Closer collaboration with Colombia
The Netherlands will change perspective on its relations with Colombia in the years to come, from developmental cooperation towards economic cooperation. The collaboration with education institutions is part of this transition, which is also taking place in South Africa and Vietnam.
Nuffic supports Dutch higher education institutions that want to start up or strengthen relations with Colombian universities, for example by organising higher education fairs.
Sectors
The joint efforts of the Netherlands and Colombia are primarily the expansion of sustainable bilateral trade and investments. In this perspective, the Netherlands focuses on several sectors, selected by the Dutch government, primarily agriculture (sustainable value chains, bio-based economies and climate adaption) and water (flooding, water management, early warning systems, ports and infrastructure).
At a later stage other upcoming sectors will be incorporated such as energy (mining, oil and gas) and logistics.
In addition to these sectors, special attention will be paid to the improvement of the overall business climate, sustainable entrepreneurship and the so-called triple helix of government, industry and education.
Latin American education market
Nuffic sees Colombia as one of the most important prospective partners for higher education in Latin America, next to Brazil and Mexico, where it has Nuffic Neso offices, as well as Chile and Argentina. Nuffic is building a network with different organisations in Colombia and has also participated several times in the Europosgrados higher education fair.
Student numbers
In 2011, 272 Colombian students were studying in the Netherlands. Of these students, 130 studied in a subsidised university master's programme, especially in technical, economic and nature-related disciplines. Forty-five students studied at one of the universities of applied sciences, most of them in the field of economics.
Special activities during Europosgrados
Higher education institutions that are interested in Colombia can participate in the Europosgrados fair in Bogota and Cali. This fair is specifically directed towards studying in Europe, with a focus on English master's programmes.
Nuffic can organise extra activities locally to help you make the most of your visit to Colombia. There are various options, such as a visit to the Colombian scholarship provider ICETEX, a local university or an alumni event.
More information and participation
Are you interested in participating in this fair? Please contact Willemijn van Os, Fair Coordinator in the Education Promotion Department, fairs[at]nuffic.nl. Please send in your application before 19 September 2012.