University of Antioquia

The University of Antioquia (Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA) is a public, departmental, coeducational, research university located primarily in the city of Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, with regional campuses in Amalfi, Andes, Caucasia, Carmen de Viboral, Envigado, Puerto Berrío, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Segovia, Sonsón, Turbo, and Yarumal.

The history of the University of Antioquia dates back to 1803, when it was founded as the Franciscan College (Colegio de Franciscanos) by a Royal Decree issued by King Charles IV of Spain. The college was initially intended to provide religious and secular education to the sons of the elite of Antioquia.

In the early 1800s, the college played an important role in the Colombian independence movement. Many of its students and faculty were active in the struggle for independence from Spain, and the college itself was a center of revolutionary activity.

After Colombia gained independence in 1819, the college was renamed the University of Antioquia. The university continued to grow and develop throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and it is now one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Colombia.

In the early 20th century, the university underwent a number of reforms that transformed it into a modern research university. These reforms included the establishment of new faculties and departments, the introduction of new academic programs, and the creation of new research facilities.

The university also played an important role in the development of the city of Medellín. In the early 1900s, the university was located in the center of the city, and its campus was a major cultural and intellectual center. The university also played a role in the development of the city's economy, as its graduates went on to become leaders in the business and professional worlds.

In the late 1900s, the university expanded its campus to new locations in Medellín and other parts of Antioquia. The university also established a number of new academic programs, including programs in engineering, medicine, and business.

Today, the University of Antioquia is a comprehensive research university with a wide range of academic programs. The university is also a major cultural and intellectual center in Colombia.

University of Antioquia is ranked as the #5 top university in Colombia during 2025. The rank decreased by 1 point from last year.