Pontificia Bolivariana University

The Pontifical Bolivarian University (UPB) is a private Colombian university founded in 1936 by the Archbishop of Medellín, Monsignor Tiberio de Jesús Salazar y Herrera. The university is headquartered in Medellín, Colombia, and has campuses in Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Montería, and Palmira. The university was originally known as the Universidad Católica Bolivariana (UCB), but it was granted the title of Pontifical by the Holy See in 1945.

The UPB started with a small faculty and 78 students enrolled in the School of Law. The university quickly grew in size and reputation, and it now offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields.

The UPB has played a significant role in the development of Medellín and Colombia. The university has produced many notable alumni, including former President of Colombia Belisario Betancur Cuartas and former First Lady of Colombia Lina María Moreno Mejía.

The UPB is also a leading research university. The university has received numerous grants from Colombian and international funding agencies, and its faculty have published their research in top academic journals.

In recent years, the UPB has expanded its international reach. The university has signed partnerships with universities around the world, and it offers a number of exchange programs for its students.

The UPB is a highly respected university with a strong commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility. The university is a leading institution of higher education in Colombia and the region.

The UPB is a dynamic and innovative university that is constantly looking for new ways to improve its educational programs and research. The university is committed to its mission of providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them to be successful citizens in the 21st century.

Pontificia Bolivariana University is ranked as the #7 top university in Colombia during 2025. The rank is improved by 2 points from last year.