Write or call us at:

Universidad Autónoma de Manizales
International Relations Office
Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril; Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Attention: Viviana Fernanda Nieto Padilla, Coordinator
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Telephone: Country code 57, city code 6.  Voice: 872-7272 extension 181; Fax: 872-7670

Programs & Courses

The Universidad Autónoma de Manizales (the UAM) offers a broad range of programs and many new ones are being planned and added, especially at the graduate and professional levels.  Our programs focus on the development of self-confident, fully rounded individuals and include regular social, cultural and athletic program supplements to our innovative and challenging academics.

Traditional programs are coupled with specialized institutes and research programs including our Peace and Competitiveness Institute, our Environmental Studies Institute, our Language Institute and our International Relations Office.

We offer technical programs similar to associates degrees, undergraduate and post graduate certificate programs, and of course, bachelor's and master's degree programs.  In addition, we serve the local community with a number of non-academic credit educational options and provide additional educational opportunities to non-national students on both an academic credit and non-credit certificate program basis.

Our Campus

Our campus, located in the heart of Manizales, is divided into three areas:

The Cúpula Center (which includes Manizales’ historic former central departmental train station) houses administrative offices, several auditoriums, our language institute, numerous health services facilities (e.g., school of dentistry and physical therapy classes), as well as miscellaneous student and faculty services offices.

The Economics and Social Sciences Center houses our library, several specialized facilities for participation in international virtual education programs, our human welfare and development offices, headquarters for a number of our quasi-autonomous faculties and academic departments, our social sciences center, our business sciences center, and a number of our medical related programs (e.g., physical therapy and paramedical studies).

The Sacatin Center houses our gymnasium and serves as the headquarters for our engineering and design studies programs.

Our campus is located within 20 minutes from the Manizales Regional Airport and within 90 minutes from the Matecaña International Airport.  It is also served by abundant municipal transport and taxi services. The campus is dotted with convenient snack and supply shops and served by several more formal eating establishments.  It is also blessed with a number of delightful student outdoor gathering spots.  The library is world class and communications and computer access centers are available throughout the campus.  Free wireless internet access is readily available.

Undergraduate Programs

COLLEGE OF HEALTH  STUDIES

• Dentistry
• Physical Therapy
• Technology Programs in Paramedics, Oral Hygiene and Dental Office Assistance

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• Economics (Emphasis in Management): Managerial Economics
• Political Science (Government and International Relations)
• Law
• Industrial Design
• Fashion Design

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

• Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanic Technology

Graduate Programs

COLLEGE OF HEALTH  STUDIES

• Graduate Certificate in Health Auditing
• Graduate Certificate in Stomatology and Oral Surgery
• Graduate Certificate in Comprehensive Sports Care
• Graduate Certificate in Neurorehabilitation
• Graduate Certificate Oral Rehabilitation
• Graduate Certificate in Public Health
• Master’s Degree in Disability Studies

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

• Graduate Certificate in Process Control
• Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
• Master's Degree in Mechatronics and Computer Control

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• Graduate Certificate in Development Management
• Graduate Certificate in Financial Management
• Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Sales
• Graduate Certificate in International Business and Marketing
• Master’s Degree in Organizational Creativity and Innovation
• Master’s Degree in Regional Development and Spatial Planning
• Master’s Degree in Science Education
• Master’s Degree in Translation
• Master’s Degree in Creativity

Who We Are and What We Do at the International Relation’s Office

We are a team of professionals committed to delivering integrated quality service to our students, staff, partners and clients across the world.

As a university with an international emphasis, we invite students from many countries to study with us and seek to develop international alliances with foreign educational institutions for development of ongoing faculty and student exchange programs.  Our office coordinates such programs and serves as a resource for visiting students and faculty as well as for our own students who require assistance in arranging foreign venue studies and experiences.

Globalization impacts education and at the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales we aggressively embraced it, confident that the breadth and excellence of our programs, faculty and student body enable us to successfully compete on a world stage and permit our varied constituencies to benefit from the expanded opportunities an international presence affords.

Our University’s evolution from a national to an international institution of higher education was carefully planned and managed with addition of new courses and programs and the best available personnel and resources.  As a result, all the members of our university community now have access to a growing number of expansive opportunities in other parts of the world, permitting them to experience different cultures, different languages and different perspectives and to develop a vastly improved ability to understand and interact with others in social, cultural, business and professional settings.

