University of the Andes (Uniandes)
About
Founded in 1948 by a group of leaders led by Mario Laserna Pinzón, University of the Andes (Uniandes) (visit the international version of website) is Colombia’s first private higher education institution not affiliated with any political or religious group. Uniandes was established with the aim of transforming the country through education and later emerged as a groundbreaking project at a time of deep national political division. With a mission to foster pluralism, tolerance, and respect for ideas, the University is committed to academic excellence, ethical responsibility, and the development of critical thinkers ready to meet social and civic challenges.
Home to a distinguished and highly qualified faculty, the university promotes cutting-edge research that supports national development and strengthens global ties. With core values, such as excellence, integrity, freedom, and solidarity, Uniandes is an institution dedicated to guiding and shaping well-rounded individuals. It has 44 undergraduate programs and over 19,000 enrolled students.
Today, while being recognised as one of the highest ranked universities in Colombia and Latin America, Uniandes continues to be a leading force in higher education, recognised for its innovative spirit, international outlook, and strong commitment to shaping a better future for Colombia.
Consult Uniandes on QS World Rankings to learn more about their current world ranking and academic reputation in different subject areas.
Location
Located in the heart of Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and largest city, Uniandes sits in a vibrant urban setting surrounded by the cultural richness and dynamic energy of the Andean region.
Bogotá is nestled 2,640 meters above sea level on a high plateau in the Andes mountains with over eight million residents. The city serves as Colombia’s political, economic, and cultural hub, offering an ideal environment for academic life, research, and civic engagement.
Bogotá is renowned for its rich history, diverse architecture, and world-class museums such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum. Furthermore, it’s mountain Monserrate is a historical and religious pilar of the city. The hike to the top of this mountain is regarded as not just a tourist attraction but a sacred pilgrimage that allows Colombian citizens to connect with their faith.
The historic La Candelaria district, where Uniandes is located, blends historic charm with contemporary innovation. The city’s extensive green spaces, vibrant arts scene, and growing international connectivity make it a compelling destination for students. Uniandes’ campus is quite big and although all sites are located within the same area, the buildings are spread out across a vast space based on the academic school. Please visit this webpage to learn more about which schools are based in which buildings and for a map of the campus, including the on-site services and available facilities.
Level of competitiveness
This exchange is only open to students studying a Modern Language in the School of the Arts.
For competitiveness level, please enquire with the STA Year Abroad team.
Language of Instruction
Most classes are taught in Spanish for which a B2 Spanish level is required. However, any student taking a course taught in English still needs an A2 Spanish level as a requirement.
Academic Calendar
The academic year is split into two terms:
- Term 1: August – December (starts with mandatory Orientation week)
- Term 2: January – May (starts with mandatory Orientation week, for students completing Term 2 only)
Learn more about Orientation Week under the “Student Life and Experience” tab. Each academic semester has 16 weeks of class; however, some courses are taught in an 8-week period. Exams and assignments are usually completed through the semester with final exams commencing in the penultimate week of classes.
Courses
Although some courses may be taught in English, the majority of courses are given in Spanish, however as this destination is only offered to students on a Modern Language degree, it must be noted that all modules taken have to be strictly related to their degree. In this case students, studying one language must take either modules related to their language or simply modules taught in that target language. Students on a double honour's degree must fill half their credits with modules related to their language and the other half related to their other subject. Students can take ‘non-subject specific’ modules that range in topics related to the historical, political and cultural aspects of Colombia.
Uniandes enrols students in modules on a first come, first served basis. Certain courses can be quite competitive, so it is important to register for desired courses as soon as possible to maximise the likelihood of being admitted in top preferred modules. Please consult this webpage to learn more about registering for modules. Learn more about the various faculties and departments at Uniandes.
Students who have had their modules approved and been accepted onto their courses will receive an online timetable with timings and locations.
Spanish course: A Spanish course is offered to all international students. Students interested in enrolling must take the placement exam (written and oral) and register for the class officially. Successful completion of this class awards 3 local credits.
Intensive Spanish course in July: There is an intensive Spanish programme, free of charge for exchange students, lasting three weeks in July. Students interested in enrolling must directly contact the coordinator of this ELE programme directly at coordinacionele@uniandes.edu.co.
Other languages: Students interested in taking any of the other offered language courses (e.g. French, German, Portuguese) must take a placement exam during the dates set by the Languages department. Learn more here.
Credits
Students must enrol on a full courseload equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits per semester/120 for the academic year.
At Uniandes, this is typically four modules per semester where most are worth 3 local credits each. In total per semester, students should register for no fewer than 12 local credits and a maximum of 20 credits.
Student should bear in mind the intensity of the workload at Uniandes when choosing their credits, to avoid overloading themselves.
One local credit at Uniandes equals 48 hours of course work (in and out of class). It is important to remember that the ratio of classroom work to individual work is 1:2 for undergraduate students.
Class format is based on lectures, readings, class participation and self-study. Students are expected to attend all lectures, to complete all course-related assignments and readings, and to sit exams to receive a course grade.
Find out more about Queen Mary’s credit transfer and grade conversion process.
Uniandes landing page for incoming international students
Queen Mary Student Feedback
Blog posts on Queen Mary Global Bloggers:
Instagram takeovers:
Accommodation
Although Uniandes does not provide its own on-site campus accommodation, there are many feasible alternatives available, specific to students.
Some alternative private accommodations that students of Uniandes often stay in are as listed:
Students have the option to rent furnished or unfurnished rooms or flats from private individuals. Students will need to be independent and speak with the landlord directly for this kind of housing. The standard of private housing cannot be guaranteed by the university. Look for a place that is "amueblado /furnished"—that is, fully equipped with the necessities.
Cost of living
You can find more general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Bogotá here.
Bear in mind that living expenses in Bogotá can vary depending on individual lifestyle.
The Transmilenio is the transport system used in Bogotá. Consisting of solely buses, itrequires a rechargeable "Tullave" card for access, which can be purchased at kiosks, including at El Dorado Airport.
Support services
Exchange students at Uniandes with any academic inquiries need to contact the relevant academic coordinator.
As a current Queen Mary student you will be able to find a summary sheet for this partner university on our QMplus page, with an overview of the local student support services.
Student Life
At the beginning of each semester, Uniandes organises an orientation week for incoming exchange students. During this week, students learn critical information about Uniandes, have a campus tour and receive guidance and advice for how to navigate and live in Bogotá.
There are a vast range of free sports facilities and classes that students can sign up to upon arrival. These services include renting certain sports halls (for tennis, badminton, football, basketball etc.), booking a timeslot to use the swimming pool, and reserving a spot in one of the various cultural dance classes on offer.
The university has an organisation entitled “Hermanos Sin Fronteras (HSF)” comprised of Uniandes students across multiple academic years, who organise a wide variety of activities for exchange students throughout the academic terms. These activities range from weekly restaurants outings and weekend trips to culturally significant towns and welcome parties, where fellow exchange students can meet each other. Follow their Instagram account to stay up to date on upcoming activities, which are formatted via a pay-as-you-go system.
Another student organisation very popular in Bogotá is the language bar Gringo Tuesdays, language exchange event allowing people to share their own language and practice other languages. Also, every week the HSF assist and oversee the students wishing to attend this event.
Social Media
RESOURCES