Universidad Nacional reports decline in admission exam applicants

The Universidad Nacional recently conducted its admission exam for the first semester of 2027 on September 20. Approximately 39,397 applicants registered to compete for 5,612 available spots across 107 undergraduate programs. The exam consisted of 120 questions covering textual analysis, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and image analysis. Applicants required a score of at least 450 points to qualify for enrollment.

Testing took place at major campuses in Bogotá, Medellín, and Manizales, with additional participation from international locations including Germany, Argentina, Chile, Spain, the United States, and Mexico. Major registration hubs outside Colombia included New York, Barcelona, and Buenos Aires.

Despite the high number of applicants, the institution noted a significant decline in registration numbers. The 39,397 registrants represent a reduction of up to 48% compared to previous cycles, marking one of the lowest figures in 20 years. Mario Alberto Pérez, the national director of admissions, attributed this trend to demographic shifts, noting that the proportion of the population aged 16 or younger has decreased significantly over recent decades.