Icetex Expands Financing Options for Continuing Education in Colombia

Icetex Expands Access to education with New Continuing Education Credits

Bogota DC, August 11, 2025. Icetex has announced a new call for educational credits designed to support Colombian citizens in pursuing continuing education opportunities. The Know More Plan and Second Language Plan will finance diplomas, certifications, and training programs, including second language acquisition, across the country.

Who is Eligible?

This initiative targets a broad range of individuals, including:

• Colombians with technical, technological, or university-level education.
• Students who have successfully completed at least five semesters of a recognized higher education program.

“We are diversifying our support to encompass lifelong learning,” stated Urquijo Gómez, President of Icetex. “these Credit Calls for Continuing Education, alongside the ongoing Education for Work and Human Growth (ETDH) call, demonstrate Icetex’s commitment to providing students with the necessary tools to develop new skills and adapt to the evolving demands of the workplace and society.”

These new credit lines complement Icetex’s existing offerings for traditional undergraduate and postgraduate studies, expanding access to financial aid for a wider range of educational pursuits.

Credit Details

The educational credits can be used for programs starting in the second semester of 2025 and cover up to 25 times the Colombian Monthly Minimum Legal Wage (SMMLV) for registration fees. The financing is structured as follows:

• 30% of the cost is paid during the study period.
• 70% is paid after graduation,with a repayment period of up to 24 months.

Requirements for Application

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Colombian citizen.
• Be officially admitted to a program at an educational institution with an agreement with Icetex.
• Provide a solidarity debtor (a guarantor).
• Have completed a minimum of five semesters at a higher education institution recognized by the Ministry of National education.
• If you have existing Icetex loans, you must have repaid at least 50% of the debt and be current on all payments.

How to Apply

Interested individuals can find detailed data about the Know More Plan and Second Language Plan, including terms and conditions, on the Icetex website: www.icetex.gov.co. Navigate to the ‘Educational Credits’ section.

Critically important Dates: The application period closes on August 22, 2025, or when budgetary funds are exhausted. All applications are processed directly through Icetex – no intermediaries are involved.

Contact:

Communications Advisory Office
Icetex

What is teh maximum loan amount available under the ‘Posgrado en Colombia’ program?

New Pathways to Professional progress

Icetex (Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo), Colombia’s educational credit institute, has substantially broadened its financing options to support citizens pursuing continuing education. This expansion addresses a growing need for upskilling and reskilling in a rapidly evolving job market. The new initiatives aim to make postgraduate studies, technical courses, and professional development programs more accessible across colombia. These changes are notably relevant for professionals seeking to advance their careers or transition into new fields.

Understanding the Expanded Financing Options

Icetex’s updated portfolio now includes several key changes designed to cater to a wider range of educational pursuits. Here’s a breakdown of the new offerings:

Increased Loan Amounts: Loan limits for postgraduate studies (specializations, masters, doctorates) have been increased, reflecting the rising costs of higher education.

New Eligibility Criteria: Expanded eligibility to include individuals with shorter work experience, opening doors for recent graduates and those earlier in their careers.

Flexible Repayment Plans: Introduction of income-based repayment options and extended grace periods to ease the financial burden on borrowers.

Financing for Short-Term Courses: Icetex now offers financing for shorter, specialized courses and certifications – a crucial development for professionals needing to quickly acquire new skills. This includes online courses and bootcamps.

International Studies Support: Enhanced support for Colombians pursuing continuing education programs abroad, with increased loan amounts and favorable exchange rates.

Specific Loan Programs Available

Icetex offers a variety of loan programs tailored to different educational needs. Here are some of the most prominent:

1. posgrado en colombia (Postgraduate Studies in Colombia): this loan is designed for Colombian citizens pursuing master’s degrees, specializations, or doctorates at accredited Colombian universities.
2. Posgrado en el Exterior (Postgraduate Studies Abroad): Supports Colombians studying at internationally recognized universities. Eligibility requirements are stricter,focusing on academic excellence and program relevance.
3. Crédito con Interés Subsidiado (Subsidized Interest Loan): Offers reduced interest rates for students from low-income families, making education more affordable.
4. Crédito para Capacitación (Training Loan): Specifically for short-term professional development courses, certifications, and technical training programs. This is a new and highly anticipated offering.

Eligibility Requirements: A Detailed Look

While Icetex aims to broaden access, certain eligibility criteria still apply. Common requirements include:

Colombian citizenship: Applicants must be Colombian citizens or legal residents.

Academic Record: A strong academic record is generally required, particularly for postgraduate programs.

Income Verification: Proof of income or a guarantor with sufficient financial capacity is necessary.

Program Accreditation: The educational program must be accredited by a recognized Colombian educational authority.

Credit history: A good credit history is preferred, although Icetex offers options for those with limited credit.

Benefits of Utilizing Icetex Financing

Choosing Icetex financing for continuing education offers several advantages:

Affordability: Lower interest rates compared to customary bank loans.

flexible Repayment: Tailored repayment plans to suit individual financial situations.

Investment in Your Future: Enables access to education that can lead to career advancement and increased earning potential.

National Development: Supports Colombia’s human capital development and economic growth.

Tax Benefits: Potential tax deductions on loan interest payments (consult with a tax advisor).

Navigating the Application Process

The Icetex application process can be navigated effectively with careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Research Programs: Identify accredited programs that align with your career goals.
2. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents,including academic transcripts,identification,and income verification.
3. Online Application: Complete the online application form on the Icetex website (https://www.icetex.gov.co/).
4. Submit Application: Submit the completed application and supporting documents.
5. Evaluation & Approval: Icetex will evaluate your application and notify you of the approval status.
6. Disbursement: Upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution.

Real-World Impact: Case Studies

Several Colombians have already benefited from Icetex’s expanded financing options.For example, Maria Rodriguez, a software engineer, utilized the Crédito para Capacitación to complete a data science bootcamp, leading to a promotion and a significant salary increase. Similarly, Juan Perez, a public health professional, secured a loan through Posgrado en el Exterior to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, enhancing his expertise and opening doors to international opportunities. These examples demonstrate the tangible impact of Icetex’s initiatives.

Resources and Further Information

Icetex Website: https://www.icetex.gov.co/ – The official source for information on loan programs, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

Icetex Contact Center: Provides assistance with application inquiries and loan management.

**Ministry of Education (