Studying in Mexico: key information to make the best out of your experience

To study in this North American country as an international student, here are some of the basic requirements:

• A passport, valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• A letter of acceptance from a recognised Mexican educational institution.
• Proof of financial solvency, demonstrating that you can cover your expenses during the exchange.
• A Student visa of the National Migration Institute (INM - Instituto Nacional de Migración) is required if your stay exceeds 180 days. To obtain it, you must complete a form and submit supporting documents, such as those mentioned above, as well as a personal letter addressed to the INM stating the level of studies, the course and the institution you’ll be attending. This visa is not required if your stay is under 180 days and you’re a citizen of a country that’s visa-exempt (including Spain, France, Poland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, among others).
• If a visa has been issued, you must exchange the immigration document given at the airport for a Resident Card within 30 days of arrival.
• An official academic transcript from your home university.
• In many cases, documents must be officially translated and legalised or apostilled.
• Medical insurance is often mandatory. Some universities, such as Tecnológico de Monterrey, require specific coverage amounts for the entire study period. If you don’t have adequate insurance, you may be required to purchase the one they offer.
• You may also be asked to provide a certificate of good health.

Mexico is a vibrant and lively country, known for its fascinating culture, rich in traditions, music, art, and festivals, such as the world-famous Day of the Dead. One of the country’s greatest strengths is its warm and welcoming people, who are friendly, helpful, and always happy to lend a hand. You’ll soon feel at home, make new friends, and have the chance to experience something different every day.

What makes Mexico truly unique is its blend of history and modern life. You can be in the heart of a bustling city and, just a short distance away, explore breathtaking archaeological sites like Teotihuacan or Chichén Itzá. On top of that, there’s the gastronomy, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO—with “tacos”, “mole”, “tamales” and thousands of regional flavours that will surely amaze you.

Another great reason to study in this North American country is the opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish. If it's not your first language, being immersed in it is the best way to gain confidence and fluency.

Studying in Mexico isn't just about attending classes, it's about immersing yourself in a country bursting with diversity and adventure. You can visit pre-Hispanic ruins like Chichén Itzá and Palenque to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s great civilisations. If you’re the adventurous type, there are volcanoes to climb, cenotes to swim in and jungles to explore. And if you’d rather unwind, the Mexican Caribbean and the Pacific coast offer stunning beaches in places like Cancún, Tulum, and Puerto Escondido.

Every region in the country has its own unique charm. The north is more arid, with rugged mountains and a cowboy culture; the central region features colonial towns, volcanoes, and traditional markets; and the south is known for its indigenous heritage, lush nature, and spectacular coastline.

Living in major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey gives you access to a rich cultural scene, including museums, live music, festivals, street fairs and more.

And of course, you can’t miss out on the gastronomy. Eating in Mexico is a cultural experience in itself—from enjoying “tacos al pastor” at a local food stand to trying traditional dishes like “mole” or “chiles en nogada”. Food plays a really important role in Mexican life, and savouring its flavours is one of the best ways to connect with the culture.