Universidad de Santander
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersBucaramanga, Colombia
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
Universidad de Santander firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Universidad de Santander
- Legal name
- Universidad de Santander
- Website
- https://udes.edu.co
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Universidad de Santander industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Computer Training (61142)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Inbound Exchange Hosting & Visiting Student Administration (EDAIABAK)
Keywords
Where Universidad de Santander is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bucaramanga
- HQ country
- Colombia
- HQ region
- Latin America
Offices7 records
Markets served
Universidad de Santander business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Enrollment Fees: UDES generates primary revenue through tuition fees charged per semester for undergraduate (pregrado), graduate (posgrado), and technology programs. Tuition varies by program level and campus. Graduate programs (specializations, master's, doctorates) carry higher tuition than undergraduate. Enrollment and administrative fees are charged separately. Payment is managed through the Crédito y Cartera office, with financing options via ICETEX, SUFI Bancolombia, Coopfuturo, Financiera Comultrasan, Fincomercio, and Coinversiones.
- Continuing Education Programs: Revenue from non-degree continuing education offerings including workshops, congresses, symposiums, seminars, conferences, courses, and diploma programs (diplomados). These programs range from COP $65,000 to $357,100 depending on the program type, duration, and participant category. Group and corporate discounts (5-15%) are also offered. Managed through the Educación Continua platform and campus-specific offices.
- Consulting and Legal Services: The Consultorio Jurídico (Legal Clinic) and Centro de Conciliación (Mediation Center) provide free and paid legal services to the community, with the Centro de Conciliación operating under certified ICONTEC NTC 5906 quality standards. These generate modest revenue while fulfilling the university's social projection mission.
- International Certifications (UPAZ Partnership): Revenue from international certification programs offered in partnership with the Universidad para la Paz (UPAZ / UPEACE), Costa Rica. Programs include certifications in Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship, Citizenship and Governance, Peace and Conflict, and Health, Peace and Post-Conflict, each worth 7 academic credits. Students completing all 4 certifications plus a research course and thesis can earn a Master's degree from UPAZ. Fees are charged per certification cohort.
- Research and Grant Funding: UDES receives government funding through Minciencias for research groups ( Microbiota - Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología Agroambiente y Salud ranked A1, CIBAS ranked A), scientist categorization, research projects, and seedbed programs. The university also publishes its research through institutional journals (Innovaciencia indexed in Web of Science) and receives international collaboration funding.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Tecnología en Supervisión de Obras Civiles - 6-semester technology program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | XXV Congreso Latinoamericano de Psicología Jurídica y Forense - 21-hour congress (Nov 2026) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | XXI Jornada de Actualización en Instrumentación Quirúrgica - 8-hour workshop (Oct 2026) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Workshop: Generación de Imágenes y Videos con IA - 8-hour virtual workshop (Oct 2026) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Workshop: Cómo Comunicar, Negociar y Ofrecer Tus Servicios con Éxito - 6-hour virtual workshop (Aug 2026) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Taller Nemátodos Entomopatógenos - 4-hour workshop (Sep 2026) |
| Subscription | Annual | Graduate programs (Maestrías, Especializaciones, Doctorados) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels10 records
Universidad de Santander product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Universidad de Santander (UDES) is a private Colombian university that delivers accredited higher education programs including undergraduate (pregrado), graduate (posgrado: master's, specializations, doctorates), and technical/technology credentials across six campuses in Bucaramanga, Cúcuta, Valledupar, Bogotá, Arauca, and Sabaneta, plus a fully online UDES Virtual platform. The institution also generates revenue from continuing education workshops and congresses, certified legal clinic and mediation services, international certifications in partnership with Universidad para la Paz (UPAZ/UPEACE), and Minciencias-funded research programs.
