Considering studying abroad in Mexico? The Universidad Nacional Autónoma De México (UNAM), a prestigious institution with a rich history and global recognition, is a fantastic choice for international students. This guide provides essential information for prospective international students looking to pursue academic mobility programs at UNAM.
Health and Insurance Requirements at UNAM
Upon acceptance into UNAM’s mobility programs, international students are required to possess comprehensive major medical insurance valid throughout their stay in Mexico. This insurance must provide extensive coverage, including accidents, travel, medical consultations, hospitalization due to illness, COVID-19 related medical needs, and repatriation of remains. Specific health requirements and COVID-19 regulations will be detailed in the official program call.
For additional health advice and preventative care, UNAM’s School of Medicine houses the Traveler’s Preventive Care Clinic. This clinic offers services, conducts research, and provides educational resources for travelers’ health needs before, during, and after their trips.
Language of Instruction: Courses in English at UNAM
While the primary language of instruction at UNAM is Spanish, a selection of courses are offered in English across various academic disciplines. For a detailed list of courses available in English and the faculties offering them, you can consult this resource: List of Courses in English at UNAM. This allows international students to access UNAM’s academic offerings even if they are still developing their Spanish language skills.
Enhance Your Experience: Spanish and Mexican Culture Courses at UNAM
UNAM’s Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros (CEPE), or Teaching Centre for Foreigners, offers a range of courses designed to immerse international students in Spanish language and Mexican culture. These short, intensive courses, typically lasting six weeks, are an excellent opportunity to improve your Spanish proficiency and deepen your understanding of Mexico. Mobility students benefit from a significant 50% discount on both registration and course fees at CEPE. More information about these courses can be found on the CEPE website: CEPE, UNAM.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students at UNAM
It is important to note that UNAM does not directly grant scholarships to foreign students for semester-long academic mobility programs. International students are encouraged to investigate scholarship and financial aid opportunities offered by their home universities or external funding organizations. Securing funding is a separate process from the UNAM application and should be pursued independently.
Student Housing and Accommodation Options near UNAM
UNAM assists both international and national students in finding suitable and secure accommodation near the main Ciudad Universitaria campus in Mexico City. For students studying at UNAM campuses outside of Mexico City, the mobility program coordinator at the respective campus can provide guidance on local housing options.
Accepted students can access a catalog of available accommodation options through the CEPE registration link: UNAM Accommodation Catalog for Foreigners. It is strongly advised against making advance payments or signing contracts before arriving in Mexico City and personally verifying the accommodation, unless it comes highly recommended from a trusted source.
Application Procedure for International Student Mobility at UNAM
The application process for incoming mobility programs at UNAM is streamlined through an online system. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Nomination: UNAM disseminates calls for applications to its partner universities internationally. The HEI initiates the pre-registration of nominated students in the Incoming Student Mobility Management System (SGMEE).
- Student Online Application: Nominated students receive an email with a link to the SGMEE platform to complete their online application and upload all necessary documents.
- HEI Validation and Nomination Letter: Once the student completes the online application, the HEI is notified, and they then review, validate the application, and upload an official institutional nomination letter through the SGMEE system.
- DGECI System Review: The completed mobility application is received by the DGECI (General Directorate for International Academic Cooperation) system at UNAM.
- UNAM Academic Entity Decision: The relevant academic faculty or department at UNAM reviews the application and makes the decision to issue either a letter of acceptance or rejection. This academic entity holds the sole authority in this decision-making process.
- Notification of Decision: The final decision is communicated through the SGMEE system to both the partner HEI and the individual student.
The entire application process is managed efficiently through the online SGMEE platform: UNAM Incoming Student Mobility System.
Contact Information for Student Mobility at UNAM
For undergraduate student mobility inquiries at UNAM, please contact:
Carlos Navarro: cnavarro@global.unam.mx
Javier Enciso: jenciso@global.unam.mx
For postgraduate (Master’s and Doctorate) student mobility inquiries, please contact:
movilidad@posgrado.unam.mx
vpineda@posgrado.unam.mx
UNAM Postgraduate Studies Website
The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México offers a vibrant and academically enriching experience for international students. By understanding these key aspects of studying at UNAM, prospective students can prepare effectively for a successful and rewarding period of academic mobility in Mexico.
