How to Study in Mexico for International Students
Mexico is one of the most intriguing destinations for international students who want to pursue tertiary education at a symbolic price. On the other side of the Rio Grande, students are presented with the opportunity to experience firsthand a country diverse in culture, rich in history, and with a vibrant and dynamic society. Mexico offers a wide range of courses and programs, from traditional liberal arts and sciences to the utmost cutting-edge technical and professional academic subjects. In addition to the academic benefits, students will have the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture, practice their Spanish language skills, and make connections that will last a lifetime.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Mexico currently has 190 universities, from which 109 universities are a part of the public sector and 81 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Mexico you should definitely check out are National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tecnologico de Monterrey, and Instituto Politecnico Nacional.
Being able to study in Mexico as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Mexico, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Mexico
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Mexico, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 38,400 MXN to 1,850,600 MXN, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 15,800 MXN and 1,756,900 MXN.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Mexico
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Mexico, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Colima | 67,900 MXN | 67,900 MXN |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Mexico
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Universidad de Monterrey | 135,600 MXN - 139,700 MXN | |
| Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla A.C. (UPAEP) | 1,850,600 MXN | 1,756,900 MXN |
| CETYS University | 38,400 MXN - 39,100 MXN | 15,800 MXN - 26,000 MXN |
| Universidad de las Americas Puebla | 884,100 MXN | 546,700 MXN |
| Tecnologico de Monterrey | 673,400 MXN - 1,258,400 MXN |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Mexico, check out the Cheap Universities in Mexico!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Mexico for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Mexico might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Mexico.
Application Procedure to Study in Mexico
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Mexico have online applications available on their websites, like National Autonomous University of Mexico and Tecnologico de Monterrey. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Mexico.
National Autonomous University of Mexico
Tecnologico de Monterrey
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Instituto Politecnico Nacional
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Mexico differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Mexico.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Mexico
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Mexico. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Mexico as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Mexico. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Visa.
To start your student visa application in Mexico, you will need to present the following:
- A valid passport or travel and identity document
- A completed application form
- A letter of acceptance (both the original and a copy)
- Proof of financial support (both the original documents and a copy)
- A passport-style photo
- Proof of payment of visa fees
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Mexico is 51 USD.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Submit the application and copies of the required documents to the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy
- Pay the visa fee
- Attend the interview
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Mexico. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!