Product overview
Universidad de Santander (UDES) operates as a multi-campus higher education institution with a unified digital product portfolio centered on its virtual learning ecosystem. The core platform consists of UDES Virtual (full online degree programs), UDES TEC (technical and technological programs), and the Aula Extendida Moodle-based learning management system. Supporting systems include Sistema Génesis for student management, Sistema GALILEO for faculty management, and an institutional repository and scientific journals platform. The institution also provides specialized digital services such as a virtual legal clinic, reconciliation center, radio station, and interactive museum, plus international certifications in partnership with Universidad para la Paz. Continuing education offerings include over 50 workshops, seminars, and courses covering emerging technologies including AI image/video generation, with accessibility tools integrated throughout.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- UDES Virtual: Virtual education platform offering online undergraduate and graduate programs
- UDES TEC
- UDES Radio
Products and services
- Programa de Pregrado (Undergraduate Degree Programs)
Quantifiable outcome
- Top 10 in Colombia in research, innovation, and social impact (Scimago 2025/2026)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Universidad de Santander
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Universidad de Santander technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability8 records
Feature10 records
Universidad de Santander partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.
- Universidad para la Paz (UPAZ / UPEACE)coreUDES partners with the United Nations-mandated Universidad para la Paz (University for Peace) in Costa Rica to offer international certification programs in Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship, Citizenship and Governance, Peace and Conflict, and Health/Post-Conflict. Each certification is worth 7 academic credits. Students completing all 4 certifications (28 credits) plus a Research Techniques course (5 credits) and a thesis (8 credits) can earn a Master's degree in Conflict Resolution, Peace and Development or a Master's in International Human Rights Law from Universidad para la Paz. Programs are delivered in hybrid format with synchronous Zoom sessions, asynchronous online activities, and 2 in-person meetings.
- Naciones Unidas (United Nations)coreUDES maintains a partnership with the United Nations system through the Universidad para la Paz, which is mandated by the UN General Assembly. The university also participates in UN initiatives including the Observatory of Urban Development for Bucaramanga (Observatorio Urbano) and various UN-aligned educational programs. The institution's mission aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Project Management Institute (PMI) - ATP PartnerflagshipUDES is a PMI Approved Training Partner (ATP), authorized to deliver project management professional development and certification-aligned training programs. This partnership enhances the university's offerings in strategic project management education.
- 206 International Universities and InstitutionscoreUDES has established 206 international cooperation agreements with universities and institutions in approximately 30 countries, enabling student exchanges, faculty mobility, joint research projects, and academic collaboration. These agreements form the backbone of UDES's internationalization strategy.
- SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje)coreUDES maintains formal cooperation agreements with SENA (Colombia's National Learning Service) for joint training programs, technology programs, and mutual recognition of credentials. SENA-UDES agreements enable pathways between SENA technical programs and UDES technology and professional programs.
- Fiscalía General de la NacióncoreUDES's Centro de Conciliación and Consultorio Jurídico partner with the Fiscalía General de la Nación (Colombian Attorney General's Office) to conduct mass mediation days (Jornadas de Conciliación) and coordinate legal aid services for victims and low-income populations. The Consultorio Jurídico also serves as a defendant representative (defensores) in criminal proceedings before Fiscalía courts.
- Ministerio de Justicia y del Derecho (Colombia)majorUDES participates in the Festival de la Conciliación Nacional organized by Colombia's Ministry of Justice and Law, collaborating on national initiatives to promote alternative dispute resolution and access to justice across the country.
- 50+ Construction and Engineering CompaniesmajorThe Tecnología en Supervisión de Obras Civiles program has formal cooperation agreements with over 50 construction companies, engineering consultancies, government entities, and civil works firms including Constructora VSMJ, Ingerconsa, Geotecnología, Alba y Ardila Constructores, and municipal governments. These partnerships provide student internship opportunities, project collaboration, and employment pipeline for graduates.
- Cámara de Comercio de BucaramangacoreUDES has signed an agreement with the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce to promote entrepreneurship in the region. This partnership supports startup incubation, entrepreneurial skills development, and economic development initiatives connecting UDES students and graduates with the business community.
- Hospital Internacional de ColombiacoreThe Hospital Internacional de Colombia serves as a clinical training partner for UDES medical and health sciences programs. Medical faculty and residents benefit from clinical rotations and research collaboration with this major healthcare institution in the region.
- Hospital Universitario San IgnaciocoreA major clinical training and research partner for UDES medical and health sciences programs. The hospital provides clinical practice placements for medical residents and students in surgery and other specialties. Faculty from UDES have presented research at the hospital.
- Universidad Colegio Mayor de CundinamarcaminorInter-university cooperation agreement for academic exchange, research collaboration, and student mobility between UDES and Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca.
