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Mexico
Mexico has a great variety of ecosystems, landscapes and is rich in culture. It is a country straddling temperate and tropical zones, with mountains reaching 5km into the sky and coastline stretching 10,000km. Mexico has a city of 19 million people at its center and countless tiny pueblos spread throughout its 39 states
For information about Mexico, destinations, city guides, tips, maps, activities, go to Visit Mexico.
Further information about Mexico City visit: Ciudad de Mexico (Spanish)
Planning your studies in Mexico
Mexico is slowly becoming a popular study destination among international students from all over the world. Today, it is possible to undertake a large variety of courses in different cities in Mexico. The country offers different destinations, which will suit every type of student.
Links to Mexican Government websites
Mexican Embassy Australia
14 Perth Avenue Yarralumla, ACT, 2600 Australia
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00 hrs.
Tel (61-2) 62733963, 62733905
Fax (61-2) 62731190
email: embamex@mexico.org.au
Tertiary studies in Mexico
Mexico has over 2800 institutions, both public and private, throughout the country. These institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Mexico also has a wide range of research centres.
Fees and funding
International students studying on exchange programs have the credits taken at a Mexican University approved for their undergraduate and graduate courses at their home institution.
Overseas students pay tuition fees if not participating in an exchange program. Tuition fees for overseas students in public institutions are higher, ranging from $2000 to $6000 Pesos per semester, depending on the institution.
Private universities charge from $30,000 to $60,000 Pesos per semester. Again, this is just an estimate and will depend on the institution and the program of study.
Scholarships
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign affairs or the Mexican Ministry of Education have a number of scholarships available to Australian students or researchers.
Some of these scholarships are to study Spanish in Mexico or they can be agreements with Research Centres in Mexico or with public or private universities in this country.
Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)
National Council of Science and Technology (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología -CONACYT)
Studying in English
In Mexico, Spanish is the official language and most courses are delivered in Spanish and it is uncommon to find courses delivered in English. However this is changing, especially in private universities where you can find education in both English and Spanish in some programs or in courses that have a dual or double degree with an agreement with a foreign university.
In most research Centres education can be delivered and developed in English as well as Spanish.
List of and links to universities in Mexico ANUIES is the National Association Universities and Higher Education Institutions.
VET or technical institutes in Mexico
In Mexico the Technological institutes have diplomas or technical degrees. The different providers of technical education in Mexico are mainly public providers called Technological Universities, Technical Institutes or CONALEP.
The courses within these institutions cover a number of areas of study such as engineering, fashion, design, computing, among others.
List of and links to VET or technical institutes in Mexico www.conalep.edu.mx
Living in Mexico
Costs and Budgeting
The Currency in Mexico is the “Mexican Peso” (MXN), which is equal to about US$14.50 and A$9.50. Mexican prices vary from city to city. Mexico City is an expensive City, where weekly expenditure might range between $6,500 and 8,500 MXN.
Visa and entry
Australians will need to apply for a student visa before travelling to Mexico to study. This should be done through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the local Consulates and Embassies in Australia.
- Immigration Department in Mexico
- Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry
- Mexican Embassies Abroad
- Mexican Consulates Overseas
Managing and accessing money – banking
ATM bank cards are the best option for getting cash in Mexico. ATMs are widely accessible throughout Mexico City and regional cities throughout the country, and are an easy and convenient way to obtain local currently. But please note that banks will charge commission and the exchange rate will vary from bank to bank and on a daily basis. Please also note that not all ATM machines accept international cards.
It is suggested that students carry between $200 and $400 per day which should be enough to cover food expenses and transportation.
Ministry of Finance (Banco Central do Brasil).
Accommodation
Some programs offer homestay accommodation and there are not many on-campus options. Students can choose to stay in hostels or rent an apartment. Hotels are not a good option for students as they can be expensive.
Health care and insurance
It is recommended that all students come to Mexico with full private health insurance.
Mexican private doctors and hospitals are of excellent quality but very expensive. A doctor appointment will cost between A$150 and A$300 and any hospital procedures in a good quality hospital will also be expensive.
Conditions regarding Working in country
International students are not able to work in Mexico; however they are able to participate in unpaid internships or social work.
For further information visit: www.sre.gob.mx