Colfuturo/UCL - COLFUTURO Scholarships

What you get

You will receive funding of up to USD 50,000 (about 46,000 EUR) for a Master’s or PhD programme at University College London (UCL) in London, spread over up to three years (36 months). The funding is provided in the form of a loan-based grant (‘crédito beca’), a loan that is partially converted into a grant if you return to Colombia after completing your studies and remain there for three years. If you meet these conditions, up to 80% of the loan will be converted into a grant that you will never have to repay. In addition, UCL will waive 25% of your tuition fees. This waiver applies to Master’s students for up to 1 years, to students on certain degree programmes for up to 2 years, and to PhD students for up to 3 years. The loan can also cover living costs such as flights, accommodation, health insurance, books and a computer. Upon your return to Colombia, you will repay the remaining loan amount in monthly instalments over a period of up to five years. COLFUTURO is a Colombian charitable foundation established in 1991 that provides financial support to Colombians studying abroad.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Colombian citizen.
• Degree so far: You have already obtained a bachelor’s degree.
• What you study next: You are starting a Master’s or PhD programme at UCL. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must have received an unconditional offer of a place there.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Grades: You have an excellent academic record.
• Language: You can provide evidence of your foreign language skills by submitting an international certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL. This will be verified once you have been selected.

How to apply

You apply online to COLFUTURO during the application period. For the 2027 cycle, this runs from 4 January to 4 March 2027. At the same time, you must apply to UCL for your degree programme as part of the standard admissions process. COLFUTURO assesses applicants on the basis of their grades, their class ranking, their chosen degree programme and a personal essay outlining their life plans. The results will be announced on 18 May 2027.

How realistic are your chances?

Although this scholarship is strictly limited to Colombians who wish to study at a specific university – UCL – there is no fixed upper limit on the number of recipients each year, which eases the pressure somewhat. Your marks, your position in your class and your personal statement will determine the outcome; therefore, a strong academic track record and a clear, well-written career plan are what will set you apart from the rest. Please note that this is primarily a loan: the scholarship component only comes into effect once you subsequently return to Colombia.