The CUN will cover the second semester for new students

The National Unified Corporation of Higher Education (CUN) announced that it will cover the cost of the second academic semester for new students enrolling for the first time in any of its programs, whether virtual or in-person, and who formalize their registration before July 31, 2025.

(See: What are the country's needs to transform its education models ?)

The measure comes in a context marked by the educational and labor inactivity of 2.6 million young people in Colombia , according to figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), corresponding to the period between November 2024 and January 2025. This population group, identified as "ninis" for not studying or working, includes people between 15 and 28 years old.

“ Education cannot continue to be a privilege. This initiative stems from a commitment to opening up real paths to vocational training, especially for those who are currently outside the system, ” said Sebastián Sarmiento, a member of the CUN communications team.

(Read more: Colombia needs an educational vision for 2035 to overcome its structural gaps )

The institution explained that the strategy aims to reduce economic barriers to accessing higher education, encourage new student enrollment, and reduce dropout rates . Although the benefit is subject to terms and conditions, its coverage includes the full cost of the second academic semester.

This effort joins a series of initiatives promoted by universities and educational institutions seeking to address the structural gaps in the Colombian higher education system. According to official figures, the country faces a coverage gap of nearly 52% at this level of education, with the greatest impact in rural regions and among young people from low-income backgrounds .

(See: Bogotá leads the production of scientific journals with greater international visibility )

The CUN has deployed its strategy to disseminate the benefit in cultural and youth-friendly spaces. “ The approach to unconventional settings is a way to connect with young people in their own languages ​​and interests. Bringing education to these environments also sends a message of inclusion ,” Sarmiento added.

(See: Call for applications for master's scholarships for public servants )

The phenomenon of young people neither studying nor working represents a challenge for the country's public policy. In addition to limiting opportunities for personal and professional development, this phenomenon has implications for productivity, social cohesion, and the sustainability of the labor market.

In this context, the CUN initiative is part of a private sector measure to mitigate the effects of educational exclusion and generate new pathways to higher education. The institution reiterated that the benefit is available to all students who complete their initial enrollment before the end of July , as a way to "respond with action to the reality of thousands of young people who currently see no clear options in the system."

(Read: The national universities that were among the best in the world )