Case Study: The Mexican Education System

Photo by Daniel Uribarren on Unsplash
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, Copilco Universidad Photo by Daniel Uribarren on Unsplash

Introduction

Mexico, with a territorial extension of 1.9 million square kilometres and a population of over 126 million people (INEGI 2020), has an education system divided into three levels and a law that protects the right to education for children and adolescents. The Ministry of Public Education (SEP) is the federal authority responsible for overseeing education nationwide, while each of the 31 states and Mexico City has its own education laws and regulatory structures.

The Education System Overview of Mexico

The Mexican National Education System is composed of the following levels: Basic, Upper Secondary, and Higher Education, with in-school, non-school-based, and mixed formats. The three levels are under the federal regulation of the Ministry of Public Education, and in the case of Upper Secondary and Higher Education, these levels can also be governed by the state regulations of each of the 31 states and Mexico City in the country.

Basic Education Basic education is made up of the initial (e.g. similar to early childhood education in other countries), preschool, primary, and secondary levels.
Upper Secondary Upper secondary education is similar to the last three years of study in a 12-year system, as well as other equivalent levels, and professional education that does not require a high school diploma or its equivalents.
Higher Education Higher education is offered after high school or its equivalents. It includes undergraduate (bachelor’s degree), specialty, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as terminal options prior to completing an undergraduate degree, such as studies for a University Higher Technician. It also includes teacher education at all levels and in all specializations.
Source: Unknown author, translated by Maldonado Altieri, F. for an AACRAO presentation in 2017. Structure of Mexican Educational System
Duration and Educational Institutions
LevelDurationTypical AgesEducational institutions
Preschool2-3 years3-5 years old
  • Kindergarden
  • Center for Psychopedagogical Support in Preschool Education
  • Child Development Center
Primary6 years6-11 years old
  • Elementary School
Secondary3 years12-14 years old
  • 1Secondary Schools
  • Technical Secondary Schools
  • Distance Secondary Schools
  • Secondary Schools for Workers
High School3 years15-17 years old
  • Technical Upper Secondary School
  • General High School
Bachelor’s degree4- 4.5 years18-21 years old
  • Federal Public Universities
  • State Public Universities
  • State Public Universities with Solidarity Support
  • Intercultural Universities
  • Polytechnic Universities
  • Technological Universities
  • National Pedagogical University
  • Open and Distance University of Mexico
  • Public Normal Schools
  • Public Research Centers
  • Other Public Institutions
  • Private Higher Education Institutions
Specialty1 – 1.5 yearsThere is no age limit.
Master’s degree1.5 – 2.5 yearsThere is no age limit.
Doctoral degree (PhD)3-5 yearsThere is no age limit.

1 Refers to seven, eight and nine years in a 12 year system.

Right to Education

Article 3 in the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, published on February 5th, 1917, states education in Mexico is free and mandatory.

“Article 3. Every person has the right to education. The State—Federation, States, Mexico City, and Municipalities—shall provide and guarantee initial, preschool, primary, secondary, upper secondary, and higher education. Initial, preschool, primary, and secondary education constitute basic education; this and upper secondary education shall be compulsory, while higher education shall be compulsory under the terms of section X of this article. Initial education is a right of children, and the State shall be responsible for raising awareness about its importance.

It is the responsibility of the State to oversee education. The education provided by the State, in addition to being compulsory, shall be universal, inclusive, public, free, and secular.”

El Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
The General Law of Higher Education

Article 2 of the General Law of Higher Education states that universities and higher education institutions that have autonomy according to the law shall enjoy all the institutional powers and guarantees established by the Mexican Constitution. These institutions shall be self-governed typically, and, where applicable, by the provisions of this law.

The General Law of Higher Education outlines how institutions can issue and authenticate professional degrees:

Article 14.

Higher education institutions may grant a professional degree, diploma, or academic degree to individuals who have completed higher education studies and fulfilled the academic requirements established in the applicable study plans and regulations.

For this purpose, higher education institutions will determine the requirements and modalities by which their graduates may obtain the corresponding professional degree, diploma, or academic degree.

Certificates, diplomas, professional degrees, and academic degrees issued by private institutions regarding authorized or recognized studies shall require authentication by the authority or public institution that granted the authorization or official recognition of valid studies, RVOE (Official Validity Recognition). For this purpose, digital means and electronic processes may be used.

All certificates, diplomas, professional degrees, and academic degrees referred to in this article shall be valid throughout the national territory.

Higher Education Official Documents

In Mexico, graduates from higher education levels receive three distinct official documents upon completion of their studies: the Certificate or Transcript, the degree or Diploma, and the Professional License. The credential distributed is as a result of the decision made when the particular program was created.

Source: López Monreal, L. A. (2025). Higher Education Official Documents in Mexico.

Emerging Trends

A Shift Towards Digitization of Credentials

Thanks to the process of streamlining and digitalizing procedures by the General Directorate of Professions of the Ministry of Public Education and the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency since October 2018, professionals can now get professional licences for studies completed in Mexico, abroad, and for specialties. It is important to note that paper higher education official documents are still valid and legally recognized. Additionally, since March 2025, they can also issue Certificates of Graduate Status, Certificates for degrees in process, and Certificates of No Sanctions for professionals.

The process of migrating from physical professional certificates to electronic ones involves the educational institution sending the public keys of the signatories to the General Directorate of Professions, which will assign a unique key and register the signatories. Then, electronic files (.XML) are developed to meet the established requirements; submission and registration are carried out through a web service.

Private higher education institutions with official validity recognition (RVOE) at the federal level have at their disposal a system to generate partial and full electronic certificates called the Electronic Certification Module (MEC), which is managed by the General Directorate of Accreditation, Incorporation, and Revalidation (DGAIR).

Once the process is completed, graduates will be able to obtain their electronic professional license online, available 24/7, using their CURP, digital signature, and an online payment, thus facilitating the digital management of these documents. The new digital format features secure locked codes and a QR code, ensuring its validity only within Mexico and the possibility of verifying authenticity online.

Another example of digitization is a consultation platform for verifying graduates’ electronic degrees, managed by the Educational Information and Management System (SIGED). The search consists of entering the digital folio number of the electronic degree for its authentication. In addition, through SIGED, it is also possible to consult information about students, teachers, and schools.

Young latin college man sitting while using computer at university in Mexico
Promoting Transparency & Access – Professional Credentials

The Government of Mexico, through Article 6 of its Constitution, upholds the right of Mexicans to have access to information without any censorship. It promotes transparency through campaigns, search tools, and official websites made available to the people of Mexico.

As part of efforts to promote transparency and access to information, there is a National Registry of Professionals where anyone can search for professionals who have registered their degrees and hold a professional license with legal validity.

The National Registry of Professionals was published and is regularly updated by The General Directorate of Professions of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Emergent trends – Credentialing
Some educational institutions, organizations, and government entities are still working to improve their credential recognition processes through technology. In comparison to other countries, Mexico is in the early stages of adopting micro-credentials, competency-based certificates, and diploma supplements.

Broader Education and Technology Trends

Recent trends point toward increased digitization, promoting access and transparency, along with the adoption of new tools such as artificial intelligence. Select examples are provided below.

Palacio de Bellas Artes Photo by David Carballar on Unsplash
1. Expansion & Reform of Upper Secondary Education (“Media Superior”)

The federal government launched the Plan Integral del Sistema Nacional de Bachillerato (Nueva Escuela Mexicana), aiming to expand upper secondary education by creating 200,000 new spaces in preparatorias (high schools), starting with 40,000 in 2025. This includes building new schools, converting existing secundarias, and unifying state systems into two national subsystems: general and technological. The goal: boost coverage from ~78% back toward 85% by the end of the presidential term (El País, 2025a).

2. Persistent English Learning Challenges & Indigenous Language Inclusion

English proficiency remains low — about 79% of students reportedly have virtually no knowledge of the language, and only around 12% can communicate effectively, despite it being a required subject since 2009. Experts suggest improvements via teacher training and technology integration (El País, 2025b).

On the other hand, there’s momentum around indigenous language revival, such as optional Nahuatl classes introduced in 78 public schools in Mexico City to preserve cultural heritage (Reddit, 2025).

3. Growth in Online EdTech & Adaptive Learning

Online education is booming. The market was valued at USD 585.6 million in 2024, with expectations to soar to USD 6.14 billion by 2033 (IMARC Group, 2025a).

