Universidad de Santander

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

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

• Higher education services
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Graduate degree programs
• Continuing education programs
• Online university programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Bucaramanga

HQ country

Colombia

HQ region

Latin America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core 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

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability8 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• Universidad para la Paz (UPAZ / UPEACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES 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 PartnerflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES 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 InstitutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES 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 NacióncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES'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)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES 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 CompaniesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe 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 BucaramangacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUDES 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 ColombiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 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 IgnaciocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA 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 CundinamarcaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInter-university cooperation agreement for academic exchange, research collaboration, and student mobility between UDES and Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca.
• UNIREDminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUNIRED 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 CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeurotrauma Center is listed as a partner institution, likely collaborating on health sciences research, clinical training, and specialized medical education programs.
• Fundación Mujer y HogarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@VideosUDES/featured
• Xx.com/udes_oficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/udes.oficial

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Universidad de Santander