Have you ever dreamed of studying abroad without draining your savings? Most of us think first about the “big leagues” — the U.S., Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. But here’s the truth: there are hidden gems around the world where you can earn an international degree, enjoy good weather, experience a vibrant culture, and spend far less money.

One of those gems is Mexico.
Yes — Mexico! 🇲🇽

I know what you might be thinking. Mexico? Isn’t that a tourist destination? Isn’t Spanish the main language there? Absolutely. But here’s the exciting part — you can actually study in English, at some of the best-ranked public universities in Latin America, and pay as little as $500 per semester.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about studying in Mexico:
✅ The top affordable universities
✅ Admission requirements
✅ Available scholarships
✅ The visa process
✅ How to get citizenship in as little as 3 years

Let’s dive right in.

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Why Mexico is a Hidden Gem for International Students

I’ve been to Mexico myself, and I can confidently say — it’s a beautiful, energetic, and affordable place to study. The country offers a rich blend of culture, friendly people, great food (you’ll fall in love with tacos and burritos all over again), and a surprisingly strong higher education system.

Most people overlook Mexico because of the language barrier. But here’s the good news — many Mexican universities offer English-taught programs, especially in science, technology, and engineering fields.

If you’re open to learning Spanish along the way (which, by the way, is one of the most useful global languages), that’s an extra bonus for your future career.

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The Cost of Studying in Mexico

When people talk about affordable education, Mexico truly stands out.

Most public universities in Mexico charge between $500 and $1,000 per semester. That’s not a typo — that’s the actual tuition cost for international students. Compared to countries where you’d pay $10,000 or more per year, it’s a massive difference.

And the best part? The cost of living is also low. Depending on where you live, you can survive comfortably on $400–$700 per month, including rent, food, and transportation.

Here’s a quick example:

So, in total, you could live and study in Mexico for less than $1,000 a month — tuition included!

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Best Affordable Universities in Mexico for International Students

When planning to study in Mexico, the smartest choice is to target public universities. These are funded by the government, charge minimal tuition, and still offer high-quality education and research opportunities.

Here are some of the top public universities where international students can study in English or Spanish:

🎓 1. Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM)

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🎓 2. Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL)

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🎓 3. National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

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🎓 4. University of Guadalajara (UDG)

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Admission Requirements for International Students

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to apply to a Mexican university. Don’t worry — the process is straightforward.

Here’s a general list of what most universities require:

For undergraduate applicants, your high school certificate is usually enough. For postgraduate programs, your bachelor’s degree transcript will be needed.

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Scholarships to Study in Mexico (2026)

If tuition still feels like a stretch, don’t worry — there are several scholarships for international students in Mexico that can cover part or even all of your expenses.

Here are some popular ones to check out:

💰 1. Education Future International Scholarship

Open to students worldwide who wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Mexico. This scholarship covers tuition and living costs partially or fully depending on your academic record.

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💰 2. RMLA Master’s Scholarship

Aimed at postgraduate students in development, agriculture, and engineering fields. Provides tuition waivers and stipends for living expenses.

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💰 3. Banting International Fellowship

Although not specific to Mexico, it supports research students worldwide, including those studying in Mexican institutions. It’s ideal if you’re pursuing a research-based Master’s or Ph.D..

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💰 4. AMEXCID Scholarships

This is one of Mexico’s most prestigious government-funded scholarships. It supports students from developing countries and covers:

Check your country’s eligibility on the official AMEXCID website.

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Visa Process: How to Get a Mexico Student Visa

Once you’ve received your university admission letter, the next step is applying for your Mexico Student Visa.

There are two main types of visas depending on how long you’ll be studying:

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

Once you arrive in Mexico, you can convert your temporary student visa into a resident card, which allows you to stay throughout your studies.

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Working and Living in Mexico as a Student

Many international students in Mexico also work part-time while studying. You can apply for a student work permit, which allows you to work up to a certain number of hours per week.

Common student jobs include:

And yes, you can move with your family! Mexico allows dependents to accompany international students on a family visa, though you’ll need to show extra proof of financial means.

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Pathway to Citizenship in 3 Years 🇲🇽

Now here’s something that surprises most people: you can become a Mexican citizen after just three years of legal residency.

If you complete your studies, stay, and work in Mexico for three years, you can apply for permanent residency and later citizenship. That means you’ll hold a Mexican passport, which allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the entire Schengen area.

It’s not the strongest passport in the world, but it’s definitely respected — and it opens doors to both Latin America and Europe.

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Why You Should Seriously Consider Mexico

To sum it all up, here’s why Mexico might just be the perfect place for your international study journey:

🌎 Affordable tuition — as low as $500 per semester
🏠 Low cost of living — $400–$700 per month
📚 High-quality education in globally recognized universities
🗣 Study in English or learn Spanish for global opportunities
🎓 Scholarships available for international students
💼 Work while studying and bring your family along
🇲🇽 Path to citizenship in just three years

That’s a deal you won’t find easily elsewhere.

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Final Thoughts

Studying abroad doesn’t always mean you have to aim for the most expensive destinations. Sometimes, the best opportunities are in unexpected places — like Mexico.

With its welcoming culture, low tuition fees, and easy pathway to residency, Mexico offers a real chance to study, live, and build a future abroad without going broke.

If you’re ready to take that step, start researching the universities I mentioned earlier — and apply before the next intake. Who knows? A few months from now, you could be sitting under the Mexican sun, enjoying tacos after class, and living your study-abroad dream.

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💬 Over to you
Would you consider studying in Mexico? Have you checked out any of these universities before? Drop a comment — let’s talk about it!

And if you found this post helpful, share it with someone who’s planning to study abroad in 2026. You might just change a life today.

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