Published on 1 February 2026

Mexiko: Education system

If you are planning to emigrate to Mexico, the FDFA can provide wide-ranging information on schooling and the education system.

School system

The Mexican education system comprises primary schools, lower and upper secondary schools, vocational schools, and universities. School attendance is mandatory from the age of six, and pupils typically complete their education at the age of 17. In Mexico City, the nation's capital, the school year begins at the end of August or the beginning of September and lasts until the end of June. Foreign parents often choose to send their children to private schools.

School system (Spanish)

Here you will find additional information on Mexico's school system.

Swiss schools

The Colegio Suizo, a private Swiss school established in Mexico City in 1965, receives subsidies from the Swiss government and operates additional branches in Cuernavaca and Querétaro. The school's primary languages of instruction are German and Spanish, but it also offers courses in English, French, and Chinese. The educational programmes at Colegio Suizo cater to pupils from kindergarten through to the International Baccalaureate (IB) level, which is recognised in Switzerland.

Colegio Suizo / Swiss School (Spanish)

Here you can find more information about the Swiss School in Mexico.

International schools

Mexico is home to several international schools in addition to the Colegio Suizo: the Lycée Franco-Mexicain, which has branches in Mexico City and Cuernavaca; the American School, located in Mexico City; and the Colegio Alemán, a German school that offers the same curricula as the Colegio Suizo, with branches in Mexico City and Naucalpan de Juárez.

The American School Foundation (ASF)

ASF is a non-profit private school that provides an independent American education to international and Mexican students.

Lycée Franco-Mexicain (French)

This school caters to the educational needs of children as young as 3 up to upper secondary school.

Colegio Alemán Alexander von Humbolt (Spanish)

The mission of the Colegio Alemán Alexander von Humboldt is to develop academically accomplished, socially responsible individuals who are able to integrate the best elements of Mexican and German culture.

Universities

After completing compulsory education, school-leavers in Mexico have the option to attend various state and non-state universities, with the majority located in Mexico City. The largest university in the country is Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), founded in 1551. Other notable higher education institutions include Colegio de México, University of Guadalajara, Autonomous Technological Institute (ITAM), State Polytechnic Institute, and the Ibero-American University.