Universidad de los Andes

A sunset in Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá.

Strong Roots, Lasting Impact

Nestled in the beautiful mountains at 2,600 meters above sea level, in the hearth of Bogotá, Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) stands as a beacon of academic excellence, research, and innovation in Latin America. Established in 1948, this private, non-religious, and politically independent institution has become a leader in shaping future generations of professionals, thinkers, and change-makers across the region.

A University That Shapes the Future

Uniandes is called to strengthen its role as a bridge—connecting internal and external spheres, uniting local and global communities, and fostering collaboration between academia, the public sector, communities, and industry. Rooted in its commitment to public service and a commitment to rigorous, accessible knowledge, it serves as a catalyst for meaningful connections and transformative exchange.

With a community of approximately 19,000 students, the university is a hub for intellectual exploration, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Its flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum empowers students to shape their own learning paths while fostering innovation and a global perspective. The university is home to 11 faculties and schools, spanning diverse fields such as Engineering, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Management, and Medicine. With around 150 academic programs, Uniandes provides a dynamic and comprehensive education designed to break boundaries and rethink traditional ways of thinking. These departments actively collaborate, fostering a transdisciplinary approach that encourages innovative solutions and deeper intellectual exploration.

More Than a University—An Experience in the Heart of Bogotá

Uniandes is more than just a university—it’s an experience. Located in La Candelaria, the birthplace of Bogotá and the city’s political and cultural heart, the university thrives amid colonial architecture, vibrant museums, and bustling cafés. This historic neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks like Plaza de Bolívar, the Gold Museum, and the Botero Museum, making it a place where history, academia, and creativity converge.

Why Uniandes Stands Out

• A World-Class Faculty – 76% of full-time professors hold a Ph.D., placing Uniandes far above the national average of 11.76%, according to the Colombian Ministry of Education. Our faculty consists of leading scholars who have earned degrees and recognitions from top institutions worldwide.
• A Research Powerhouse – Uniandes is at the forefront of discovery, with 218 research groups ranging from artificial intelligence to environmental sustainability, the university is actively contributing to global knowledge through interdisciplinary research, innovative collaborations, and strategic partnerships that drive meaningful impact in society.

 

Strengthening Global Partnerships for Co-Creation of Solutions

At Universidad de los Andes, we see collaboration not just as an exchange of knowledge, but as a co-creation of impactful solutions for global and local challenges. The university fosters pluralism, tolerance, and respect for ideas, emphasizing inclusive, personalized, and flexible education that adapts to the diverse needs of its community.

Uniandes is deeply connected to the global academic community, boasting 440 international partnerships and 475 agreements with universities across Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America. These collaborations support a vibrant exchange of knowledge, research, and talent. From 2015 to 2024-1, Uniandes has hosted 4,060 incoming students and sent 3,905 outgoing students to institutions around the globe, fostering international mobility and cross-cultural exchange.

The university is a proud member of prestigious international networks, such as the EUTOPIA network, the Hemispheric University Consortium (HUC), SGroup European Universities, and the U7+ Alliance, which strengthen its position as a key player in global education and research. These partnerships and exchanges not only enrich the academic experience but also enable Uniandes to contribute meaningfully to global issues through joint research initiatives, conferences, and collaborative projects.

Our research is broad and encompasses a wide range of topics, spanning from History of arts to Quantum Sciences. By co-creating knowledge-based solutions with international partners, we bridge knowledge gaps to make a meaningful impact, particularly in areas like peacebuilding, conflict resolution, sustainable development, climate action, biodiversity conservation, innovation and technology, social equity, and fostering cooperation across the Global South.
 

Driving Innovation for a Better World

At Uniandes, knowledge is not just about learning—it’s about solving real-world problems and improving people's lives.

For example, in collaboration with Microsoft, Uniandes, through its research centre CinfonIA launched Guacamaya, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) project that monitors Colombia’s ecosystems. Using advanced AI and machine learning, Guacamaya analyzes environmental data to detect deforestation, track wildlife movements, and support conservation efforts, ensuring a smarter and more sustainable approach to protecting nature. With ten percent of the Amazon within Colombia’s borders, this technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and protecting Indigenous communities. By leveraging cloud and AI, organisations in Colombia are pioneering a unique approach to combating deforestation and preserving both ecosystems and cultural heritage.
 
Another groundbreaking initiative is Pulsaciones Raras, a project that blends science, art, and technologyto study Colombia’s unique biodiversity through soundscapes. By capturing and analyzing the sounds of rare and endangered species, this project creates immersive experiences that raise awareness about conservation while pushing the boundaries of scientific and artistic research.

Uniandes is also at the forefront of technological and social innovation, with world-class research centers such as:

• The Center for Sustainable Development Goals (CODS) – A think tank dedicated to research and policy development that helps Colombia and Latin America advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through data-driven solutions, public policy recommendations, and interdisciplinary research.
• IMAGINA – A hub for innovation in digital and immersive media, where researchers explore the potential of virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling to transform education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
• CinfonIA – Uniandes' Artificial Intelligence Research Center, which develops cutting-edge AI applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and decision-making processes, fostering ethical and responsible AI advancements.
• Regional Center for Sustainable Finance – A leading institution in Latin America dedicated to studying green finance, impact investing, and climate-related financial risks, helping businesses and policymakers transition toward a more sustainable economic model.
• ISA Center (Research Center for Agri-Food Systems) – A research initiative focused on leveraging artificial intelligence, data science, and precision agriculture to enhance sustainability and productivity in Colombia’s agricultural sector. By integrating big data, IoT, and remote sensing, ISA Center provides smart solutions for farmers and policymakers to promote climate-resilient and resource-efficient agricultural practices.

Through these cutting-edge research centers and initiatives, Uniandes is shaping the future of knowledge, technology, and sustainability—not just in Colombia, but across the world.
 

Research and Creation Connected to Global Challenges

Uniandes addresses complex local and global issues with a unique regional perspective. Our research is driven by a commitment to interdisciplinary work, and we focus on three main pillars: the planet, democracy, and new technologies. Through this approach, we equip our community with the competencies, skills, and attitudes needed to tackle pressing needs and advance as a society.
 

Thinking Ahead: Uniandes and the Future of Higher Education

At Universidad de los Andes, shaping the future is part of its DNA. Always looking beyond the present, the university continuously anticipates the transformations that will define education, research, and society in the coming decades. It is this forward-thinking mindset that gives rise to initiatives like ERA 2048—a bold vision for what university education will look like when Uniandes celebrates its centennial. This long-term project engages students, researchers, and communities in reimagining higher education through interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and social impact.
 

Universidad de los Andes is much more than an educational institution; it is a hub of innovation, research, and social transformation. More than just a place for students and researchers, Uniandes is a space for dialogue and collaboration, where academia engages with communities, industries, and regions to generate impactful solutions. With initiatives like ERA 2048, the university reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of higher education—not just anticipating change but actively driving it. Its interdisciplinary approach, commitment to sustainability, and global network of partnerships position Uniandes as a leader in preparing professionals who will shape tomorrow’s world. With a strong academic foundation, cutting-edge research, and a vision that bridges the past and the future, the university not only shapes leaders but also fosters collective solutions for a more just, sustainable, and technologically advanced society. Uniandes is, undoubtedly, a place where history and innovation converge, and where every member of its community has the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the world—today and in the decades to come.