25 Best Universities In Mexico For International Students 2025

If you are looking to study in Mexico, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 190 universities and colleges in Mexico, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 190 universities in Mexico, National Autonomous University of Mexico and Tecnologico de Monterrey are the top-performing schools in Mexico. This list covers both public and private institutions in Mexico.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Mexico. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Mexico.

Rank University Founded Year City Type
1 National Autonomous University of Mexico 1910 Mexico City Public
2 Tecnologico de Monterrey 1943 Monterrey Private
3 Instituto Politecnico Nacional 1936 Mexico City Public
4 Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana 1974 Mexico City Public
5 Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon 1933 San Nicolas de los Garza Public
6 University of Guadalajara 1792 Guadalajara Public
7 Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla 1578 Puebla Public
8 University of Veracruz 1944 Xalapa Public
9 Universidad del Valle de Mexico 1960 Mexico City Private
10 El Colegio de Mexico, A.C. 1940 Mexico City Public
11 University of Guanajuato 1732 Guanajuato Public
12 Universidad de las Americas Puebla 1940 San Andres Cholula Private
13 Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico 1828 Toluca Public
14 Autonomous University of Baja California 1957 Mexicali Public
15 Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico 1946 Mexico City Private
16 Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo 1869 Pachuca Public
17 Autonomous University of Yucatan 1922 Merida Public
18 Michoacan University of Saint Nicholas of Hidalgo 1540 Morelia Public
19 Universidad de Sonora 1942 Hermosillo Public
20 University of Colima 1940 Colima Public
21 Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa 1873 Culiacan Public
22 Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro 1951 Queretaro Public
23 Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi 1923 San Luis Potosi Public
24 Autonomous University of the State of Morelos 1953 Cuernavaca Public
25 Anahuac University of North Mexico 1964 Huixquilucan Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in Mexico?

Applying to the universities in Mexico involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Mexico to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Mexico?

Tuition fees at Mexico’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 38,400 MXN to 1,850,600 MXN , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 15,800 MXN to 1,756,900 MXN. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Mexico!

As we cover the best universities in Mexico for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Mexico for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#1 in Mexico
#131 in North America
#403 in World
Percentage of International Students
2%
Total Number of students - 346,730
International Number of students - 6,347

The National Autonomous University of Mexico, or Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, is a public university that caters to over 340,000 students. Situated in Mexico City, the university is known for being the largest in enrollment and the top in the country. The university is also among the most prestigious in Latin America.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#2 in Mexico
#132 in North America
#405 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 94,424

Tecnológico de Monterrey translates, in English, to Monterrey Institute of Technology. However, the institute also has a far longer official name: Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Whichever moniker you know it by, the reputation remains the same – it is the most prestigious private university in Mexico, and the superior quality of its education is applied not just to the field of technology but also to other disciplines like the arts and humanities. Such is the institute’s renown that it grew to 26 campuses across the country.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#3 in Mexico
#299 in North America
#921 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 171,581

Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) is Mexico’s national polytechnic university. As it welcomes more than 100,000 students annually, it is one of the country’s most prominent and extensive. Such a large crowd is drawn to IPN because of its high education, training, and research quality, especially in engineering and technical disciplines.

Besides undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the institute also offers middle-high school courses for aspiring technicians in various fields. Other students may also pursue foreign language courses at IPN.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#4 in Mexico
#316 in North America
#976 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 194,000

The Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana was envisioned to be a cradle of innovation in Mexico, and it does so by being open, flexible, autonomous, and interdisciplinary. It also realizes its vision by pioneering research, launching novel programs, and committing to sustainability. Moreover, its programs undergo a regular assessment to ensure the quality of teaching and training is up to par with global standards.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#5 in Mexico
#370 in North America
#1125 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 215,035

The Autonomous University of Nuevo León was founded in San Nicolás de Los Garza in 1933. This public university has seven campuses, serving as home to more than 215000 students. It offers over 300 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and dual-degree programs. Some of the famous study fields at the university are Agronomy, Architecture, Forestry, and Engineering.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#6 in Mexico
#406 in North America
#1224 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 280,297

The University of Guadalajara is one of the most prominent educational institutions in the country. It has several regional campuses, offering more than 350 academic programs. The university is one of the most significant contributors to scientific research and maintains advanced centers focusing on research and development. Over the years, it has signed more than 500 international agreements and continues collaborating with various enterprises and universities in and out of Mexico.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#7 in Mexico
#434 in North America
#1289 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 117,512

The oldest, most renowned university in Pueblo de Zaragoza is Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla. This institution may also be known as the Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla in English. At its roots, the BUAP was a Catholic academic institution as it was established by the Jesuits or the Society of Jesus. However, since 1825, the congregation has lost control of the university. Through several centuries, the once humble college grew into an internationally acclaimed university, ranking places in various global assessments.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#8 in Mexico
#474 in North America
#1409 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 80,000

With its wide array of programs, quality education, and credible research, the University of Veracruz has undoubtedly contributed to the development of southeastern Mexico. Indeed, it is not far off to claim that it has impacted beyond that region as the university has other locations besides its main campus in Xalapa. It even forged bonds with international universities in Canada and the United States through foreign exchange and global academic programs. These foreign alliances do not just benefit UV’s students and administration; it deepens knowledge and collaboration between involved universities.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#9 in Mexico
#492 in North America
#1458 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 105,000

Universidad del Valle de Mexico is a private university with over 30 campuses in Mexico. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in multiple disciplines. Applicants and current students are promised with employability skills, quality education, and vibrant student life. Students may engage in both recreational and academic extracurricular activities like sports games, cultural festivals, and international programs.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#10 in Mexico
#499 in North America
#1472 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 458

