Icetex warned that the legislative reform proposal currently under discussion would generate a fiscal impact of more than $8.9 billionequivalent to more than US$2.1 billion, which would compromise the sustainability of the educational financing system in the country.
In accordance with the technical and fiscal concept issued by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit addressed to the president of the House of Representatives, the initiative “It is not financially viable and does not have the approval of the Treasury”.
(See: Icetex requests preventive surveillance of its contractual and administrative processes)
The entity explained that the amount estimated by the Ministry shows that the reform does not have “clear financing sources or budget support mechanisms,” a situation that could directly affect hundreds of thousands of beneficiary students. According to Icetex, The approval of this proposal would put at risk the renewal and continuity of 184,451 young people with refundable loansas well as 478,174 people who today have forgivable support through Funds in Administration.
Among the most affected programs would be the Black Communities Fund, with 26,793 beneficiaries; the Álvaro Ulcué Chocué Fund, aimed at indigenous peoples, with 21,463 beneficiaries; and the Victim Population Fund, with 4,154 people supported. Likewise, the support of 1,735 active beneficiaries of internationalization programs would be compromised.in addition to the possibility of granting new credits for undergraduate and graduate degrees in the country and abroad.
(Read more: RThe Icetex form should focus on how the entity is financed, experts say)
In 2025, the supply of Icetex credits fell to 10,000, compared to a historical average of 25,000, which represents a reduction of close to 60%.
Courtesy
The Institute indicated that it welcomes institutional and financial transformation processes “as long as their sustainability and viability are supported by robust technical, fiscal, financial and legal support.” However, he clarified that some recent legislative proposals “lack the necessary technical rigor,” as they do not include fiscal impact studies, financial analyzes or consistent legal support. “It is essential that any reform initiative guarantees financial stability and does not put public resources or the continuity of programs at risk.“, indicated the entity.
In his statement, Icetex also responded to statements disclosed on social networks and the media about alleged contracts in execution for technological processes. The institution specified that “there is no contract in execution, nor signed in relation to technological development and updating processes”, and that these are in the pre-contractual phase, with technical, legal and budgetary studies in progress, in accordance with the Contracting Manual and current regulations.
The entity indicated that the possibility of advancing these processes with current suppliers, who have provided services for more than three years, has been analyzed within the framework of previous inter-administrative contracts. He assured that all procedures “have been developed rigorously and within the established deadlines“, and that the Contracting Manual “has not been subject to any modification.”
(See more: What are the repercussions of the suspension of the Icetex subsidy?)
ICETEX 2025
Source: ICETEX – Official Facebook
Icetex also reported that since June it has been under internal audits and that control bodies such as the Attorney General’s Office and the Comptroller General’s Office carry out permanent monitoring of these and other missionary processes. “The Icetex team has developed this procedure with the maximum technical, ethical and professional rigor, guaranteeing total adherence to internal rules and regulations.“said the entity.
Within the framework of its institutional strengthening strategy, Icetex announced the creation of a new financing mechanism called Deferred Cofinancing (Alliance + Future), which has the support of a university in the country. This model will allow financing studies with preferential conditions: CPI + 0% during the study stage and CPI + 3% in the amortization period. “We invite other higher education institutions to join this initiative that seeks to expand opportunities for thousands of young people throughout the national territory,” the entity said.
(Read: They ask to review and correct the measure that suspends subsidies for Icetex educational loans)
DIANA K. RODRÍGUEZ T.
Portfolio Journalist
