Study in Mexico
Mexico is the ancient home of the Mayans and the Aztecs, and a popular study destination for students who want something out of the ordinary, something exotic, something that will make their friends say: “Wow, I can’t believe you went there!”
Of course, its incredible culture and fascinating traditions aren’t the only attractions for prospective students. Mexico also has some of the best universities in Latin America, especially for people interested in Business studies.
If you want to improve your Spanish language while studying an English-taught degree and spending your free time as a modern Indiana Jones, you cannot go wrong by choosing a degree in Mexico.
Why study in Mexico?
1. Mexico is very affordable
When compared to the United States, Canada, or even some European countries, Mexico offers a much more affordable study abroad experience; this includes both lower tuition fees and much lower living costs.
2. Mexico has a fascinating culture
From the Mayans to the Aztecs, from the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) to the unique and spicy cuisine, there are so many things you can explore and experience. With such a rich culture and over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s hard to get bored while in Mexico.
3. Improve your Spanish skills
Even if it’s not an official language, Spanish is undoubtedly the most widely spoken language in Mexico. It might be very similar to the type of Spanish you’ll hear in Europe, but local idioms and expressions make it stand out. The best part? Spain is spoken all over the world, so learning it can quickly turn into an advantage in many situations. It even broadens your career horizons.
4. Investments in high education
Mexican authorities are investing money and other resources to become a more attractive destination for international students. This is reflected in the increasing number of English-taught degrees and the overall quality of education, which keeps going up.
5. Enjoy the Mexican hospitality
It’s no secret that Mexicans are very friendly and hospitable. They treat guests very nicely and strive to make them feel comfortable and have a good time. Perhaps “My house is your house” (Mi casa es su casa) is the perfect saying to describe the Mexican hospitality.
Which universities to attend in Mexico?
All over Mexico, there are plenty of well-established and reputable universities from which you can choose. Here are some of the best Mexican universities:
- Tecnológico de Monterrey
- Metropolitan Autonomous University
- National Autonomous University of Mexico
- Autonomous University of Baja California
- Autonomous University of Hidalgo State (UAEH)
What is it like to study in Mexico?
Studying in Mexico should be an enriching experience. You’ll mostly have local colleagues, through whom you can improve your Spanish skills or learn more about the culture, habits, and fun activities. Outside classes, you can enjoy the active nightlife or travel around with a group of friends.
What to study in Mexico?
The following are some of the most popular academic disciplines among international students in Mexico:
How to apply
Each university in Mexico has its own admission system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.
Here are some documents you might need to submit during your university application:
- A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
- Your CV
- Testing scores
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Mexican university
Take preparation courses
This kind of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-MBA, pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in Mexico, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require Spanish, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
To study in Mexico, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The certificates generally accepted by Mexican universities are:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Still, you should always check your university’s website to be sure what the exact requirements are.
Living in Mexico
In addition to being an exotic attraction for international students, Mexico is also an affordable study destination. But how affordable exactly? Let’s look at some of the average tuition fees and living expenses.
Tuition fees at universities in Mexico
For Mexican universities, it’s fairly difficult to find average tuition fees that are accurate or come from reliable sources. As you prepare a budget for your studies, always check the official university website or contact a university representative to see how much you can expect to pay.
Based on the limited data that we have, we know that:
- Public universities are free (or almost free, less than 10 EUR) for local/national students
- Public and private universities charge tuition fees to international students, between 1,000 and 10,000 EUR per year
- Private universities are more expensive than public institutions, and some programmes cost over 10,000 EUR per year
Living costs in Mexico
If you want to study in Mexico, the monthly living costs will vary significantly depending on the city where you study, your spending habits, and the type of rent. For example, Mexico City is the most expensive place where you can study.
Here are some of the average living costs in Mexico:
- Rent: 280–390 EUR per month
- Utilities: 40–70 EUR per month
- Monthly transportation pass (metro, bus, train): 15–20 EUR
- Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 20 EUR
- Milk: 0.75 EUR
- Loaf of bread: 1.21 EUR
- Cappuccino: 1.71 EUR
Check out other living expenses in Mexico.
Universities, colleges and schools in Mexico
San Marcos
- Architectural Association (1 Short course)
How to Apply to a Master's in Mexico
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Mexico, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Mexico?
To apply to a university in Mexico you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Mexico so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Mexico
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Mexico are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.
