Excitement is running through the halls of the Industrial University of Santander. This time, it’s not just any achievement—it’s proof that dreams, when supported by discipline and guidance, can reach as far as Germany.
Two Mechanical Engineering students, Carlos Andrés Ortiz Castellanos and David Fernando Herrán Fonseca, have been selected as beneficiaries of the prestigious KOSPIE 2026–2027 scholarship, a program that opens the door to academic and cultural experiences in one of the most influential countries in science and technology.
The news not only honors their names, but also marks a milestone for UIS. According to the program’s official report—in which ICETEX and DAAD participate—only 50 students from across the country were chosen from dozens of applications submitted by 13 Colombian universities. Among them, two UIS talents stood out, proudly representing their institution.
But behind this result there is more than just numbers. There are years of study, of quiet effort, of believing even when opportunities seemed out of reach. For some time, the University was part of the program without securing any beneficiaries.
This achievement represents much more than an academic placement abroad. It is the consolidation of an institutional process that embraces internationalization as a path for growth. It is also proof that local talent can compete and shine on global stages.
For Carlos Andrés and David Fernando, Germany is not just a destination; it is an opportunity to broaden their horizons, to learn in different contexts, and to return with new perspectives and knowledge that will enrich not only their own future, but also that of their community.
From the Office of International Relations, the message is clear: this success is collective. It is the result of support, preparation, and confidence in the potential of UIS students.
Amid the celebration, one inspiring certainty remains: dreams do cross borders. And today, they carry the mark of two young men who, with effort and conviction, are beginning to write their story beyond their country.
