Universidad en tu Territorio-Free Higher Ed in Colombia
President Gustavo Petro delivers on his promise to young people with the signing of the decree that expands free higher education.
The new Free Education Policy ‘University in Your Territory’ introduces various innovations, among which the relaxation of requirements related to socioeconomic status, age, nationality, and the prioritization of indigenous populations, Afro-descendants, victims of armed conflict, people with disabilities, single mothers, and individuals deprived of liberty stand out.
President Gustavo Petro Urrego enacted the regulatory decree of Law 2307 of 2023, which establishes the action plan for the new Free Education Policy ‘University in Your Territory’ to access higher education.
“With the expansion of free education and the relaxation of entry requirements into the Higher Education System, we are taking a significant step towards consolidating education as a fundamental right, so that all Colombians have the opportunity to access quality education that allows them to live with dignity, under conditions of equity,” said Minister of Education Aurora Vergara Figueroa.
The new Free Education Policy ‘University in Your Territory’ will begin implementation in the first semester of 2024. Innovations include the relaxation of requirements such as socioeconomic status, age, nationality, and the prioritization of indigenous populations, Roma, black communities, Afro-Colombians, indigenous peoples of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, victims of the conflict, people with disabilities, rural communities, and individuals deprived of liberty.
He firmado el decreto de gratuidad en la educación pública superior en Colombia. fue promesa de campaña y hoy es una realidad.
Buscaré que la educación superior sea un derecho para toda persona que habite en Colombia.
En ese camino destinaré para el año entrante 2,8 billones… https://t.co/o1P741lnoq
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) December 30, 2023
To access and renew the benefit of the ‘University in Your Territory’ Free Education Policy in the enrollment, students from public Higher Education Institutions must meet the following requirements:
- Be registered in the National Information System for Higher Education (SNIES) as enrolled in an undergraduate academic program (professional, technological, or university) at one of the public Higher Education Institutions.
- Not have a degree from a university professional program.
The Administrative Board appointed by the Ministry of National Education to oversee the ‘University in Your Territory’ Free Education Policy will be composed of representatives from the Ministry, public Higher Education Institutions, and beneficiary students.
The functions of the Board include approving the operational regulations and resource projections, deciding on special requests, ensuring efficient resource management, and promoting actions for financial sustainability.
Similarly, the creation of a Sustainability Committee is contemplated, which will define guidelines for financial support and decide on special requests.
The funding for the Política de Gratuidad ‘Universidad en tu Territorio’ comes from the General Budget of the Nation. The Ministry will transfer the necessary resources directly to public Higher Education Institutions to cover the net ordinary tuition of beneficiaries, as established by the Administrative Board in the operational regulations.
Additionally, the Ministry of National Education, in collaboration with the Departamento Administrativo para la Prosperidad Social (DPS), the Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior Mariano Ospina Pérez (ICETEX), and other national entities, will gradually carry out intersectoral programs, in line with budget availability, aimed at allocating sustenance support for beneficiaries of the ‘University in Your Territory’ Free Education Policy who are in conditions of greater vulnerability.
El decreto que establece la educación superior gratuita en el país es una realidad a partir del 29 de diciembre de 2023.
¡Lo logramos! Matrículas gratuitas en todas las Instituciones de Educación Superior del país para todos los pregrados. #ElCambioAvanza https://t.co/mbxQ1znlUb
— María José Pizarro Rodríguez (@PizarroMariaJo) December 30, 2023
It is worth noting that this regulatory decree of the ‘University in Your Territory’ Free Education Policy was built in a participatory manner between student leaders and directors of Higher Education Institutions.
The process took place through six regional meetings held in the main cities of the country during October 2023. Additionally, it was complemented by the online participation of citizens through the SUCOP platform.
Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic
Latina Republic is dedicated to promoting regional understanding through compelling narratives, articles, interviews, and reports that emanate from the heart of the Americas. Our foremost goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue by illuminating local viewpoints frequently overshadowed by mainstream media. Our mission is to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional issues, thus empowering them in their efforts. We are committed to portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America, while also chronicling the progression of social movements and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of change.
