QS World Ranking
#105
Acceptance Rate
10%
Annual Tuition (USD)
Free
On-Campus Housing
Find Own
QS Best Student City
#29
Mexico City
Application Deadline
February 28
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
350,000
students
International Students
3%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
Latin America's largest and most prestigious public university on a UNESCO World Heritage campus, with free tuition.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Free tuition but instruction in Spanish. UNESCO World Heritage campus. Mexico's top public university.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to UNAM
Acceptance Rate
10%
Highly selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
February 28
Instruction Language
Spanish
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
Free
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- International applicants apply via DGIRE office
- Spanish C1+ fluency required — all instruction in Spanish
- High school diploma with official apostille
- COMIPEMS or UNAM-specific entrance exam
- Very competitive — overall admission rate ~10%
- No tuition fees — completely free for all students
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- Spanish
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- Free (no tuition fees)
- Application Deadline
- February 28
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 10%
- QS Best Student City (Mexico City)
- #29 globally
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓CONACyT Scholarship
- ✓UNAM International
Cost of Living — Mexico City, Mexico
Low CostEstimated monthly total
$845
vs. avg US college student
56% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Mexico City is one of the most affordable major world capitals. Free tuition + very low living costs. World-class food, culture, and museums. Altitude (~2,200m) takes adjustment.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at UNAM as a US Student
UNAM is located in Mexico City, Mexico and is ranked #105in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and more. Instruction is offered in Spanish. The estimated annual tuition for international students is Free (no tuition fees), with an acceptance rate of approximately 10%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of February 28. Scholarships available include the CONACyT Scholarship.