Mexico: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Undergraduate degrees are usually four years in length and studying for a Masters degree (Maestria) and a PhD (Doctorado) is similar to that of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in Europe.

There are around 40 private universities and institutes in Mexico, as well as other public institutions, which include technical institutes, federal and state-run universities. For more details, consult La Subsecretaria de Educacion Superior . Expect to find that all the teaching is in Spanish.

What courses are available?

At postgraduate level, it is possible to earn a Masters degree or PhD in Mexico. Two years is normal for a Masters degree, with longer periods needed for research degrees.

To learn about postgraduate courses, go to La Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior  or Federación de Instituciones Mexicanas Particulares de Educación Superior (FIMPES) . StudyAbroad.com  also has links for courses in Mexico.

Where can I study?

The institutions mentioned here are well known. You are likely to find them in the Times Higher Education University Rankings  as well as Top Universities  listings.

State universities

• Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM)  
• Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM)  

Each state also has its own public university. A definitive view of the state sector of higher education can be gained from the La Subsecretaria de Educacion Superior .

Private universities

• Tecnológico de Monterrey  
• Instituto Tecnológico Autonómo de México (ITAM)  
• Universidad Iberoamericana (UIA)  
• Universidad de las Americas (UDLA)  
• Universidad Jesuita en Guadalajara (ITESO)  
• Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN)  

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

To do a Masters degree, you need to have obtained a good undergraduate degree. For a research degree, a Masters is an essential prerequisite. Look carefully at what your particular target institution requires. Administrations are accustomed to seeing paperwork of foreign students, so do not be put off by the level of bureaucracy you encounter.

When do I apply?

It is best to apply well ahead of deadlines and directly to universities. Look at the particular application details for the universities you are applying to. Courses usually start in August or mid-September.

How do I apply?

You should apply directly to the university of your choice. Requirements vary according to each university. Some will have online facilities. Remember to keep copies of the documentation you have sent by mail. It is always best to use special delivery or courier services. Make sure you identify clearly the addressee and the exact postal address.

How much will it cost?

Fees vary, but the public sector institutions have lower fees than the private universities. Remember that you will need to fund your living costs (accommodation, food, local transport, etc.) and allow for contingencies. Fees information will be provided by the university itself.

Are any scholarships available?

Details of available scholarships, or ‘becas’, can be found at the Subsecretaria de Educacion Superior (SES) . Consult the section on scholarships for foreigners: Convocatoria de becas del gobierno de Mexico para extranjeros 2012 .

Consult the Mexican Embassy to the UK  and the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)  for scholarship information for foreigners.

Are there any exchange programmes?

Check to see if there are any academic exchange programmes between your university and one in Mexico. StudyAbroad.com  has details of graduate programme, internships and study opportunities.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Consult UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  for recognition of qualifications.