El Colegio de Mexico was established in 1940 with the intention of providing higher education in social sciences and humanities. Over the years, the university has undergone several reformations, which have expanded its departments and developed more diverse and multidisciplinary programs. Today, it is widely known for its high standards of teaching and research and is considered to be one of the most prominent Mexican institutes.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#11 in Mexico
#523 in North America
#1545 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 21,536

The University of Guanajuato supports the smooth exchange of knowledge, allowing its students to experience academic freedom and attain a participative spirit. It aims to reflect its principle of quality in all performed activities through services and assessments. Through this, the institution continues to make improvements and innovations for the best interests of its constituents.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#12 in Mexico
#557 in North America
#1672 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 8,008

Universidad de las Americas Puebla, more known by its acronym, UDLAP, is a prominent institution in Mexico and Latin America. It is renowned for its business, humanities, arts, and sciences programs. Moreover, the university’s location, Cholula City, immerses its students in incredible and unique culture, history, and tradition, as it is the oldest in Latin America. This, along with the university’s appreciation of other fields beyond academics, ensures students receive a holistic learning experience at UDLAP.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#13 in Mexico
#565 in North America
#1694 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 84,654

In English, the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México translates to the Autonomous University of Mexico State. It is often redacted to UAEM and can be located in Edomex or the State of Mexico, a geographical state subservient to and should not be confused with Mexico, the country.

UAEM is the most prominent university in the state because of its capacity and education quality. This quality is corroborated by international placements in university and specific subject rankings. Among the institution’s forte are chemistry, hospitality, and tourism management.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#14 in Mexico
#583 in North America
#1745 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 54,000

The Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) is a public university in Mexicali, Mexico. It has other campuses located in Ensenada and Tijuana. It was established in 1957 to provide secondary and higher education for students in the region. At present, UABC is considered a significant university due to its research development in the areas of agriculture, engineering, and social sciences.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#15 in Mexico
#594 in North America
#1785 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 5,000

Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology is a private university offering undergraduate and graduate business, mathematics, social sciences, and engineering programs. The university believes in higher education as one of the critical factors in making people’s lives better and achieving a free, well-developed, and harmonious society. Programs and activities at the university are intended to develop individuals with intellect, skills, and ethical and moral values, which will positively impact industries around the world.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#16 in Mexico
#597 in North America
#1790 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 33,650

The Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo (UAEH) is a public university in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. It was founded in 1869 as the Literary Institute and School of Arts and Crafts, making it the state’s oldest research university. The university is also a founding member of the Consortium of Mexican Universities.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#17 in Mexico
#611 in North America
#1838 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 28,100

The Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) is a public university in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. It was founded in 1922. UADY is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country and is regarded as the best university in the Southeast region. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in architecture, art, health sciences, social sciences, and humanities are available at the university.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#18 in Mexico
#637 in North America
#1932 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 40,500

Michoacan University of Saint Nicholas of Hidalgo (UMSNH), a public university in Morelia, Mexico, was founded in 1540 as St. Nicholas College to provide theological seminary education for priests in the area. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available in law, economics, technology, medicine, architecture, humanities, and the arts at the university.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#19 in Mexico
#640 in North America
#1937 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 38,148

The University of Sonora is widely recognized for its excellent programs, technologically advanced facilities, outstanding alums, and contributions to the history and development of the state of Sonora. Its mission is to train and nurture globally competent professionals. The university offers various academic programs encompassing the arts, humanities, and applied sciences.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#20 in Mexico
#658 in North America
#1970 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 10,064

University of Colima is highly regarded as one of the best universities in Mexico. This globally recognized institution offers a wide range of educational programs in various academic disciplines as it is fully committed to cultivating human resources for different industry sectors. Aside from its top-quality programs, the university also provides students with numerous on and off-campus opportunities, such as encouraging them to participate in exchange programs and attend international conferences and lectures.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#21 in Mexico
#682 in North America
#2055 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 74,000

The Autonomous University of Sinaloa is one of the largest public universities in the city of Culiacan, Mexico. This university is also among the oldest in the region. It was established in 1872, when it gained major attention as one of the few self-governing higher education institutions that offered affordable tuition fees for students.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#22 in Mexico
#695 in North America
#2086 in World
Percentage of International Students
2%
Total Number of students - 19,674
International Number of students - 305

The Autonomous University of Querétaro is an all-inclusive university established in 1951. This university is located in the city of Queretaro, Mexico, but has facilities all over the country, and that is one of the main reasons why this university is famous in the region. They focus on providing great educational values that are accessible to all students without any discrimination.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#23 in Mexico
#730 in North America
#2171 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 32,775

The Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi is one of the region’s most prominent and oldest universities. This university was established in 1923 and currently has over 15 faculties with over 31,500 talented students. This university serves as a sanctuary for talented elite students who want to increase their skills and knowledge.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#24 in Mexico
#734 in North America
#2183 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 18,601

The Autonomous University of the State of Morelos is a unique institution of higher education that has a presence in 17 different cities in the country. This university was founded in 1953 in the region of Cuernavaca, Mexico, as one of the most well-supported institutions that provide programs in all fields that are required for students to develop their professional careers.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#25 in Mexico
#772 in North America
#2275 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 36,000

The Anahuac University of North Mexico is a private university in Huixquilucan, Mexico. Founded in 1964, the university is home to more than 36,000 students and offers programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With its Catholic affiliation, the university aims to produce active leaders driven by positivity, promoting human and societal development through Christian values.

We know that choosing your dream school in Mexico not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Mexico, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Mexico! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!