Quick Summary
Situated in Mexico City, Mexico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México is a public research university established in 1910. Ranked #94 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 373340 students including 1.5% from outside Mexico. Known for strengths in Art and Design, Anthropology, Sociology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 8%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the most prestigious institution in the Spanish-speaking world, offering virtually free education at a world-class level with unparalleled cultural and research resources.
Subject Strengths
Art and DesignAnthropologySociologyPetroleum EngineeringModern LanguagesLaw
Founded1910
TypePublic Research University
Total Students373340
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio17
CampusUrban / UNESCO World Heritage Site
Campus Size1764 acres (Ciudad Universitaria)
Affiliated HospitalsHospital General de México,Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán,Hospital Juárez de México
AccreditationSEP, COPAES, and various international program-specific accreditations (RIBA, ABET)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#94
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801–1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Specializations
Programs
92
PhD Programs
22
Online Programs
34
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
SEP, COPAES, and various international program-specific accreditations (RIBA, ABET)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate8%
IELTS6.5 (for graduate programs)
TOEFL80 (iBT) for graduate programs
Min GPA7.0 (on a 10.0 scale)
GRERequired for specific graduate programs
GMATRequired for some MBA programs
SATNot required
ACTNot required
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (Registration for Exam)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · September
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission for undergraduates is primarily based on the 'Examen de Licenciatura.' Intense preparation for this 120-question exam is essential as competition is extremely high.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Mexican Peso
UG Tuition
$2/yr
per year · MXN
Living Cost
$140,000/yr
per year · MXN
PG Tuition
$30,000/yr
per year · MXN
Application Fee
$25
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$140,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · MXN
Scholarships AvailableBeca de Manutención,Beca para Apoyo a la Manutención UNAM,CONAHCYT (for postgrad)
Avg Scholarship$600
Financial AidAvailable for low-income domestic students
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Specializations programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Architecture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Biology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
72%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh; integrated into most curricula as 'Servicio Social'
Industry Connections
Strong links with PemexSlim Foundationand government ministries
Notable Alumni
Mario Molina (Nobel Laureate),Carlos Slim,Alfonso Cuarón,Octavio Paz (Nobel Laureate),Claudia Sheinbaum
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
No (University does not provide on-campus dormitories for students)
Sports Facilities
Estadio Olímpico Universitario,Frontón Cerrado,Olympic Swimming Pool,Gimnasio de la UNAM
Student Clubs
Over 200 cultural, sports, and academic clubs
Library Resources
Biblioteca Central (famous for Juan O'Gorman murals), containing over 5 million volumes across the system
Exchange Programs
Extensive partnerships through the PAME program and Santander Universidades
Summer Programs
Available through CEPE (Spanish language and culture)