Colombia expands public university access to 120,000 youths by 2026

The Colombian government’s "Educación Superior en Tu Colegio" initiative aims to bring free public higher‑education programs to roughly 120,000 young people by the end of 2026. The strategy has already financed 90,028 student enrollments and operates in 370 municipalities—including 181 rural, 79 PDET and 144 ZOMAC areas—through partnerships with about 900 secondary schools.

The program involves 58 public universities offering around 328 academic programmes in fields such as technology, health, renewable energy, agro‑industry and digital transformation. It targets both secondary‑school students and recent graduates, allowing them to continue technical, technological or university studies without leaving their hometowns. Special attention is given to low‑income families and to reducing dropout rates through academic and welfare support.

By extending the presence of higher‑education opportunities to historically underserved territories, the initiative seeks to close regional gaps, boost local productivity and promote social mobility across Colombia.