University of the Andes

The University of the Andes (Spanish: Universidad de los Andes), also commonly self-styled as Uniandes, is a private research university located in the city centre of Bogotá, Colombia.

The history of the University of the Andes (Uniandes) dates back to 1948, when it was founded by a group of Colombian intellectuals led by Mario Laserna Pinzón. Laserna envisioned Uniandes as a nonsectarian, independent university that would focus on academic excellence and research.

Uniandes opened its doors to students in 1949 with seven programs, 79 students, and 16 professors. It was a very innovative program at the time, as it emphasized critical thinking and problem-solving over rote memorization.

Over the next few decades, Uniandes grew rapidly and expanded its academic offerings. In 1964, it was granted university status by the Colombian government. By the 1970s, Uniandes was one of the leading universities in Colombia, known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and economics.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Uniandes continued to grow and develop. It established new research centers and institutes, and expanded its international partnerships. In 1994, Uniandes became the first Colombian university to be accredited by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU).

Uniandes is a proud institution with a rich history. It is committed to academic excellence, research productivity, and social responsibility. Uniandes is a leading force in the development of Colombia and Latin America.

University of the Andes is ranked as the #3 top university in Venezuela during 2025. The rank is improved by 1 point from last year.