On July 31, 2023, President Gustavo Petro signed a decree declaring free access to all undergraduate programs in public universities in Colombia. This Law 2307 will need to be regulated by the Ministry of Education within a maximum period of six months and will be implemented progressively, taking into account the annual budget availability.
The aim of this law is to reduce social inequality by providing access to higher education, prioritizing minorities from vulnerable populations, including victims of armed conflict, indigenous communities, Afro-descendants, people with disabilities, single mothers, and young people from rural areas. Additionally, in Paragraph 4, it is announced that a mechanism will be implemented to provide economic support to students facing financial difficulties while ensuring that no student receives multiple economic benefits.
Increasing capacity in existing universities
In the short term, the government’s first plan to increase university coverage is to raise the number of available spots by 5% each year during the current administration, with the goal of creating 130,000 new spaces for undergraduate studies. The same objective applies to technical education institutions, where an additional 130,000 spots could be created for studies in fields crucial for developing all industry sectors.
New universities
In the recently sanctioned National Development Plan (PND), President Gustavo Petro’s government made it clear that educational infrastructure would be a top priority. The plan sets the goal of creating 26 universities that would open up 500,000 new spots for people in remote regions of the country. Considering that Colombia currently has 34 public universities, the government aims to increase capacity by over 70%. However, they acknowledge that it will be a challenging and extensive process.
The National Development Plan includes a list of 26 universities ranging from highly populated areas like Bogotá to remote regions such as Arauca, Casanare, and Chocó. One of the first steps was the inauguration of the new campus of the Universidad Distrital in Ciudad Bolívar on March 1, a neighborhood known worldwide as one of the largest slums in Latin America. Additionally, the creation of a new university campus in Sevilla, Valle del Cauca, was announced, with an investment of $8.8 billion.
In conclusion, the decision to declare free access to public universities in Colombia is a momentous milestone that will strengthen both the educational and socioeconomic spheres of the country. By providing opportunities to young people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, this measure not only reduces social disparities but also empowers the youth and enriches diversity within university classrooms, fostering innovation and collective development. Moreover, the increase in university spots and the establishment of new institutions in remote regions will drive progress and sustainability in historically marginalized communities. This commitment to education also enhances Colombia’s international reputation, attracting investors and positioning the country as an appealing destination for investment due to its highly skilled and dedicated workforce committed to national development.
