Quick Summary
Public in Mexico City, Mexico — Instituto Politécnico Nacional, est. 1936. Ranked #651-700 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 216000 students including 1.2% from outside Mexico. Known for strengths in Engineering & Technology, Physics and Astronomy, Biological Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier technical education in Latin America with extremely low tuition costs and high prestige in engineering.
Subject Strengths
Engineering & TechnologyPhysics and AstronomyBiological SciencesComputer Science
Founded1936
TypePublic
Total Students216000
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio14.5
CampusUrban
Campus SizeExtensive (Multiple campuses including Zacatenco and Santo Tomás)
Affiliated Hospitals5
AccreditationSecretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), COPAES, CACEI
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#651-700
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#801-900
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Vocational High School
Programs
85
PhD Programs
15
Online Programs
20
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), COPAES, CACEI
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA7
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · 2025-03-31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · 2025-10-31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on mathematics, physics, and chemistry for the entrance exam; international students must validate their high school degree through the SEP.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Mexican Peso
UG Tuition
$1,000/yr
per year · MXN
Living Cost
$130,000/yr
per year · MXN
PG Tuition
$24,000/yr
per year · MXN
Application Fee
$25
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$155,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · MXN
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$600
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Vocational High School programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Aeronautical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$14,500
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship Placement90
Industry Connections
Strong partnerships with PEMEXCFEBMWand Volaris.
Notable Alumni
Ernesto Zedillo, Guillermo González Camarena, Alejo Peralta
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Olympic pool, stadiums, gyms, and multidisciplinary courts.
Student Clubs
Robotics Club, Theater, Dance, Cultural workshops, and Sports teams.
Library Resources
Biblioteca Central Víctor Bravo Ahuja and specialized digital repositories.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available