The original article requires translation.
The National Government has launched the "Scholarships for Change" (Becas para el Cambio) program, moving away from student loans toward direct financial support for postgraduate studies.
Core Program Details
Investment: 370 billion pesos.
Target: Funding for approximately 900 Colombians to pursue master's and doctoral degrees.
Model Shift: The program replaces "forgivable loans" (which often left students with debt if certain conditions weren't met) with direct grants that cover the full cost of education.
What the Scholarship Includes
The benefit is designed to allow students to focus entirely on their research and studies by covering:
Full Tuition: 100% of academic costs.
Monthly Allowance: A stipend for general living expenses.
Research Funding: Resources specifically for theses or scientific projects.
Equity and Focus Areas
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has designed the program with specific social and regional goals:
Regional Priority: 30% of the fund (over 110 billion pesos) is reserved for applicants from underserved areas like the Pacific, Amazon, and Eastern Plains.
Gender Focus: 60% of spots are reserved for women to bridge the gap in the scientific community.
Social Justice: Priority is given to socioeconomic levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, Raizal, and Palenquero communities.
Strategic Research: 60% of the total budget is directed toward public universities, focusing on fields like Artificial Intelligence, energy transition, bioeconomy, and health.
Timeline
The application process is set to begin in February 2026.