Study in Albuquerque, The United States

About Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a city in New Mexico, in the south-west of the United States. It lies in the Rio Grande valley between the mesas to the west and the Sandia Mountains to the east, and the University of New Mexico describes it as a metropolitan area of more than 900,000 people. The mountains take their name from the Spanish word for watermelon, after their crimson colour at sunset.

For international students, Albuquerque means above all the state's flagship public university, plus a small group of career, secondary and language schools.

Studying in Albuquerque

Our directory lists four schools in Albuquerque, of different kinds:

• The University of New Mexico (UNM), founded in 1889 as New Mexico's flagship institution. Its campus covers nearly 800 acres near old Route 66, in the centre of the city, with Pueblo Revival architecture. UNM's Global Education Office handles international admission for undergraduate, graduate and exchange students and runs an Intensive English Program for those who need to improve their English before or during their studies.
• Pima Medical Institute, a healthcare career college with a campus in the city.
• Bosque School, an independent college-preparatory school for grades 6 to 12.
• The Rosencroit Elite English Academy, listed in Albuquerque, which teaches English online.

To study in the United States you need a student visa: an F visa for a degree or an English language programme, an M visa for vocational training, or a J visa for exchange programmes, including high-school exchanges. After a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) accepts you, it issues a Form I-20 or DS-2019, which you take to your visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.

Cost of living for students

UNM publishes estimated costs for the 2026-27 academic year. For a full-time undergraduate paying the non-resident rate, which normally applies to international students, tuition and fees come to $34,734, and food and housing in a traditional residence hall to $10,648. Graduate tuition and fees for 12 credits are $30,316 at the non-resident rate. These are estimates for the whole academic year; books, insurance and personal costs come on top.

International students may work on campus for up to 20 hours a week in their first year, according to EducationUSA.

Getting around and daily life

Public transport is free: ABQ RIDE, the city bus network, has adopted a zero fares programme and no longer charges to ride, and the regional Rio Metro buses are fare free too. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train runs through the Rio Grande valley. The mesas, the river and the Sandia Mountains are all within reach of the city.

Frequently asked questions

Which university is in Albuquerque?

The main one is the University of New Mexico (UNM), the state's flagship public university, founded in 1889. Our directory also lists a healthcare career college, a college-preparatory school and an online English academy.

How much does it cost to study at UNM?

For 2026-27, UNM estimates non-resident undergraduate tuition and fees at $34,734 a year, plus $10,648 for food and housing on campus.

Is public transport in Albuquerque free?

Yes. ABQ RIDE city buses have no fares, and Rio Metro's regional buses are also fare free.

Can I learn English in Albuquerque?

Yes. UNM runs an Intensive English Program for international students, and an F visa covers study at an English language institute.