Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Explore historical Mexico City (built on top of the ruins of Tenochtitlan) while studying at the largest and highest-ranked public university in Mexico and the oldest institution of higher education in the Americas.
Founded in 1551, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico is one of the top 4 universities in Latin America, and is ranked #113 worldwide (QS 2019). UNAM, which welcomes more than 330,000 students to its 100+ undergraduate/graduate programs, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 as it constitutes a unique example of 20th century modernisms. Spend a semester abroad exploring great architecture and urbanism at UNAM and living in a vibrant center and the 6th largest city in the world.
Key information
Application information
Student Experience
Exchange Student Testemonials: ¿Por qué estudiar en la UNAM?
UNAM DGECI
Viva Mexico! - UNAM Spring 2019
Leann Leung
Program details
Areas of Study:
Spanish taught: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Architecture, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Drama, Earth Science, Economics, Education, Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Geomatics, Mechanical, Petroleum), Environmental Science, Geography, Hispanic Language & Literature, History, Industrial Design, Informatics, Intercultural Development, International Relations, Landscape Architecture, Latin American Studies, Law, Management, Math, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Science, Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Urban Studies and Visual Arts.
Spanish and Mexican Culture courses:
Students can also take courses from UNAM's intensive Spanish language program. This pioneer interdisciplinary language immersion program integrates Spanish language learning with a curriculum on Mexican history, art and literature offering 9 levels of Spanish. In addition the program offers dance workshops and other extracurricular activities to encourage Spanish learning, as well as guided tours.
English taught courses:
There are a smattering of English taught courses but students should anticipate still taking courses taught in Spanish as well.
First Semester: August to December.
Second Semester: January to June.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Cost in Mexico City are significantly lower than Calgary.
Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.
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Funding
The Mexican Government offers an Award for International Students (including exchange students).
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
UNAM does not have student residences, however they can arrange for students to be placed with host families. Once accepted, UNAM will provide updated information about these options. Students can also choose to arrange their own off-campus accommodation.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least two full years (20 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
Proof of Language Proficiency required.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Flavien Niederst
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.