Study in Puebla, Mexico

About Puebla

Puebla, capital of the state of the same name, lies in a high valley about 100 kilometres southeast of Mexico City, at over 2,100 metres above sea level. The Spanish founded it in 1531 on the route between the port of Veracruz and Mexico City. Today it is an industrial city with a large colonial centre of 17th- and 18th-century buildings, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Students come to Puebla for its public university, one of the oldest institutions in Mexico, for film and audiovisual training, and for Spanish immersion courses in the historic centre. The city is also known for its cuisine, such as mole poblano and chiles en nogada, and for Talavera pottery.

Studying in Puebla

This directory lists four active schools in Puebla: one university, two film schools and one language school. The Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is a public university whose history goes back to 9 May 1578, when Jesuits settled in the city; in 1587 they founded the Colegio del Espíritu Santo, and around 1670 work began on the building known today as the Carolino. The state congress created the university in 1937, it became autonomous in 1956 and received the title "Benemérita" in 1987. BUAP runs upper-secondary schools (preparatorias), bachelor's degrees (licenciaturas), postgraduate programmes and blended and distance courses.

Film and audiovisual media are a second focus. CINEMA, Escuela de Cinematografía y Medios Audiovisuales, has trained filmmakers for 15 years and offers a bachelor's degree in film and audiovisual media and a master's in cinematography. Both programmes have an RVOE, the official recognition of studies, dated 15 July 2025. CINEARTE, the second film school in the directory, offers film directing training.

Learning Spanish in Puebla

The Spanish Institute of Puebla has taught Spanish immersion programmes since 1984, in a former 17th-century Capuchin convent within walking distance of the Zócalo and the cathedral. Its programme has eight levels of three weeks each, follows the Common European Framework of Reference and the ACTFL guidelines, and students can take one level or all eight. Teaching is 30 hours a week, six hours a day, and courses start about every three weeks; the 2026 calendar begins on 5 January.

Cost of living for students

We found no official figures for student rents or public transport fares in Puebla. As an example of course costs, the Spanish Institute of Puebla lists a three-week programme at US$2,195 with a host family and US$1,645 without, in its current price list (prices may change). The package includes registration, books, a homestay with three meals a day, airport pick-up in Puebla and excursions; pick-up at Mexico City airport costs US$135 extra. Students who prefer not to live with a family can ask the school for help finding a hotel.

Getting around and daily life

The historic centre is compact, and the main sights, markets and cafés are within walking distance of each other. Puebla has its own airport, and many students also arrive through Mexico City airport and continue by road.

Because of the altitude, Puebla is cooler than many visitors expect. At the Puebla weather station of Mexico's national weather service (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, normals for 1991-2020), the average temperature is 14.2 °C in January and 19.0 °C in July; May is the warmest month, at 20.4 °C. Annual rainfall is about 1,045 mm, most of it from June to September.

Visa rules depend on nationality and length of stay. According to the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, holders of a valid visa from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or the Schengen area do not need a Mexican visa for stays of less than 180 days for non-paid activities, and the consulate lists the nationalities that need a visa. For studies longer than 180 days, students apply for a student visa at a Mexican consulate.

Frequently asked questions

Which university is in Puebla?

This directory lists the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), a public university whose origins go back to a Jesuit college of 1587.

Can I study film in Puebla?

Yes. CINEMA offers a bachelor's degree in film and audiovisual media and a master's in cinematography, both with official recognition (RVOE) since July 2025.

How much does a Spanish course in Puebla cost?

Prices vary by school. At the Spanish Institute of Puebla, three weeks of 30-hour-a-week classes cost US$2,195 with a host family and meals, or US$1,645 without accommodation.

What is the weather like in Puebla?

Mild and fairly cool because of the altitude: average temperatures range from about 14 °C in January to 20 °C in May, with a rainy season from June to September.