Exchange guide National Autonomous University of Mexico
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico.
Snapshot
Latin America's largest and most prestigious university. The campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. FREE tuition even for foreigners.
Why students shortlist it
Major public university in Mexico City with a large Ciudad Universitaria campus and strong Spanish-language options in humanities, law, economics, politics, sciences and arts. Best fit for students comfortable studying mainly in Spanish.
Teaching languages: Spanish (primary and exclusive for most programmes)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 8.0/10.0 (or equivalent, e.g., 3.0/4.0), and completion of at least 40% of the home university study plan. Spanish proficiency proof is mandatory for non-native speakers: typically a certificate demonstrating B2 (CEFR) or higher.
Nomination Process
Home university coordinators nominate students via UNAM's Incoming Student Mobility Management System (SGMEE). Nominated students then receive instructions to complete their application and upload academic records.
Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: One to two weeks before classes start (late July for Semester 1, mid-January for Semester 2).
DGECI hosts a general welcome and orientation session for international exchange students in late July and mid-January.
Events hub: https://www.dgeci.unam.mx/
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| April 1 | April 30 | |
| September 30 | October 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Obtain your student visa (visa de residencia temporal estudiante) from a Mexican consulate before arrival.
- Register your arrival and complete registration paperwork at your Facultad's international office.
- Submit proof of mandatory international health insurance to DGECI.
- Obtain your UNAM student ID card (credencial) for campus and transport discounts.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration is finalized at the international relations office of the student's assigned Facultad (faculty/school) upon arrival. Students choose courses from the available schedule, subject to approval by the academic coordinator and space availability.
Credit System
Mexican Credit System. A typical full-time workload is 4-5 courses, which equals about 32-40 UNAM credits per semester. A single credit represents 16 class hours. Conversion: 1 UNAM credit ≈ 1.25 ECTS (typically a 5 ECTS course maps to 4 UNAM credits).
Grading System
Numerical grading scale from 0.0 to 10.0, where 6.0 is the minimum passing grade. 10.0 is Excellent (Excelente), 9.0 is Very Good (Muy Bien), 8.0 is Good (Bien), 6.0-7.0 is regular, and below 6.0 is Fail (NA - No Acreditada).
Exam Culture
Strict attendance policies apply; students must maintain at least 80% attendance to be eligible to sit for final exams. Assessment is continuous and includes partial exams, homework, and final exams.
Tuition & Fees
Annual Tuition
EUR 1,850
Waived for exchange students.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | MXN 0 tuition (bilateral exchange waived) | Tec de Monterrey and UNAM bilateral exchange tuition fully waived. Tec may charge facility access fee ~MXN 500–1,000 + insurance. UNAM has zero fees includin… |
| Full degree – international | MXN 0 — FREE for everyone | UNAM is Mexico's national public university — fully tuition-free for all students including foreigners. Zero enrollment fees, zero admin fees. One of the wor… |
MXN 0 tuition (bilateral exchange waived)
Tec de Monterrey and UNAM bilateral exchange tuition fully waived. Tec may charge facility access fee ~MXN 500–1,000 + insurance. UNAM has zero fees includin…
MXN 0 — FREE for everyone
UNAM is Mexico's national public university — fully tuition-free for all students including foreigners. Zero enrollment fees, zero admin fees. One of the wor…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
No
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
SURA International Student Insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Any international private insurance with equivalent coverage
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Dirección General de Cooperación e Internacionalización (DGECI)
Exchange student advising, visa support guidance, general orientation, and study abroad paperwork.
Biblioteca Central (Central Library)
Access to extensive physical and digital academic collections housed in the famous UNESCO World Heritage building decorated by Juan O'Gorman.
UNAM International Student Services
UNAM Internacional: support for international students — academic information, accommodation, practical guidance, and campus life resources at UNAM.
Student Services (UNAM)
UNAM student community services: library network, scholarships, sports, cultural programs, vocational guidance, health insurance, and tutoring system.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- UNAM Cultural workshops (theater, photography, writing)
- Language exchange circles at CEPE (Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros)
- Local student associations in each Facultad
Buddy Program
Programa de Amigos Internacionales: pairs international exchange students with local UNAM student buddies for cultural integration.
Sports & Recreation
- Alberca Olímpica (Olympic Pool on campus)
- Estadio Olímpico Universitario (home to Pumas UNAM matches and athletics)
- Intramural sports leagues organized by individual Facultades
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
UNAM DGECI Exchange Community
Official Facebook page for international exchanges at UNAM (DGECI), sharing updates and events.
Renta Cuartos UNAM Estudiantes
Active Facebook housing community for UNAM students to find rooms and roommates in Copilco, Coyoacán, and Pedregal.
UNAM Cultura
Official Instagram feed for cultural workshops, concerts, cinema, and museum events at UNAM.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Fly into Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) and take an authorized airport taxi to your accommodation.
- Visit your Facultad's international office to register and submit your arrival documents.
- Attend the general orientation welcome session hosted by DGECI.
- Get your UNAM student ID card (credencial) for museum and transport discounts.
Key Dates
Semester 1 (August-December) admission cycle
February - April
Nominations and applications for August enrollment must be completed by late April.
Semester 2 (January-June) admission cycle
August - October
Nominations and applications for January enrollment must be completed by mid-October.
Application window (Fall intake)
February – April
Nominate via home uni + host portal. Visa interview slots fill fast for US — book early.
Application window (Spring intake)
September – October
Same flow for January arrival. Some programmes do not accept mid-year exchanges.
Orientation & welcome week
Mid-August (Fall) or Early January (Spring)
Mandatory check-in; SEVIS registration (US) or study permit validation (Canada) on arrival.