Education Database
The Mexican higher education system largely follows the American model. Undergraduate studies last 4 years and result in the award of bachelor degrees.
Since 2005, graduate study opportunities have included 1- to 2-year professional graduate courses and 2- to 4-year scientific research programs.
Education System in Mexico
| Education | School/Level | Grade From | Grade To | Age From | Age To | Years | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Escuela Primaria/Educación Básica | 1 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 6 | 1 de primaria, 2 de primaria, 3 de primaria, 4 de primaria, 5 de primaria, 6 de primaria (First, Second, Third .... year of primary education) | |
| Middle | Secundaria/ Educacion media | 1 | 3 | 12 | 14 | 3 | 1 de secundaria, 2 de secundaria, 3 de secundaria (First, Second Third .. year of secondary) | |
| Secondary | Telesecundaria | Online education in Mexico | ||||||
| Secondary | Escuela Secundaria | 1 | 3 | 12 | 14 | 3 | ||
| Secondary | Preparatoria/Bachillerato/Educacion media superior | 1 | 3 | 15 | 17 | 3 | May also be considered grades 4, 5 & 6 de preparatoria, Measured in months of attendance - Grade 4/1 de preparatoria = 1st and 2nd semesters, Grade 5/2 de preparatoria = 3rd and 4th semesters, Grade 6/3 de preparatoria = 5th and 6th semesters. | |
| Tertiary | Baccalaureate/ Licenciatura/Educacion superior | 18 | 20 | 4 | Typically measured by semester from 1st semester to 8th semester/10th quarter | |||
| Tertiary | Bivalent baccalaureate | |||||||
| Tertiary | Technical baccalaureate | |||||||
| Tertiary | Maestria | 22 | Masters Degree | |||||
| Tertiary | Doctorado | Doctorate |
Primary Education
"Primeria" education is compulsory, comprises grades 1 to 6 and targets children between 6 to 12 years of age. The education medium is Spanish, or half in another language such as French or English depending on the school. Favoring any one religion is forbidden, although unsubsidized religious schools are permitted. Education at state schools is free to Mexican citizens, but foreigners have to pay.Middle Education
"Secondaria" education is compulsory. It is targeted at children in the 12- to 15-year group and consists of grades 7 to 9. More specialized subjects such as physics and chemistry may be taught as extras. Education at state schools is free to Mexican citizens, but foreigner nationals are required to pay fees.Secondary Education
The "Preparatoria" phase consists of grades 10-12 and is presented to students in the 15- to 18 year old group who are planning to proceed to university. The 3 years are divided into 6 semesters. The earlier ones share common curricula while the later ones allow limited specialization in terms of choice between physical and social sciences. Education is free for citizens at state-owned schools, although some parents favor paid private schools.Vocational Education
The "Bachillerato" phase addresses a similar need in terms of age as does the "Prepatatoria". It's objective is to provide vocational training though, targeting jobs as diverse as accountants, secretaries and technicians. As such it represents one possible end to the education journey in Mexico. State-owned school education is free.Tertiary Education
The Mexican higher education system largely follows the American model. Undergraduate studies last 4 years and result in the award of bachelor degrees.Since 2005, graduate study opportunities have included 1- to 2-year professional graduate courses and 2- to 4-year scientific research programs.