Programs and Services

The International Office at the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales offers everyone interested in international academic experiences the opportunity of participating in out of country academic exchange programs, managerial training, language courses, postgraduate courses, summer student work abroad programs and other opportunities which we are constantly exploring.  Our primary goal is to assist our University to implement its strategic objective of attaining accelerated recognition as an international institution of higher education by negotiating, developing and implementing programs such as inter-institutional cooperation and exchange agreements, participation in the elaboration of international academic strategies, and leading in the development of a new culture of international social, cultural and academic integration.

In meeting our commitments, we provide our students, faculty and guest scholars with the following services, among many others:

Resource Center and Source of General Information

The International Relations Office is responsible for obtaining, organizing, maintaining, reviewing and disseminating information concerning transnational academic affairs useful to the University’s students and faculty.  We constantly evaluate the continuing relevancy of our informational data bases and endeavor to maintain and improve our international contacts.  We are also responsible for assisting University personnel in international communications and for assisting our faculty, students and prospective guests with information concerning financial support, scholarships, admission documents, visas, etc.

Academic Semester Programs at Other Universities

Through agreements with selected universities throughout the world, qualified students are offered the opportunity of expanding their educational experience by undertaking studies abroad.  We monitor the programs and student experiences and continuously seek to improve them.

Currently, we have exchange or study abroad agreements with the following universities:

• Universidad Mayor de Chile
• Instituto Superior Politécnico José Antonio Echevarria CUJAE
• Universidade Da Coruña
• Universidad Vigo
• Programa Crepug
• Pontificica Universidad Catolica de Minas Gerais;

We are also party to exchange agreements with a number of Colombian universities, including:

• Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga
• Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar
• Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios: Uninimuto
• Universidad de Ibagué
• Universidad Autónoma de Occidente
• Universidad del Rosario.

Participating students are awarded academic credits and enjoy the opportunity to undertake specialized studies under the tutorship of leaders in their fields of concentration.  Many students use semester exchange programs as a springboard for advanced degrees abroad.  In addition, they frequently make lifelong friends, many of whom prove invaluable career and social contacts in the future, especially as all fields of human endeavor become more and more globalized.

Conferences

Conferences are an important component of the academic enrichment program at our University and both students and faculty members are strongly encouraged to attend conferences dealing with their specific careers as well as with social and cultural topics that help them attain full personal development.  We urge all of the members of our university family to participate in conferences as presenters and panelists. Our University is very active in sponsoring conferences on numerous and sundry topics on a regional, national and international basis, frequently in conjunction with other institutions.  Our conferences are often open to the public and foreign participation is almost always welcome.  Our office assists in planning and coordinating conference participation here and abroad.

Managerial Training Programs Abroad

Our office develops and coordinates associations with business enterprises involved in international commerce that provide student internship and training programs.  Opportunities for participation are subject to eligibility requirements usually delineated in formal agreements.  If requested, we provide students with advice on planning their educational curricula in a manner increasing the probability that they will qualify for participation in such programs.  We also post periodic bulletins advertising international internship, training and employment opportunities.

Foreign Student Exchange Programs

Participation by foreign students in programs at our University is encouraged but subject to a number of institutional and legal requirements, including the procedures established by the University’s registrar.  All applications should be directed to the International Relations Office at Universidad Autònoma de Manizales, Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales; Atención: Viviana Fernanda Nieto Padilla, Coordinadora - Estudiantes Extranjeros.  Applications by mail should be addressed to the University's postal address: Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia.  Applications may also be submitted by email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by fax to 57+6+881-0290.  Contact by telephone may also be an option, especially with reference to requests for information.  Our direct line is 57-6-881-0450, extension 181.

Students participating in exchange programs who are enrolled in universities signatories to bilateral cooperation agreements with the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales and who have been accredited for participation by their universities pay all required tuition to their own universities.  Exchange student candidates whom we accept are sent a letter of acceptance and information packet addressed to their homes, as provided to us by the candidate or sponsoring universities.

Acceptance is subject to our receipt of confirmation from the sponsoring foreign university that the student has been officially designated for exchange pursuant to the terms of the applicable exchange agreement directed to us by fax to 57+6+881-0290 or by e-mail to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The specific programs exchange students participate in at the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales are determined by their sponsoring university's academic advisors who designate the subjects the student will be enrolled in.

All students desiring to participate in our exchange programs must first complete and submit the following materials to our International Relations Office:

• A letter of introduction from the sponsoring university.
• A personal resume.
• A letter discussing the reason the candidate wishes to study in Colombia and at Universidad Autónoma de Manizales.
• A letter from the sponsoring university detailing the proposed subjects to be studied and indicating that the exchange has been approved.
• Certified transcripts of subjects taken and credits earned to date, including grades and grade point averages.
• A certificate of proficiency in Spanish (unless enrolled in our Spanish for Foreigners Program).