The broader EdTech market reached USD 4.4 billion in 2024, projected to grow to USD 14.4 billion by 2033, fueled by internet access, smartphone use, and pandemic-driven digital adoption (Libero Market Analyst, 2025).

Adaptive learning technologies are gaining traction, especially AI-powered platforms that personalize lessons, support mobile learning, and leverage gamification to boost engagement and outcomes (Lucintel, 2025).

4. Adoption of Technologies including Artificial Intelligence by Universities

Educational institutions are integrating immersive technologies—virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)—to enhance learning in disciplines like medicine and engineering. Meanwhile, AI-driven learning analytics and simulators are enabling real-time adaptation to each student’s needs, aiming for more personalized, ethical, and effective learning experiences (Universidad Panamericana, 2025).

Teaching how to use Artificial intelligence is another of the trends that educational institutions, especially those in higher education, are adopting within their educational models.

In Mexico, there are 43 programs (ANUIES 2025) that include education in artificial intelligence. Some examples of recent academic programs offered by private and public universities include a Bachelor’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, as well as Master’s degrees in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence. These recent educational offerings have become essential for training professionals.

Monument to the Revolution, republic plaza, Mexico City
5. Shifts in Higher Education: Hybrid Models & Soft Skills

Higher education is increasingly embracing online and hybrid learning models, pushed forward by COVID-19 and demand for flexible study options (IMARC Group, 2025b).

There’s also a rising focus on leadership and soft skills, such as communication and adaptability, in response to the shift toward hybrid and remote work cultures (IMARC Group, 2025b).

6. Industry-Education Partnerships & Advanced Skills Development

Public-private collaborations are driving digital skill-building; for instance, Cisco’s training programs deliver free certifications in cybersecurity, IoT, data analytics, and technical English (Intugo, 2025). As an example, the TecNM (National Technological Institute of Mexico) launched programs in cutting-edge fields like semiconductors, AI, and data science (Intugo, 2025).

Challenges and Opportunities

A recent publication by Loyola of America University (2025, February 17) highlighted certain challenges and obstacles in the Mexican education system, such as school dropout, infrastructure and resources, educational inequality, quality of education, and teacher training. These challenges are triggered by economic, social, regional, and family factors.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), in its 2020 publication titled ‘Educational Characteristics of the Population,’ nearly half of the population (49.3%) had only basic education, while 24% had access to upper secondary education and 21.6% to higher education.

According to the Poverty Results in Mexico 2022 at the national level by the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy, 36.3% of the population lives in poverty, and 7.1% lives in extreme poverty. In addition, the percentage of the population with an education gap was 19.4% in 2022.
There is a significant geographic gap affecting the population living in certain federal entities such as Chiapas, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Veracruz, where the educational lag rate is below 31.1% and the average schooling is at least 8 years (CONEVAL 2024). The quality of education may vary depending on the location, as there is an educational system designed specifically for populations living in rural areas, where the lag is more pronounced. In rural areas, 3 out of 10 people experience educational lag, compared to 2 out of 10 in urban areas (CONEVAL 2024). There is a significant opportunity not only for federal authorities to expand access to education, but also for collaboration among state governments, teachers, school administrators, parents, the private sector, and civil society.
Credential Evaluation Challenges

In the realm of international credential evaluators, there are other challenges, such as verifying official documents and understanding the education system. Credential evaluators face the task of trying to understand how the education system works in Mexico, and which organizations are responsible for issuing certificates with official validity. In certain complex cases, credential evaluators may need to contact state or federal institutions directly and navigate bureaucratic systems to obtain the necessary information for validating a student’s or professional’s credentials. In regular cases, it is sufficient to review the documents presented by the applicant, which contain the essential information that the authorities have determined is necessary for the document to be valid.

