The Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies abroad (Icetex), together with the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Finance, It will continue to explore alternatives to improve financing conditions and guarantee the access and permanence of students in higher education.
(See: Breach of the Government in Icetex subsidies affects 327,000 students)
Despite tax difficulties, The entity reaffirms its commitment to young Colombians and ensures that it will maintain more favorable interest rates compared to those of the traditional financial market.
The Icetex has guaranteed that the disbursements for the payment of enrollment will be made as scheduled with the universities. This benefits all students who initiated or resumed their studies in the first half of 2025ensuring that their academic processes are not interrupted by economic issues.
(Read more: Icetex eliminates the interest rate subsidy in its educational credit lines)
During 2023 and 2024, the Government implemented a subsidy to reduce the interest rates of the educational credits granted by the Icetex. This measure, according to the entity, It benefited approximately 180,000 students and represented significant financial relief in a high inflation context.
Higher education
Istock
With an investment of $ 438,000 million, The State assumed part of the additional cost to the consumer price index (CPI) in interest rates, allowing the beneficiaries to pay with IPC +2% rates and, in case of default, IPC +4%.
(See also: Do you dream of studying in Europe? The simple way to get it in Colombia)
However, due to the current fiscal situation of the country, The Government will not be able to continue with this subsidy in 2025. As a consequence, educational credits will return to the conditions originally agreed at the time of approval.
“Icetex has already informed each beneficiary about this transition, guaranteeing that students know the conditions under which they must continue their financial obligations”Said the entity.
(Read: Do not waste time: the steps you must follow to renew the financial support of Icetex)
Higher education
Istock
Before the end of the state subsidy, The Icetex advances in the consolidation of the voluntary program ‘U Solidaria’, an initiative in which more than 60 higher education institutions (IES) already participate throughout the country. This program seeks to relieve the economic burden of students through the reduction of interest rates, with the collaboration of the universities themselves.
(See more: Icetex closes financing call for the first semester of 2025)
Through ‘U Solidaria’, the beneficiaries who are still in the period of studies will have interest rates with a maximum top of IPC +3 points. This is possible because IES are part of the additional cost to the CPI, providing financial support to students.
“We appreciate the commitment of higher education institutions that have decided to join this initiative, demonstrating their solidarity with young people and contributing to their access and permanence in higher education”, Said Icetex.
