Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Founded in 1551, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the Americas.

The campus constitutes a unique example of 20th century modernism as it integrates urbanism, architecture, engineering, landscape design and fine arts with references to local traditions, especially to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past.

UNAM has played a major role in the history and formation of the country. The fundamental tasks of this public and autonomous institution are teaching, research and the promotion of culture. 

  • For most courses, the language of instruction will be Spanish. 
  • Students must have the equivalent of at least two years of college level Spanish or a B2 level in the Common European Framework of Languages to be eligible for this exchange.
  • Students who are not studying Spanish language nor who are native speakers will need to sit a language test around March if successfully awarded a place. Failure to pass the test with a B2 will result in you not being able to proceed with the exchange. 
  • All students including those studying Spanish as their degree programme are required by UNAM to provide SIELE certification as part of the UNAM application process. Without SIELE you will not be accepted to the exchange programme at UNAM. Students studying Spanish will be provided with more information on this via their school - you may need to organise your test yourself through Languages for All and pay a fee, see below for more information. 

 


Available exchanges

UNAM hosts the University-wide exchange.

Restricted subject areas

At UNAM, each School and Faculty has their own admission requirements. Such requirements can be explored through the link below.

UNAM is not deemed suitable for Economics or Social Anthropology.

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you.

As UNAM is a large institution, and there are many different types of courses offered.

To improve your Spanish language knowledge, please take a look at the intensive Spanish and Mexican Culture Courses at “Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros” 


Guaranteed accommodation?

No 

University accommodation

UNAM does not have university accommodation.  

Private accommodation

Full information on accommodation is sent to all accepted students. Students can register through UNAM's CEPE website to find individual rooms or shared rooms in a house, etc. CEPE visits and approves all options and students have their support and advice.  


Visa and immigration requirements

The visa process will vary from country to country, and your own citizenship will influence the visa process you need to undertake. You must make sure to enter your host country on the appropriate visa.  

A student visa is mandatory. If your exchange is for more than 180 days, or if required due to your nationality, an original paper copy of your acceptance letter will be sent to the International Programmes team at the University of Edinburgh with the information requested by the Mexican Embassy/Consulate. 

How much will it cost to go on exchange to UNAM?

  • Accommodation: Monthly housing costs range from MX$2,811.50 to MX$4,498, plus a $50 application fee and a refundable MX$200 deposit 
  • Food: Monthly meal expenses are approximately MX$3,054 MXN 
  • Local Transportation: Public transportation costs around MX$250 per semester 

Health insurance

Health insurance coverage is mandatory for enrolment at UNAM.  While insurance does not need to be purchased directly through UNAM, a medical and travel insurance policy it must be contracted before travelling to Mexico. The policy must be valid for the entire length of a student's stay in the country. 

Coverage is to include all medical attention and services, hospital, accidents, attention in case of a disease, major health expenses and repatriation expenses without any exception. &Բ;