Organizations

ARSEE is a professional association established in 2007 that brings together individuals working in School and Student Services (such as registration, admissions, scholarships, academic records, and more) at both upper secondary and higher education institutions in Mexico. Its mission is to enhance institutional quality and academic integrity through robust, secure administrative processes and by supporting service to students. ARSEE offers training, accreditation (through its AcreditARSEE process), conferences, and a professional network to improve service delivery across member institutions. Learn more at: https://arsee.org.mx/arsee/

The Ministry of Public Education guarantees the right of the population in Mexico to an equitable, inclusive, intercultural, and comprehensive education, with the best interests of children, adolescents, and young people as the central focus, at the level and modality they require and in the place where they need it. https://www.gob.mx/sep

The Undersecretariat of Higher Education is the division within the Secretary of Public Education responsible for promoting quality education that enables the training of competitive professionals committed to regional and national development, contributing to the building of a more just society. Through its various public policies, plans, and programs, the SES works to provide education that is equitable, relevant, flexible, innovative, diversified, and widely accessible. With this, it seeks to advance the strengthening of an integrated and coordinated Higher Education System that promotes equity in education, student retention, and the ongoing professional development of graduates. https://educacionsuperior.sep.gob.mx

Since its founding in 1950, the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions has participated in the formulation of national programs, plans, and policies, as well as in the creation of organizations aimed at the development of higher education in Mexico. ANUIES is a non-governmental, pluralistic association that brings together the country’s leading higher education institutions, united by their shared commitment to promoting comprehensive improvement in teaching, research, cultural outreach, and services. The association is made up of 251 universities and higher education institutions, both public and private, from across the country. https://www.anuies.mx/anuies/acerca-de-la-anuies.

The Inter-institutional Committees for the Evaluation of Higher Education (CIEES) is an organization dedicated to ensuring the quality of educational programs and higher education institutions. It promotes the quality of higher education institutions through evaluations of their educational programs and institutional functions, and grants accreditation recognitions. https://www.ciees.edu.mx

The ATDT is a cabinet-level agency within the Mexican federal government, established in late 2024 and fully operational since early 2025. Its mission is to unify the government’s technological capabilities, promote digital inclusion, and oversee telecommunications, broadcasting, cybersecurity, and public technology policy. Among its key roles, the ATDT assumed responsibilities previously held by the now-dissolved Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), and it leads efforts in identity digitization (like the Llave MX digital ID), universal connectivity, and the development of government software platforms. It also forms part of the federal cabinet alongside 21 state secretariats. The agency is actively implementing strategic initiatives such as establishing national centers for public technology, cybersecurity, and public sector training to bolster technological sovereignty and efficient digital services nationwide. More details are available at: https://www.gob.mx/atdt/en

The General Directorate of Professions (Dirección General de Profesiones) is a division of Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education (SEP) responsible for regulating the issuance of professional licenses (cédulas profesionales) and maintaining the National Registry of Professionals (Registro Nacional de Profesionistas). This agency ensures that graduates with professional, technical, or university degrees who wish to practice their professions legally in Mexico must have both their academic title registered and a professional license issued by the SEP. Since 2018, the DGP has streamlined this process through a fully digital system, allowing applicants to request licenses online using their CURP, e-firma, and payment, thereby modernizing access and reducing reliance on in-person procedures. For more detailed information, visit: https://www.sep.gob.mx/es/sep1/sep1_Registro_de_Titulo_y_Ex_cedula

The INEGI, known in Spanish as Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, is an autonomous constitutional agency in Mexico responsible for regulating and coordinating the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information. Established by presidential decree on January 25, 1983, it conducts key national data-gathering operations—such as the decennial population and housing censuses, economic and agricultural statistics, and the National Accounts—while also generating geographic information, official maps, and price indices. INEGI plays a foundational role in informing government, business, academia, and public policy with reliable statistics on population, economy, environment, and territory. Its mandate is grounded in transparency, objectivity, and independence under Mexico’s National Statistical and Geographical Information System. Learn more at: https://www.inegi.org.mx

Other Resources

Some of the organizations and resource links are available only in Spanish.

Contributors

    • Francisco Maldonado Altieri, Registrar, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP); ARSEE’s Governing Board member; former President of the Board of Directors, The GDN Network; former President of the Board of Directors, Association of Registrars and Student Services (ARSEE)

    • Luis López Monreal, Director of Academic Regulations and Management, Tecnológico de Monterrey; Vice President, Association of Registrars and Student Services (ARSEE)
    • Joanne Duklas, Executive Director, The GDN Network
    • Amalia Valverde, Senior Communications Specialist, Duklas Cornerstone Consulting

 

Published on October 15, 2025.