National Autonomous University of Mexico

Overview

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (NAUM), or Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Spanish, is the largest university in Latin America. Also known simply as the University of Mexico, the institution takes pride in its research excellence made possible through its multiple research centers. These include the Centre for Applied Sciences and Technological Development, which focuses on the application of science for solving real-world issues. NAUM also facilitates research that delves into issues that directly affect Mexico and the rest of the developing world.

Originally called the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, NAUM’s founding goes back three centuries before its reopening in 1910. It started in 1551 when Carlos I, King of Spain, signed a decree declaring the establishment of the university. On September 22, 1910, Justo Sierra, the country’s minister of education at the time, reopened the university in its renamed and modern form. Sierra’s goal was for Mexico to have its own institute of higher learning founded on the basis of liberal values.

NAUM acquired its autonomy from the Mexican government in 1929. This granted the institution flexibility in making decisions concerning its curriculum, as well as defining its own budget without interference from the government. This has reportedly made a positive impact on the university’s academic affairs.

Today, the University of Mexico offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs through 20 schools, including its School of Architecture, School of Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Music, and School of Sciences. The university also manages schools that it refers to as “national schools,” which only provide undergraduate programs. NAUM also offers distance education through the Sistema de Universidad Abierta y Educación a Distancia (SUAyED). Furthermore, the university runs a number of high schools all around Mexico City, with the goal of better preparing secondary education students for higher education.

While instruction is mainly given in Spanish, the university also offers degree programs that include intensive Spanish language courses for international students who need to get their language skills up to speed. As of 2016, the university had an acceptance rate of 8%, translating to tight competition among applicants.

NAUM is associated with Nobel Laureates in Chemistry (Mario Molina) and Literature (Octavio Paz) as well as a Nobel Peace Prize recipient (Alfonso Garcia Robles). The university has also produced renowned politicians, including no less than presidents, scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, architects, and journalists.

Recognized as a World Heritage site, the university’s main campus, Ciudad Universitaria, was designed by some of the country’s top architects. Aside from its campuses that are spread across Mexico, NAUM also has a presence in the United States (Texas and Illinois) and Canada (Quebec).