There are several reasons to consider studying in Mexico, including its relatively affordable cost of living for many international students. Mexico has a wide range of higher education institutions, research opportunities, and, in some cases, courses or programs with English-language components. At the same time, international students can learn Spanish, immerse themselves in the culture, and experience the famous local cuisine.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), through the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), offers the Mexican Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreigners to applicants from more than 170 eligible countries through bilateral agreements, multilateral mechanisms, and special agreements. In this article, we will look at Mexico Government scholarships for international students.
Mexico Government Scholarship Awards
Mexico has long valued education and foreign diplomacy, so it is not surprising that there are many financial aid opportunities for international students. This is one way for Mexico to maintain friendly relations while also supporting a multicultural learning environment at local universities.
The current Mexican Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreigners include undergraduate mobility, master’s mobility, full master’s degree programs, and doctoral or postdoctoral research stays at participating Mexican higher education institutions. According to the 2026 call, 90 Mexican higher education institutions are participating.
Depending on the scholarship modality, the award can last up to 12 months for undergraduate or master’s mobility, up to 24 months for a master’s degree program, and between 6 and 12 months for doctoral or postdoctoral research stays. These awards are for in-person academic programs and research stays, and recipients must follow the dates and conditions stated in the official scholarship call.
The scholarship includes a monthly stipend based on Mexico’s Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA). The stipend is MXN 14,264.88 per month for master’s and mobility scholarships and MXN 17,831.10 per month for doctoral and postdoctoral research stays. Benefits may also include enrollment and tuition coverage according to the host institution, IMSS health insurance beginning in the seventh month of the scholarship, an exemption from the Mexican visa issuance fee, domestic transportation, and return airfare after successful completion for applicants from eligible countries. Applicants should always confirm the current UMA amount and benefits in the latest official call.
Eligibility Criteria: Mexico Government Scholarship
To be considered for the Mexican Government scholarship, applicants must be foreign nationals from an eligible country and must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. Applicants are not eligible if they are Mexican nationals, have dual nationality that includes Mexican nationality, are children of a Mexican parent, are foreign diplomats accredited in Mexico or immediate family members of diplomats, currently hold another Mexican government scholarship, recently received a federal government scholarship, or fall under other ineligibility categories listed in the official call.
Applicants must also show academic excellence. For the current call, acceptance letters, presentation letters, or academic records generally need to show a minimum average of 85 on a 0-to-100 scale, or 8.5 on a 10-point scale, or the equivalent in the applicant’s education system.
If Spanish is not the applicant’s native language, proof of Spanish proficiency at B2 level or higher under the Common European Framework of Reference may be required. If the academic program or research stay is conducted in a language other than Spanish and other than the applicant’s native language, the host institution may need to provide a letter confirming tutoring in that language.
Applicants must also secure acceptance, a presentation letter, or another required academic response from a participating Mexican higher education institution before applying for the scholarship. Admission to a Mexican institution does not guarantee that AMEXCID will award the scholarship.
How to Apply: Mexico Government Scholarships
Applications for the Mexican Government Excellence Scholarships are submitted electronically through the Academic Cooperation Management System, known as SIGCA. Applications must be completed in Spanish. Applicants should check the official AMEXCID scholarship page for the latest cycle, dates, annexes, eligible countries, and participating institutions.
The documentation needed for the application can be extensive, so students should begin gathering it as soon as possible. Required documents may include a valid passport, a declaration letter, a curriculum vitae, a medical certificate issued within the required time frame, academic records, degree documents, a letter of acceptance or presentation from the Mexican host institution, proof of Spanish proficiency when applicable, and additional documents required for the applicant’s scholarship modality.
For mobility programs, applicants may also need a letter from their home institution confirming that credits earned in Mexico will be recognized. For doctoral and postdoctoral research stays, applicants may need a doctoral degree, a host institution acceptance letter, a nomination letter from an institution in their home country, and a research project description. Late, incomplete, or incorrectly submitted applications are not accepted.
After submission, applications are reviewed according to the rules of the official call. AMEXCID makes the final scholarship decision, and only applications connected to eligible academic programs and participating institutions are evaluated.
Applicants who currently hold a Mexican government scholarship, recently received certain federal government scholarships, or previously received an AMEXCID scholarship without meeting the required conditions may be ineligible. Former scholarship recipients should carefully review the waiting-period and completion rules in the latest call before applying again.
To summarize, foreign students from more than 170 eligible countries may have the opportunity to study or conduct research in Mexico through the Mexican Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreigners. The program supports academic mobility, master’s study, and doctoral or postdoctoral research at participating Mexican higher education institutions.
Mexico remains appealing to international students because of its culture, language-learning opportunities, cuisine, and academic options. When it comes to Mexico Government scholarships, the requirements are specific, but they are manageable for applicants who prepare early, confirm the latest AMEXCID rules, and meet all deadlines.
We hope that this article on Mexico Government scholarships for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
