Universidad de los Andes (University of the Andes), Bogota

The University of the Andes (Universidad de los Andes) is a prestigious coeducational, nonsectarian private university located in the heart of Bogota. Established in 1948 by a group of Colombian intellectuals led by Mario Laserna Pinzon, it is the country's first nonsectarian university.

The university is renowned for its academic excellence and diverse offerings, encompassing nine faculties: Administration, Architecture and Design, Arts and Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Engineering, and Medicine. These faculties provide a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In addition to its traditional faculties, the university houses the Center for Research and Training in Education (CIFE) and the Interdisciplinary Center for Development Studies (CIDER), which are dedicated to postgraduate education. Notably, it is home to the Alberto Lleras Camargo Government School, Colombia's first private school for public affairs, named in honor of a former president and university rector.

The University of the Andes emphasizes research and graduate education, mirroring the structure of leading global research institutions. This commitment is reflected in its doctoral programs and modern research facilities, which enhance its academic environment. Recognized as a top-tier institution, the university has consistently been ranked among the best in Latin America. In 2011, it achieved global recognition as the only Colombian university in the top 500 universities worldwide, securing its place among the top 10 universities in the region.

The university’s strong focus on academic rigor and its contributions to education and research have positioned it as an elite institution in Latin America, fostering a tradition of innovation and excellence.