myunigate

National University of Colombia

The National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia, UNAL), founded in 1867, is the largest and most prestigious public research university in Colombia. It has a multi-campus national presence—in Bogotá, Medellín, Manizales, Palmira, Leticia, San Andrés, Arauca, Tumaco, and La Paz (Cesar)—serving over 53,000 students, and offering close to 450 academic programs 

1. History & National Role

Founded by Congress on September 22, 1867, to catalyze scientific and professional education nationwide 
UNAL forms the “Golden Triangle” of Colombian public universities—alongside Antioquia and Valle—recognized for rigorous selectivity and academic excellence

2. Campuses & Academic Offerings

Main campuses in Bogotá and Medellín, plus specialized campuses in Manizales, Palmira, Amazonas, Caribe, Tumaco, and Orinoquía .
Offers 95 undergraduate degrees, 83 specializations, 40 medical specialties, 167 master’s, and 65 doctoral programs 
Fields span medicine, engineering, social sciences, arts, law, exact sciences, health, and more

3. Research Prowess & Global Rankings

90+ research groups, 606 labs, 5+ international research institutes (genetics, environment, food science, biotechnology, political studies) 
Colombia’s leading research university: largest volume of peer-reviewed publications, highest citation count 
Global rankings:
- QS World University: #219 globally, #10 in Latin America (2025) 
- Times Higher Education: Positioned within the 1501+ range globally (2025)
- CWUR: #777 globally, top Colombian university

4. Campus & Student Life

Ciudad Universitaria de Bogotá (~300 acres), built in the 1930s–40s by Leopold Rother and featuring 17 national monument buildings 
Offers abundant libraries, research labs, theaters, sports facilities, museums, and green spaces.
Active student movements: 2024 saw prominent student-led assemblies on institutional democracy, governance, and inclusivity

5. Admission & Application Data

About 25,000 applicants for the 2025 Bogotá intake—lowest in recent years, attributed to public safety concerns and internal disruptions 
Federal tuition rates make it accessible, yet competition is fierce: less than 10% acceptance rate .

6. Why UNAL Stands Out

Colombia’s premier public university, excelling in research, teaching, and social impact.
Exemplary global rankings and strong academic output across disciplines.
National reach and social mission—serving students in both urban and remote areas.
A cultural and architectural legacy, with deep roots in Colombian national identity.