An exact formula — no disagreement between sources
Unlike many other countries, Colombia’s financial requirement is not a vague "sufficient means" but a precise multiple of the official minimum wage.
What the process consists of
Health insurance is mandatory with a full coverage list — a separate requirement, not part of the financial threshold.
How the process runs
A good fit if
A poor fit if
Who runs this programme
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Frequent questions
Why does the 2026 SMLMV have such an unusual history?
The original decree raising the minimum wage by 23% was provisionally suspended by the Consejo de Estado (Council of State) in February 2026 after business-sector complaints about the impact. The government then temporarily fixed the same amount — COP 1,750,905 — via a separate Decree No. 0159 of 19.02.2026, which is the current source for the figure on this page.
Why is the requirement exactly 3x SMLMV rather than a fixed dollar figure?
Because Colombian law explicitly uses the minimum wage as the calculation base — the amount automatically shifts with its annual revision, instead of going stale as a fixed number.
Is part-time work allowed during studies?
Yes, but only on master’s or postgraduate programmes, up to 20 hrs/wk — undergraduate programmes carry no right to work.
What happens after graduation?
Honours graduates can receive an internship visa; graduates in shortage fields and all PhD/postdoc holders can transition to the M Trabajador visa. The route for other graduates is not covered in the available research.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, with a full coverage list defined by the consulate — a separate requirement, independent of the financial threshold.
How long is the visa valid?
Up to 2 years — the exact term depends on the length of the study programme.
Sources
Figures are for reference only. Verified against official sources on 26 August 2026. A precise quote is issued by the appointed firm after document review. This material is not legal advice, a public offer or investment advice.