Physics Schools and Programs in Mexico

Physics Studies in Mexico

In Mexico, physics is studied as a licenciatura, a university bachelor's degree that usually takes four years and leads to the title of licenciado en física. Programmes combine theoretical, experimental and computational work, and many graduates go on to research, teaching or a master's and doctorate in the sciences. Teaching is in Spanish.

SpainExchange lists 3 schools in Mexico that teach physics, one each in Guadalajara, Puebla and Hermosillo: the Universidad de Guadalajara, the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) and the Universidad de Sonora.

How the physics degree is organised

Mexican universities count the licenciatura in semesters and credits, not in ECTS. Each university writes its own study plan, so the options differ:

• Universidad de Sonora (Hermosillo): a Licenciatura en Física of eight semesters, which combines theoretical, experimental and computational studies, and a separate eight-semester Licenciatura en Física Médica
• BUAP (Puebla): the Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas offers a Licenciatura en Física and a Licenciatura en Física Aplicada, next to degrees in mathematics, applied mathematics and actuarial science
• Universidad de Guadalajara: the Licenciatura en Física is taught at the Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías (CUCEI) in Guadalajara

The BUAP study plan shows the typical content. After mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, differential equations) and mechanics, students take electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics, plus four levels of experimental physics. Electives range from astrophysics and particle physics to solid-state physics and biophysics. The plan also includes four foreign-language courses, social service and a professional placement. The applied physics degree adds courses such as data acquisition and the simulation of physical systems, and prepares graduates for fields such as mechatronics, electronics, computing, meteorology and medicine.

Medical physics is a separate path. At the Universidad de Sonora, graduates in medical physics can work, after any certification required by health institutions, in diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and radiation protection.

Admission and language

Each university runs its own admission. The Universidad de Sonora asks for the upper-secondary certificate and a pass in its entrance exam. The BUAP expects applicants to read, write and communicate in academic Spanish. Foreign applicants also need their previous studies recognised. The Universidad de Guadalajara, for example, asks for:

• School certificates legalised by a Mexican consulate or with an apostille
• Revalidation of the studies; for bachelor's and postgraduate level, by the SEP's Departamento de Revalidaciones y Equivalencias
• An official translation of documents from non-Spanish-speaking countries and a grade equivalence table
• Proof of command of the language

Students who only want to spend a term in Mexico can look at mobility programmes: the Universidad de Sonora addresses its programme information also to students interested in a mobility semester.

Master's and doctorate

Research training continues at postgraduate level. The BUAP's Maestría en Ciencias (Física Aplicada) is listed in the national postgraduate system (SNP) of CONAHCYT. It asks for a bachelor's or engineering degree in physics, applied physics, electronics or a related field with an average of at least 8 (out of 10), and the ability to read technical English. Students study full time and have at most two years to finish. The BUAP also offers a doctorate in applied physics.

Visa and costs

Foreign students who will stay longer than 180 days generally need a student visa, according to the Mexican consulate in Chicago, which charges a non-refundable fee of US$56. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that Spanish citizens need a visa to study in Mexico whatever the length of the stay, and that some Spanish students have been refused enrolment without one. After arrival, the visa is exchanged for a migration document at the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM); the Universidad de Guadalajara asks admitted foreign students to obtain authorisation to study from the INM within 90 days.

Fees are set by each institution: at the Universidad de Sonora, for example, enrolment and tuition fees are linked to the minimum wage in Hermosillo.

Recognition and careers

When comparing with private institutions, note that official recognition depends on a RVOE (Reconocimiento de Validez Oficial de Estudios) granted to each study plan; without it, studies give no right to a title or a cédula profesional. According to the BUAP, physics graduates work in basic or applied research at universities and research centres, in technological processes and in teaching at upper-secondary and university level. The Universidad de Sonora adds that its graduates are prepared for a master's degree and a doctorate in the sciences.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a physics degree take in Mexico?

The licenciatura usually takes four years. At the Universidad de Sonora, the Licenciatura en Física lasts eight semesters.

Can I study medical physics in Mexico?

Yes. The Universidad de Sonora offers an eight-semester Licenciatura en Física Médica, focused on applications such as diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy.

Do I need English for a physics master's in Mexico?

Classes are in Spanish, but reading technical English is often required. The BUAP's Maestría en Ciencias (Física Aplicada) lists it as an admission requirement.