Key takeaways:

• 2,900 free English scholarships are now available for Bogotá residents through a joint initiative by ATENEA and the British Council.
• The “Talent Capital Training” program offers 100 hours of live, online English instruction, tailored for professional and workplace settings.
• Eligible applicants must be 18+, live in Bogotá, hold a high school diploma, and meet additional criteria based on prior studies or current enrollment.
• Registration is open from June 9 to June 30, 2025 via the official ATENEA portal.
• This initiative is part of Colombia’s broader strategy to boost employability, support entrepreneurship, and prepare a globally competitive, English-speaking workforce.
• For international businesses, this signals Colombia’s emergence as a top destination for remote-ready talent.

Bottom line:
Colombia is investing in its people, and building one of Latin America’s most prepared, communication-savvy workforces.

A major opportunity has just opened up for residents of Bogotá, and it could shape the future of Colombia’s workforce.

The District Agency for Higher Education, Science, and Technology (ATENEA), in partnership with the British Council, has announced the fifth edition of its acclaimed “Talent Capital Training” initiative. As part of this program, 2,900 scholarships are now available for free, at-home English language courses, aimed at boosting professional skills and expanding access to global opportunities.

This is more than just a language course, it’s a strategic step by the Colombian government to empower its people, enhance employability, and position Colombia as a hub for globally competitive, English-speaking professionals.

What You Need to Know About the Program

This initiative offers intensive English-language training specifically designed for professional environments. The goal? To equip Colombians with stronger communication skills, improve their career prospects, and create a more connected, entrepreneurial, and future-ready workforce.

Here’s how the program works:

• 100 hours of training delivered over approximately 16 weeks
• 90 hours focused on English for the workplace
• 10 hours of topic-specific clubs and activities
• Live, online sessions with professional instructors (synchronous delivery)
  

This is a golden opportunity for thousands of Colombians to learn English without the cost barrier, and without having to leave home.

Who Can Apply?

This program is targeted toward Bogotá residents who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be 18 years or older
• Live in Bogotá
• Have a high school diploma
• Be an active student in programs like Jóvenes a la E, or in the final two semesters of a degree requiring English
• Alternatively, be enrolled in the first semester of 2025 in a qualifying program
• Have previously participated in British Council English courses under the Atenea Todos a la U or Talento Capital Formación programs, with at least an A2 proficiency
• Or, have completed a short-cycle technical training course through Atenea
  

When and How to Register

Applications are open from June 9 to June 30, 2025.

Interested applicants should visit the official Atenea portal to:

1. Create a user profile in the information system
2. Complete or update their resume
3. Register for the English courses under the Talent Capital Training call
   

Don’t delay, slots are limited and in high demand.

Why This Matters: Colombia’s Workforce Is Leveling Up

This scholarship program isn’t just about individual advancement, it’s part of a larger, national movement to prepare Colombia for global economic integration.

By expanding access to English education, the Colombian government is:

• Increasing the employability of its citizens
• Supporting entrepreneurial ventures by improving international communication skills
• Enhancing the quality of life through better job prospects and educational outcomes
• Building a communication-ready workforce that’s fluent in the language of global business
  

Colombia is investing in its people, and that investment is set to pay off for both individuals and the companies that hire them.

For Global Businesses: This Is Your Sign to Look to Colombia

For companies around the world looking to scale remote teams, Colombia is quickly becoming one of the most attractive talent markets.

Why?

• A culturally rich, highly educated, and motivated workforce
• Government initiatives that are actively improving language fluency and global readiness
• A booming ecosystem of professionals ready to contribute to remote, international teams
  

If you’ve been considering tapping into this talent pool, now is the time.

Filta Makes It Easy to Hire in Colombia

At Filta, we help businesses like yours find, hire, and employ Colombian professionals with ease. Whether you’re building a marketing team, hiring developers, or looking for customer support agents, we’ve got you covered.

From recruitment and onboarding to payroll, taxes, and benefits administration, we make remote hiring in Colombia seamless, so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to scale your team with top Colombian talent?
Visit filtaglobal.com to get started.