Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Exchange

Language Requirement: 3 years

Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above

Location: Americas, Mexico

GPA: 3.25

Program Overview

This program offers you the opportunity to enroll in Mexico’s most prestigious university, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). If you have reached an advanced Spanish language level (completed three of college-level Spanish or the equivalent) you can take regular university courses—taught entirely in Spanish—alongside Mexican students in most academic fields. UNAM is a major public university that enrolls a total of 214,000 undergraduate students. Students from all across Mexico and international students from all over the world travel to Mexico City to study at UNAM.

UNAM is located in the southern region of Mexico City, near the bohemian borough of Coyoacán and the cultural and commercial neighborhood of San Angel. The UNAM campus, called “Ciudad Universitaria” (often abbreviated to CU, pronounced Se uu) is an impressive “city within a city” that spans 2,000 acres in territory and features an ancient volcanic forest and ecological reserves. Mexico City, also known as “El DF” (short for Distrito Federal), is the heart of Mexico. Many of Mexico’s most well-known intellectuals, writers, artists, scientists, and political leaders have studied at UNAM.

Dates and Deadlines

Term	Year	Deadline	Arrival Date	Departure Date
Fall Semester	2026	02/01/2026	Early August	Early December
Academic Year	2026-27	02/01/2026	Early August	Early June
Spring Semester	2027	02/01/2026	Late January	Early June

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements.

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Academic Details

You can take courses in any academic discipline at UNAM. The academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is approximately 18 week long; you can participate in a Fall Semester, Spring Semester, or an entire Academic Year. UNAM is a good option for students who are studying: Spanish Language and Literature, Latin American History, International Studies, Political Science, Ethnic Studies, Planning and Public Policy, Business, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Journalism, Education, and the natural sciences. The university is organized around 15 main colleges (also known as facultades) and hundreds of majors (also known as licenciaturas).

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Three years of college-level Spanish language complete, including University or Oregon SPAN 311 or SPAN 312
B2 Spanish Language Certification, through online Siele Global Exam (B2 in all 4 abilities - Writing, Reading, Speaking, Listening)
Relavent coursework on Latin American culture, society, or history is recommended

Housing Description

You will need to arrange housing on your own. UNAM does not have university housing, nor does it manage housing partnerships with host families or apartment complexes. GEO will assist you in your search for housing, but it will be your responsibility to arrange final accommodations. Housing options range from single bedroom apartments to shared apartments to host families. There are several resources available to find housing in Mexico City.

Some of the resources that recent students have used to locate housing include the following:

The international office at UNAM, Dirección General de Cooperación e Internacionalizacióne will also provide orientation and guidance on housing options.

Budget and Price

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Exchange

Exchange programs have a fixed program fee that is calculated based on your Oregon residency status and the number of semesters that you spend abroad. Please note that the terms available for each exchange vary based on the university's academic calendar.

Please only include the relevant program fee when determining your estimated total cost of attendance.

2025 Fall Semester

**Program Fees Paid to GEO**
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident	$4,885
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident	$11,550
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester)	$500
Estimated UO Insurance*	$365

**Other Estimated Expenses**
Estimated housing	$3,500
Estimated meals	$1,800
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Mexico City	$750
Estimated books & course supplies	$175
Siele Spanish Language B2 Certification Exam	$175
Estimated cost of acquiring passport	$150
Estimated cell phone expenses	$100
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical	$50
Estimated local transportation	$850
Estimated additional living expenses	$1,650

**Total**
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident	$14,950
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident	$21,615

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date	Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program	Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date	Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins	Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees

2026 Spring Semester

**Program Fees Paid to GEO**
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident	$4,885
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident	$11,550
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester)	$500
Estimated UO Insurance*	$380

**Other Estimated Expenses**
Estimated housing	$3,500
Estimated meals	$1,800
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Mexico City	$750
Estimated books & course supplies	$175
Siele Spanish Language B2 Certification Exam	$175
Estimated cost of acquiring passport	$150
Estimated cell phone expenses	$100
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical	$50
Estimated local transportation	$850
Estimated additional living expenses	$1,650

**Total**
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident	$14,965
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident	$21,630

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date	Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program	Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date	Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins	Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees

2025-26 Academic Year

**Program Fees Paid to GEO**
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident	$9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident	$23,100
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester)	$1,000
Estimated UO Insurance*	$800

**Other Estimated Expenses**
Estimated housing	$7,000
Estimated meals	$3,600
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Mexico City	$750
Estimated books & course supplies	$350
Siele Spanish Language B2 Certification Exam	$175
Estimated cost of acquiring passport	$150
Estimated cell phone expenses	$200
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical	$50
Estimated local transportation	$1,700
Estimated additional living expenses	$3,300
Estimated visa expenses	$51

**Total**
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident	$28,896
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident	$42,226

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date	Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program	Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date	Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins	Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

View as PDF