- UNIREDminorUNIRED is a network of Colombian universities for resource sharing, library services, and collaborative academic initiatives. UDES participates in UNIRED to expand its students' access to academic resources and inter-library services.
- Neurotrauma CenterminorNeurotrauma Center is listed as a partner institution, likely collaborating on health sciences research, clinical training, and specialized medical education programs.
- Fundación Mujer y HogarminorA social development partner collaborating with UDES on social projection initiatives, community outreach, and programs supporting women and families in the region.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Universidad de Santander competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- UNIR (Universidad Internacional de La Rioja): Major Spanish-language online university with strong Latin American student recruitment; competes with UDES Virtual for Spanish-speaking online learners, particularly in master's and doctoral programs.
- Universidad Sergio Arboleda: Private multi-campus Colombian university headquartered in Bogotá with comparable program breadth across business, law, engineering, and health sciences, competing for the same private-university applicant pool.
- Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores: Colombian private university with a multi-campus footprint in Bogotá and other regions, sharing a similar focus on professional/technology programs, continuing education, and accreditation-driven growth.
- Universidad del Norte (Uninorte): Top Colombian private research university in Barranquilla with comparable research standing, multi-faculty structure, and a strong focus on health sciences research — a direct competitor for research funding and top students.
- Universidad EAFIT: Highly regarded private Colombian university in Medellín with strong emphasis on innovation, continuing education, and industry partnerships. Competes with UDES for graduate students and corporate training contracts.
- Universidad ICESI: Private research university in Cali with a similar profile of high-quality accreditation, multi-faculty programs, and growing research output — competes nationally for graduate students and research recognition.
- Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB): A leading private university headquartered in Bucaramanga (same city as UDES HQ) with a similar multi-program portfolio, research orientation, and student population. Both compete for the same regional student base and industry partnerships in Santander.
Broad incumbents
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana: One of Colombia's largest and most prestigious private universities with national multi-campus presence, broad research output, and a significantly larger alumni network — competes for top students, faculty, and research funding.
- Tecnológico de Monterrey: Largest private university in Latin America with a strong online presence (TecVirtual), executive education, and Latin-American-wide reach — competes for high-paying online graduate students and corporate training contracts across the region.
- SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje): Colombia's national public training institution offering free technical and technology programs; competes with UDES TEC and continuing education offerings while also serving as a UDES cooperation partner via SENA-UDES agreements.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Universidad de Santander social profiles
Digital presenceUniversidad de Santander compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance14 records
Universidad de Santander financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Universidad de Santander leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Universidad de Santander funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Universidad de Santander M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Universidad de Santander
What does Universidad de Santander do?
Universidad de Santander (UDES) is a private Colombian university that delivers accredited higher education programs including undergraduate (pregrado), graduate (posgrado: master's, specializations, doctorates), and technical/technology credentials across six campuses in Bucaramanga, Cúcuta, Valledupar, Bogotá, Arauca, and Sabaneta, plus a fully online UDES Virtual platform. The institution also generates revenue from continuing education workshops and congresses, certified legal clinic and mediation services, international certifications in partnership with Universidad para la Paz (UPAZ/UPEACE), and Minciencias-funded research programs.
Is Universidad de Santander a public or private company?
Universidad de Santander is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Universidad de Santander founded?
Universidad de Santander was founded in 1996. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Universidad de Santander based?
Universidad de Santander is headquartered in Bucaramanga, Colombia, in the Latin America region.
How does Universidad de Santander make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Enrollment Fees are the primary driver. The others are continuing Education Programs, consulting and Legal Services, international Certifications (UPAZ Partnership) and research and Grant Funding.
Who are Universidad de Santander's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are UNIR (Universidad Internacional de La Rioja), Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores, Universidad del Norte (Uninorte), Universidad EAFIT, Universidad ICESI and Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB). Broad incumbents are Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Tecnológico de Monterrey and SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje).
Does Universidad de Santander have an API?
No public API is recorded for Universidad de Santander.
What industry is Universidad de Santander in?
Universidad de Santander's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHALAK, Online Nonprofit Universities, with a secondary code of EDAIABAK, Inbound Exchange Hosting & Visiting Student Administration. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.