After You Arrive

Enrolling at Your Mexican University

Finish your university enrolment (joining your university after you get a place) on time.

University Student Portal

Example programme

Example

Enrolment Steps

What to do after you arrive.

Hand in your papers: Hand in the papers your university asks for, on the dates it gives.
Enrol: Join your university on the dates it gives.
Get your residence card: Go to the INM and exchange your FMM for the card.

Two Deadlines to Remember

Enrol at your university on time. Within 30 days of arriving, go to the INM (National Migration Institute, Mexico's immigration office) and exchange your FMM (the entry form you fill in when you land) for a student residence card.

Papers for Enrolment

Bring the papers your university asks for.

Immigration papers:

Passport - Valid.
Student residence card - The card that lets you live in Mexico as a student. Get it from the INM within 30 days of arriving.

Study papers:

Earlier certificates - May need an apostille or legalisation (official stamps that prove a paper is real) and a translation, if your programme asks.

Document Preparation Tips

Bring originals and copies.

Check With Your University

Each university asks for its own papers.

Orientation

Ask your international office about orientation dates.

Support for Students

Where to get help.

Spanish courses (UNAM)

UNAM's Teaching Centre for Foreigners (CEPE).

Short courses, usually six weeks
Exchange students (students who study there for a short time from their own university) pay half for sign-up and the course

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolment Tips

Enrol on the dates your university gives. If you are late, you can lose your place.
Ask your university for a letter that says you are still studying. You need it to renew (extend) your residence card.