The University of Antioquia, founded in 1803, is one of Colombia’s oldest and most prestigious public universities. Located in Medellín, it is renowned for its leadership in teaching, research, and cultural outreach across health sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts. Serving more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UdeA is a powerhouse for academic excellence and innovation.
1. History & Mission
- Founded: September 8, 1803, as the Academia Lyceum Antioqueño
- Evolution: Reestablished as University of Antioquia in 1945
- Mission: Committed to generating knowledge, social transformation, and academic freedom, fostering public service and citizenship
2. Academic Programs & Campuses
UdeA offers:
- 93 undergraduate programs
- 25 master’s tracks
- 12 doctoral degrees
Key faculties include:
- Health Sciences: Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Dentistry
- Engineering & Technology: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems
- Exact & Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
- Social Sciences & Humanities: Law, Psychology, Sociology, Communication
- Arts: Music, Plastic Arts, Dramatic Arts
Campuses span multiple sites in Medellín and regional centers in Caucasia, Apartadó, Mutatá, and Puerto Berrío, reinforcing regional development and knowledge access.
3. Research & Innovation
- Regarded as one of Colombia’s top 3 research universities
- Hosts 180+ research groups, accredited by Colciencias (the national science agency)
- Cartagena de Indias collaboration resulted in innovative cholera vaccine research, and pollution–treatment breakthroughs in Medellín
- Facilities include an Atomic Energy Center, high-tech labs, health research clinics, and regional science hubs
4. Quality & National Rankings
- Institutional accreditation renewed for 8 years
- Recognized as a “high‑quality” institution by the Colombian Ministry
- Ranked #1 in Antioquia and consistently among the top 3 public universities nationally
5. Scholarships & Student Support
- Offers merit and socio-economic scholarships, in addition to research assistantships
- Collaborates with ICETEX for study-loans and international exchange funding
- School of Medicine provides placements and international programs with partner universities in the US, UK, and Latin America
International students can access guidance on funding and program applications through trusted platforms like MyUnigate.
6. Internationalization & Global Partnerships
- UdeA maintains academic alliances with over 100 universities worldwide
- Hosts robust exchange, dual-degree, and joint-research agreements with institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Offers programs in English, Spanish, and tailored language courses to support global mobility
7. Campus Life & Student Services
- Main campus in Medellín features libraries, auditoriums, clinics, theaters, sports fields, and cultural galleries
- Student life includes unions, sports teams, arts collectives, and volunteering initiatives
- UdeA’s administrative support includes orientations, career counseling, disability services, and mental health resources
Contact Information
Universidad de Antioquia – Rectoría
📍 Calle 67 # 53–108, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
📞 Phone: +57 (4) 219‑8000
Final Thoughts
The University of Antioquia stands as a beacon of academic and research excellence in Latin America—offering diverse high-quality programs, cutting-edge facilities, and impactful global connections. Whether you’re pursuing studies in health, engineering, arts, or social sciences, UdeA offers one of the best educational environments in Colombia.
If you’re considering applying, funding options, or comparing universities, let MyUnigate support your journey with personalized consultancy and global study resources.
