Becas CONAHCYT para Extranjeros (National Scholarships for Foreigners)
by Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT) · Any Mexican Higher Education Institution (IES) or Research Center with programs registered in the Sistema Nacional de Posgrados (SNP)
Up to 24 months for Master's, up to 48 months for PhD, and 12 months for Specialties
Deadline
Varies by call; usually April-May for Fall intake and September-October for Spring intake
Level
Master's, PhD, and Specialties
Acceptance
Varies; approximately 70% of qualified applicants who meet all administrative requirements receive funding
Difficulty
Moderate (The main challenge is securing admission to the university program first)
Quick Summary
For students aiming to study in Mexico, Becas CONAHCYT para Extranjeros (National Scholarships for Foreigners) is a fully funded scholarship from Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologas (CONAHCYT). The award covers Monthly living stipend according to degree level, medical insurance coverage via ISSSTE, and institutional tuition waivers in most SNP-registered programs. and is open to master's, phd, and specialties students studying all fields including science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and health (must be an snp-accredited program). The scholarship runs for up to 24 months for master's, up to 48 months for phd, and 12 months for specialties and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on open to non-Mexican citizens with an undergraduate or master's degree, a minimum GPA of 8.0, and formal admission to an SNP-accredited Mexican program. The application deadline is Varies by call; usually April-May for Fall intake and September-October for Spring intake, with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies; approximately 70% of qualified applicants who meet all administrative requirements receive funding. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for Becas CONAHCYT para Extranjeros (National Scholarships for Foreigners)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
70%
Win Probability
6/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
20-35 hrs
Time Required
High for students already admitted to qualified SNP programs
Up to 24 months for Master's, up to 48 months for PhD, and 12 months for Specialties
📅
Deadline
Varies by call; usually April-May for Fall intake and September-October for Spring intake
🔬
Fields
All fields including Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Health (must be an SNP-accredited program)
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies annually based on federal budget (thousands of scholarships granted)
🌏
Study Country
Mexico
🏛️
Provider
Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT)
📊
Acceptance
Varies; approximately 70% of qualified applicants who meet all administrative requirements receive funding
The CONAHCYT National Scholarship for Foreigners is Mexico's flagship financial aid program for international students. It aims to strengthen the scientific and technological capabilities of Mexico by attracting global talent to pursue high-level research and professional degrees in Mexican institutions. The scholarship provides a monthly allowance that allows students to focus entirely on their studies without the need for employment.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to non-Mexican citizens with an undergraduate or master's degree, a minimum GPA of 8.0, and formal admission to an SNP-accredited Mexican program.
🏛️ Host University
Any Mexican Higher Education Institution (IES) or Research Center with programs registered in the Sistema Nacional de Posgrados (SNP)
🤝 Sponsor
Government of Mexico - Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields including Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Health (must be an SNP-accredited program)
✨ Key Benefits
Monthly living stipend according to degree level, medical insurance coverage via ISSSTE, and institutional tuition waivers in most SNP-registered programs.
🎯 Target Students
International Students
🏷 Tags
MexicoInternational StudentsPostgraduateMaster'sPhDResearchStipendLatin America
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Varies by year (approx. 6,000+ total for all categories)
Applicants Last Year
Varies by year (approx. 4,500+ total for all categories)
Winners
Varies; approximately 70% of qualified applicants who meet all administrative requirements receive funding
Acceptance Rate
High for students already admitted to qualified SNP programs
Competition Level
Win Probability
70%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Usually waived by the host university as a requirement for SNP participation
Living Stipend
Monthly maintenance allowance based on the current UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización) value
✈️ Travel: No🏠 Accommodation: No (Stipend is intended to cover housing and food)💊 Health Insurance: Provided through ISSSTE (Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers)🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: 0 (Application to CONAHCYT is free)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Usually waived by the host university as a requirement for SNP participation
🏠 Living Stipend
Monthly maintenance allowance based on the current UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización) value
🏡 Accommodation
No (Stipend is intended to cover housing and food)
✈️ Travel Allowance
No
💊 Health Insurance
Provided through ISSSTE (Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers)
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to research facilities, academic networking, and potential thesis support
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Must maintain a minimum GPA of 8.0/10.0 and receive a positive annual evaluation from the academic tutor
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Foreign nationals accepted into a face-to-face postgraduate program registered in the SNP in Mexico
🎓 Academic Level
Master's, PhD, and Specialties
📊 Minimum GPA
8.0 on a 10.0 scale (or equivalent)
🗣️ English Requirement
Varies by host university; CONAHCYT does not set a universal English score for the scholarship itself
🍢 Age Limit
Not officially restricted, but academic career stage is considered
💼 Work Experience
Not required, though academic research experience is highly valued
🏆 Leadership
Not required
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary requirement; selection is based on academic merit and program quality
🎯 Target Students
International Students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Required by the host university during the admission process (Statement of Purpose)
Rec Letters
Required by the host university for admission into the SNP program
Interview
Often required by the host university's admissions committee
Application Fee
0 (Application to CONAHCYT is free)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Required by the host university for admission into the SNP program Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Varies by host university; CONAHCYT does not set a universal English score for the scholarship itself
Interview: Often required by the host university's admissions committee
Min GPA: 8.0 on a 10.0 scale (or equivalent)
📋 Application Process
First, secure admission to a Mexican university program that is currently active in the Sistema Nacional de Posgrados (SNP).
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure all foreign transcripts and degrees are apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish by a certified translator before applying.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Typically 2-3 months prior to the start of the academic semester
⏰ Deadline
Varies by call; usually April-May for Fall intake and September-October for Spring intake
🎤 Interview
Often required by the host university's admissions committee
🎓 Study Starts
August (Fall) or January (Spring)
Typically 2-3 months prior to the start of the academic semester
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by call; usually April-May for Fall intake and September-October for Spring intake
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Often required by the host university's admissions committee
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
August (Fall) or January (Spring)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Admission to an SNP program, academic excellence (GPA), and consistency between the study plan and national development priorities.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Becas CONAHCYT para Extranjeros (National Scholarships for Foreigners)Current
Mexico
Full Funding
Master's, PhD, and Specialties
—
🇲🇽 IICA-CONACYT-OAS Postgraduate Scholarship Program
Open to non-Mexican citizens with an undergraduate or master's degree, a minimum GPA of 8.0, and formal admission to an SNP-accredited Mexican program.
This scholarship covers: Monthly living stipend according to degree level, medical insurance coverage via ISSSTE, and institutional tuition waivers in most SNP-registered programs.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by call; usually April-May for Fall intake and September-October for Spring intake. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: High for students already admitted to qualified SNP programs. Acceptance rate: Varies; approximately 70% of qualified applicants who meet all administrative requirements receive funding. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Varies by host university; CONAHCYT does not set a universal English score for the scholarship itself, Required by the host university for admission into the SNP program recommendation letters, CV. Check official website for the complete list.