Study abroad
Study in Mexico
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Mexico
Higher education in Mexico, in southern North America, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in manufacturing, infrastructure and business services, which is reflected in many study options. Many courses are taught in Spanish, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Mexico?
Students choose Mexico for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in southern North America. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Business & Management and Hospitality, Tourism & Events, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Manufacturing, infrastructure and business services matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Mexico means everyday contact with Spanish and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Mexico has very large public universities, such as UNAM, alongside private institutions with strong links to industry.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Mexico
Students heading to Mexico often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Engineering
- Business & Management
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Computing & Information Technology
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
Because manufacturing, infrastructure and business services matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Mexico on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Mexico
- Tecnológico de MonterreyMonterrey, Mexico
- THE 2026 601–800
- National Autonomous University of MexicoMexico City, Mexico
- THE 2026 801–1000
Scholarships to Study in Mexico
Paying for study in Mexico can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Mexico
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Mexico
The academic year in Mexico commonly begins around August. Some institutions also admit students around January, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Mexico
Budgeting for a degree in Mexico starts with the tuition fee for your specific course, which depends on the institution, subject and level.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Mexico
Rules on studying in Mexico as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Mexico in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Mexico
Planning your living budget for Mexico early helps you avoid surprises during your first months. Costs in Mexico City can differ noticeably from those in Guadalajara or Monterrey and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Mexico
Why should I study in Mexico?
It depends on your goals. Mexico offers programmes across many subjects, a location in southern North America and study in Spanish (with some English-taught options). Students interested in manufacturing, infrastructure and business services may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Mexico?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Business & Management, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. The subjects page for Mexico lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Mexico?
Many programmes start around August. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Mexico?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Mexico?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Mexico.
Are scholarships available for international students in Mexico?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Mexico?
Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Mexico?
Many courses are taught in Spanish. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.