BIU and Icetex offer 38 scholarships for online master's programs with a US degree.

BIU University Miami (Broward International University) and Icetex have launched a call for applications for 38 scholarships for Colombian professionals who wish to pursue online master's degrees with a U.S. degree.

The initiative includes eight 100% scholarships and thirty 70% scholarships in programs related to business administration, software engineering, digital transformation, virtual education, neuroscience applied to education, and digital marketing .

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The 18-month, fully virtual programs are licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, guaranteeing academic support and international validity. The application process, which is free, will be open until September 15, and classes will begin in October 2025.

Ferrán Calatayud, Executive Director of BIU University, stated that " it is a unique opportunity to access high-level international training, adapted to today's world and with a flexible model that responds to the demands of the global labor market ." The executive emphasized that the call seeks to strengthen the training of active professionals, with scholarships that cover all or most of the tuition fees.

Explaining the scope of the partnership, Calatayud noted that " at BIU, we are convinced that education is a real lever for transforming lives, and that is why we are excited to talk about the scholarships that we are making available to Colombian professionals in conjunction with Icetex ."

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He noted that, although the university is based in Miami, the programs are offered entirely online in Spanish or bilingually, allowing applicants to pursue an international postgraduate degree from anywhere in the country. The executive director explained that the programs include technical training and the development of soft skills. " Our programs aim to develop both technical knowledge and soft skills. Leadership, critical thinking, and communication are currently factors that recruiters use in more than 60% of cases to determine whether someone gets a job ," he said.

The university noted that currently more than 30% of its students are Colombian and that the country occupies a strategic position in its expansion plan. Calatayud explained that this commitment has been possible thanks to BIU's membership in the International Higher Education Network Planeta Formación y Universidades, with a presence in more than twenty countries.

Regarding the scholarship structure, he specified that “ the scholarships are 100% transparent. There are no hidden costs, no entrance fees, no additional graduation fees, and therefore, the scholarship value covers exactly what it says, 100% or 70%, and the student knows from day one what their investment will be without any surprises .”

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For those who do not receive scholarships offered through Icetex, BIU reported that it has internal support covering between 50% and 60% of tuition. In all cases, the programs are accompanied by the Step Up Journey to Success program, which offers more than 65 virtual certifications in soft skills. "It's something they can do completely free of charge alongside their training, with a digital passport that allows them to certify competencies in leadership, communication, and critical thinking," explained Calatayud.

The application process requires a registered or validated undergraduate degree in Colombia, a minimum academic average of 4.2 out of 5, and at least two years of professional experience in fields related to the chosen program. A definitive letter of acceptance from BIU University is also required.

Calatayud extended an invitation to interested professionals to apply. " We don't consider these scholarships to be just financial aid; they're truly a gateway, an international educational experience with support, networking, and a practical approach geared toward professional development from day one ," he concluded.

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DIANA K. RODRÍGUEZ T. Portfolio Journalist