ICETEX requirements for scholarships and educational loans 2026

Last updated: June 2026

When Valentina told us she was the first in her family to finish high school with the idea of going to university, she said it almost asking for permission, as if dreaming about it were too much. Her mother thought that without money there was nothing to be done. And that's precisely where many people give up before even looking into it: believing that higher education is only for those who can afford it. That's not always the case, and knowing the ICETEX requirements for scholarships It is the first step in discovering that there is a route.

In short, the ICETEX requirements for scholarships Educational loans generally require only a few things: being Colombian, having completed high school, having a good academic record, having been accepted or intending to enroll in a recognized institution, and, in many cases, belonging to a low-income household according to the Sisbén system. Each application period has its own specific requirements, but these core elements are common. Here we explain what they will ask for and how to prepare without getting lost along the way.

What is ICETEX and what does it offer to families?

ICETEX is the government agency that finances access to higher education in Colombia. It's important to understand that not everything is the same: on one hand, there are the educational loans, which are repaid (on more lenient terms than a regular loan), and on the other hand the scholarships and funds in administration, which in many cases are not paid or are forgiven if you meet certain goals, such as graduating or performing social service.

For a family with limited resources, that difference is enormous. It's best to prioritize scholarships and forgivable loans, leaving credit as a second option. Knowing this from the start prevents going into debt when there was assistance available that didn't need to be repaid.

What are the most common ICETEX scholarship requirements?

Although each call for applications is mandatory, the ICETEX requirements for scholarships They almost always include these pillars:

• Being Colombian and have your identity document up to date.
• High school diploma, with the diploma and the graduation certificate.
• Good result in the Saber 11 tests (the ICFES), which in several funds defines the selection score.
• Admission or intention to enter to a higher education institution recognized by the Ministry.
• Classification in the Sisbén within lower income groups, in funds directed to vulnerable populations.

If you're not yet registered in the Sisbén database or don't know which group you're in, resolve that first: it's the key to many forms of assistance. Our guide on [the relevant information] may be helpful. How to register in Sisbén and the one of the Sisbén certificate that they usually ask you for as support.

What documents will they ask you for to apply?

Have your application ready before the call for applications opens; many close quickly due to limited spaces. The usual:

• Identity document of the applicant and, sometimes, of the parents or guardian.
• Diploma and high school graduation certificate.
• Saber 11 test results.
• Proof of admission or application to the institution and the program.
• Sisbén certificate and, depending on the fund, supporting documentation of the household's economic situation.

A tip from those of us who assist with these processes: scan everything in good quality and save it in a digital folder. Most applications are online, and a blurry or expired document could disqualify you.

Scholarships, loans, or funds? Which one is right for you?

Not all forms of assistance have the same impact on a family's budget. It's worth comparing them before making a decision.

• Funds under administration and scholarships. These loans are managed by ICETEX using funds from various entities or regions. They typically cover tuition and sometimes living expenses, and many are forgivable. They are the best option if you qualify.
• Educational loan. It finances your studies and you pay it back later, with more favorable rates and terms than a bank loan. It's useful when you don't qualify for a scholarship but can afford future payments.

The sensible strategy: apply for scholarships and grants you qualify for, and at the same time, keep the loan as a backup plan. Having your studies secured, even with a reasonable amount of debt, almost always pays off better than postponing enrollment for a whole year.

Where can I find official and real calls for applications?

Dates, scores, and amounts change with each call for applications, so don't rely on old screenshots or WhatsApp messages. Always consult the official source: the ICETEX portal publishes current scholarships, funds, and loans with their exact requirements, and the Ministry of National Education Verify which institutions and programs are recognized. Applying based on official information is the only way to avoid scams that charge for "guaranteeing" a spot that no one can actually guarantee.

Table: Types of ICETEX aid and which one suits you best

Not all forms of assistance have the same financial impact. It's best to prioritize non-repayable loans and leave credit as a backup plan.

Type of help	Is it refundable?	What it usually covers	Best for
Scholarship	No	Tuition and, sometimes, living expenses	Who meets the fund's requirements
Forgivable management fund	No, if you meet the goals (graduate, average, or service)	Tuition and sometimes maintenance	Prioritized vulnerable population
Educational loan	Yes, on more lenient terms than a bank.	Study funding	Someone who doesn't receive a scholarship but assumes a future payment

This is a general overview. Conditions, scoring, and amounts vary with each application period. Please verify the exact requirements on the official ICETEX website.

Common mistakes when completing this procedure

• Applying for a loan without checking scholarships. Many funds are forgivable; applying for those first avoids excessive debt.
• Upload blurry or expired documents. An illegible document may disqualify you from the application; scan everything in good quality.
• Waiting until the last minute. Several calls for applications close quickly due to limited spaces; have your application ready before they open.

Frequently asked questions about ICETEX scholarships

Do ICETEX scholarships have to be paid back?

Scholarships and many managed funds are not repayable, or they are forgiven if you meet the fund's conditions, such as graduating or maintaining a good GPA. Educational loans are different; they do require repayment, although under more lenient terms than a bank loan.

Do I need to be registered in the Sisbén system to access an ICETEX scholarship?

For funds aimed at vulnerable populations, yes: the Sisbén system is one of the filters that determines who is a priority. Not all programs require it, but being registered and knowing your socioeconomic group opens more doors and supports your financial situation.

Can I apply if I haven't been admitted to university yet?

It depends on the application process. Some require confirmed admission, while others accept an expression of interest, making payment contingent on acceptance. Therefore, it's advisable to carefully read each application and proceed concurrently with the application to the institution.

Does ICETEX charge for registering me for a scholarship?

No. Applications to ICETEX programs are submitted through their official channels and do not require payment to intermediaries. If someone charges you to "guarantee" you a spot or a scholarship, it's a red flag of a scam.

How Hepacom accompanies you

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, we believe that a family's escape from poverty comes from two intersecting paths: decent housing and education for their children. Therefore, although our primary focus is housing, we support families in understanding their rights and the resources available to them, including higher education for their children.

We help you understand which assistance is right for you, organize the Sisbén documents they usually ask for, and identify official channels so you don't fall victim to improper charges. Find more guides on assistance and rights in our blog, Look at the full picture of State aid and subsidies And if you need guidance, write to us at donaciones@hepacom.org.

Information guide. The process is handled by the official entity. Verify the requirements, dates, and current amounts on the official channel before applying. Hepacom does not charge for registration and does not manage scholarships, loans, or payments.