The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), through its International Scholarships platform, wants to make South African students aware of scholarship opportunities in Colombia.

The programme is organised by the Colombian Institute of Education Credit and Technical Studies Abroad (ICETEX) and seeks to offer postgraduate opportunities for foreigners.

While this is intended for foreigners one big caveat for this programme is proficiency in the Spanish language. Applicants applying from a country that isn’t Spanish speaking, like South Africa, will need to learn the language and display some mastery of it to make the cut.

“Present the certificate of the Spanish language proficiency test (DELE or SIELE), which must have a minimum B2 level or another certificate that supports the level of Spanish language,” reads one of the criteria.

Other criteria includes high marks in undergraduate studies, an age under 50, no previous postgraduate studies in Colombia and more.

Those who meet these parameters can look forward to applying for a scholarship that covers tuition, health insurance, visa fees, a monthly allowance and stipends for moving costs, books and other materials.

More details about the programme, including how to apply, can be found on the DHET International Scholarships website here.

Take note that applications close on 28th June 2022. Selection of candidates will start after this closure and continue until 1st July. Chosen candidates can expect emails on 15th July and will have until 18th July to accept. Studies in Colombia will begin in the fourth week of July or the first week of August which seems rather soon.

Hopefully if that timeframe is too tight interested students will keep this programme in mind for 2023.

Below there’s also a graphic showing off some key points about the scholarship system on offer.