences, health, business, and humanities.

Looking to explore UIS more deeply—program comparisons, admissions tips, scholarship help? Check out MyUnigate for tailored guidance on studying in Colombia and beyond.