About Manizales

Manizales is a very special city. Sitting high in the middle range of the Colombian Andes, it enjoys perpetual springtime amidst lush green mountains, overlooked by towering snow capped peaks, in one of only eight micro-climate regions in the world.  Consequently, a mere ten minute walk can take you from a cool and foggy neighborhood to one that is warm and balmy.

The city melds beautifully with its unique topography, its fascinating architecture an outgrowth of its inhabitants’ determination to maintain a balance with nature while maximizing human comforts and world class culture, including regular theater offerings, symphonies, ballets, concerts and sporting events featuring some of the world’s most famous performers.  This is especially true during early January whenManizales hosts its world famous Feria (its theme song, Feria de Manizales, is a world famous paso doble).

While Manizales has a population in the half million range, it is blessed with the best aspects of a small town atmosphere and new residents quickly find themselves recognized and warmly greeted by new friends.  Small town, however, does not describe its plentiful and varied commercial establishments, which range from a number of sophisticated shopping malls to unique boutiques and retail establishments of every description.

Like many cities in Latin America, Manizales has a European atmosphere with a twist reminiscent of the French Alps.  Approximately ten percent of its half million inhabitants are students at the city’s ten university campuses, a cosmopolitan milieu from numerous countries all over the world.  Its principle landmark, one of the Western Hemisphere’s largest gothic cathedrals, is located just above the Plaza de Bolivar, a beautiful square adorned with massive statuary and murals dedicated to one of the world’s greatest freedom fighters, all adjacent to the Departmental Capitol.  Above the cathedral sits a modern skyscraper that houses the central government’s regional headquarters.

The Manizales region is a world famous ecotourism destination, with many local nature and ecological preserves.  These include the following:

• Los Yarumos, named after a large tree species, the Yarumo, is a beautiful park and entertainment complex, including a large amphitheater, conference center, restaurants and ice skating ring.  Like so many parts of Manizales, it contains beautiful views overlooking the city, with many hiking trails and nature walks, rock climbing walls and long stone slides filled with happily shrieking children (of all ages).

• Reserva Ecológica Río Blanco, a restricted cloud forest park within four kilometers from the Fundación Ecológico Gabriel Arango Restrepo.  It is a preserve protecting Anetojos' bears but graced with flocks of hummingbirds sipping sugarwater at the finca within a few hundred meters of a mirador overlooking Manizales.

• Ecoparque los Alcázares and many others.

Nightlife in Manizales is plentiful and varied with many outdoor restaurants and cafes, a number of which which cater to the city’s university student population.  People watching is a well developed art form, especially in light of the reputation for beauty enjoyed by “Manizalitas”.  The Avenida Santander boasts many of city’s best discos and restaurants, but two smaller entertainment clusters, the Batallon andMilan are favorites for many of the city’s younger residents, especially students.

The area immediately surrounding Manizales offers starkly contrasting vacation resort opportunities.  If winter is what you seek, the gleaming snow covered peaks of the Nevado del Ruiz glacier and its three inactive volcanic formations overlook the city from a safe but beautiful distance.  Guided tours are easily arranged and overnight stays are possible.  The view and eerie solitude are magnificent and awe inspiring, as is a large thermal lake near the summit.  In marked contrast is Santagueda, about 40 minutes from the center of Manizales; a zone of perpetual summer with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and full of sunbathing and swimming opportunities.

One of the most popular areas in Santagueda is La Fonda where people of all the ages enjoy the weather while drinking beer or other beverages of all kinds, but especially the two world famous local specialties for the Licorera de Caldas, Aguardiente Cristal and Ron Viejo de Caldas.

The area is also extraordinary in the number and quality of natural thermal springs as close as five minutes from the city’s center, a number of which have become full service world class resorts.  Such resorts include the Termales del Otoño, the Termales de San Vicente, the  Termales de Santa Rosa and the Termales del Nevado.  Each contains cascade filled pools of steaming naturally heated mineral rich waters with putative curative qualities, where visitors from all over the world gather to soak and relax.

Unlike many other parts of the world including other areas in Colombia, water quality in Manizales is excellent; its water is among the ten top rated drinking waters in the world.  If you're visiting the 'Los Nevados' Natural Park, ask for aguapanela con queso, a hot beverage made of sugar cane served with cheese.  Also look for cheese ice cream, chorizos from Santa Rosa and obleas.

Experience life in this 24- hour city and you will never look back!

Universidad Autónoma de Manizales
Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril
Manizales, Colombia

Servicial cliente: