Universidad del Externado de Colombia, founded in 1886, is one of Colombia’s most respected private universities. Located in the historic La Candelaria district of Bogotá, it’s renowned for its excellence in social sciences, law, economics, and political studies—and a strong choice for both domestic and international students. Learn more about applying, scholarships, and top Latin American institutions on MyUnigate.

1. History & Mission

• Founded by jurist Nicolás Pinzón Warlosten on February 15, 1886, as a liberal alternative to conservative academic models; attained full university status in 1958 
• Named “Externado” to emphasize autonomy, open teaching, and academic freedom.
• Today, it remains a secular institution dedicated to social sciences, law, economics, and humanities .

2. Academic Programs

Externado offers:

• Undergraduate degrees: Law, Business Administration, Economics, Journalism, Finance, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Education, International Relations, Cultural Heritage 
• Postgraduate suite: 54 master’s, 4 PhDs, 166 specializations—including Sustainability, Finance, Corporate Law, Communication, and Education—avg tuition ~COP 40M (~US 13,600) 
• The School of Management holds AACSB and AMBA accreditation, placing it among the top 2% of global business schools 

3. Rankings & Reputation

• Ranked #901–950 globally (QS 2025), #77 in Latin America, and #101 in THE Latin America 2024 .
• Widely recognized for Law (#54 globally) and Business (#301) by QS subject rankings 
• Holds both institutional and program-level high-quality accreditations (Law, Finance, Journalism, Accounting) for 8 years 

4. Campus & Facilities

• Urban campus spans 65,000 sqm in La Candelaria, with gardens featuring ~40,000 plants, plus sports facilities, Bloomberg suite, translation rooms, health clinic, cafeterias, ATMs .
• Recreational site “El Alcázar” offers sports venues and cultural spaces on 14 hectares es.wikipedia.org.

5. Academics & Student Culture

• Known for its rigor, especially in Law: lose 3 subjects and you’re out—students humorously refer to it as “exterminio” reddit.com+1reddit.com+1.
• Pros: well-respected degrees, especially in law and political science

“Es una universidad muy respetada, nada fácil… famosa por saca abogados buenos.” reddit.com.

6. Scholarships & International Admissions

• Offers merit-based and need-based scholarships, often tied to specific programs; international applicants may enter through partner pathways or as free-movers 
• Admission requires Colombian bachiller, State Exam or recognized equivalency (SAT/ACT accepted for US students) 

7. Why Externado Stands Out

• Elite education in law, social sciences, business, and economics—with regional and global recognition.
• High-caliber faculty, including judges, policymakers, and media professionals.
• Strong urban campus in Bogotá’s cultural heart, complete with robust facilities and greenery.
• Global business education, backed by AACSB/AMBA AACSB credits
• Ideal for ambitious students seeking rigorous programs with global relevance.

Final Thoughts

Externado offers a rigorous, law‑focused education in Colombia’s capital, with premier accreditations and mature urban infrastructure. While challenging, students benefit from strong alumni networks and recognized pathways in government, law, journalism, and business.

For personalized support—application guidance, scholarships, global comparisons—visit MyUnigate, your partner in unlocking top Latin American education.