Organization

The basic mandatory education in Colombia lasts 9 years. After two additional years, students earn a "Bachelor's" degree and the possibility of continuing at a university. In the last year of high school, students take the government-sponsored ICFES exam, which is a requirement for admission to any university. Colombian universities include undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
The academic calendar is divided into two semesters: late January to early June and late July to early December. During the vacations, some universities offer intensive courses.
Each semester is independent; students have to register and pay tuition fees at the beginning of each semester. Many universities give a choice of schedules and professors. Some classes start as early as 6 o'clock in the morning! The relationship between students and professors is respectful, cordial and informal.