ITESM/Tecnológico de Monterrey
With 6 campuses throughout Mexico to choose from, a wide variety of courses taught in English, and unique opportunities for research or hands-on learning, Tec is a great choice for everyone!
Study at one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America! Ranked #2 in Mexico and #187 globally (QS 2026), with one of only 90 business schools worldwide claiming Triple Crown accreditation, Tec embraces an educational model of challenge-based learning, empowering students to gain the skills & competencies needed to approach challenges both strategically and creatively. Many of their academic programs take a hands-on approach, collaborating with local industries and organizations. With 33% of their student population having an international experience, and 84% deeply involved in community work and social commitments, Tec's culture is nothing short of welcoming, diverse, and inclusive.
Key information
Student experience
International students talk about their experience at Tec
Program details
The information below was last updated in June 2026
Tec offers a wide selection of courses across the arts (political science, media & communications, art & design, cultural studies, economics, etc.), sciences (biology, math, computer science, agriculture & food, etc.), engineering (bioengineering, civil engineering, industrial engineering, mechatronics, sustainable technologies, etc.), business (accounting, entrepreneurship, international business, etc.), health science, education, and law (only available for UCalgary JD Law students).
Many courses are available in English. Students with advanced Spanish skills can also take Spanish-taught courses. Browse courses here! Be sure to select your desired campus, as not all courses are offered at all campuses. Tec has also provided a spreadsheet of English-taught courses (tentative).
Beyond regular courses, exchange students can also participate in:
- Spanish as a Second Language - Spanish language courses from beginner to advanced, and Mexican culture courses. It may be possible to dedicate your exchange to the second language program, or to combine some language/culture courses with regular courses.
- Undergraduate Research Projects - a variety of research projects are offered during the semester, which can be combined with regular courses. The research project offers academic credit, although it will be up to your UCalgary academic advisor whether or not it can be counted towards your degree.
- Focus Programs - unique specialized programs in various fields, designed for immersive hands-on learning. Most focus programs are worth 12-15 Tec credits, so exchange students take one or two regular courses on top.
Exchange students at Tec are required to take a full-time courseload, which is 18 Tec credits. This equates back to UCalgary as 15 units, or 5 courses. Please review your course selection with your academic advisor to confirm how the courses will transfer to your UCalgary degree.
The academic year is divided into two semesters:
- Fall semester runs from early August to early December
- Spring (Winter) semester runs from early February to mid-June
Note, it is usually not possible to arrive late or leave early. In Mexico, class attendance is mandatory and graded, which can have a negative impact if students miss classes repeatedly.
Tec also offers great summer programs, which can be taken separately or combined with a semester exchange.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Tec has provided a cost of living calculator online. According to their estimates, exchange students may spend between $5,500-9,000 CAD for one semester. This amount varies depending on your choice of accommodation and your personal lifestyle. (For example, staying with a host family may be the most affordable, as the host provides 3 daily meals. If you regularly eat out or purchase food on campus, it may add up faster than if you buy groceries and cook for yourself.)
Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc. in your budget planning. Canadian passport holders generally do not require a visa to study for 1 semester in Mexico, but you should always check with the immigration authority to be certain.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while studying abroad, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are otherwise eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award. Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
The Mexican Government also offers an Award for International Students (including exchange students).
Options available to exchange students include homestay, student residences, and off-campus accommodation.
Currently, student residences are available at Campus Monterrey, Guadalajara, Puebla, and Querétaro. Homestay is possible at all campuses except Santa Fe, and students can arrange private off-campus accommodation at any campus. Tec provides general housing information online. After you are admitted for exchange, your campus coordinator will provide more detailed information.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
In order to attend Spanish-taught courses, students must have B1 level Spanish proficiency (roughly equivalent to passing SPAN 303, or taking 4 semesters of Spanish courses at UCalgary). A language test will be administered by Tec before you can enroll in courses.
There is no language requirement if students take English-taught courses!
For applicants from the UCalgary Faculty of Law, a minimum GPA of 2.7 is required, as well as an academic reference letter. The reference must be submitted at the time of your application to UCalgary.
Tec is highly international, diverse, and welcoming. They have 6 campuses across Mexico: Puebla, Ciudad de México, Santa Fe, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Querétaro. Exchange students are welcome to choose any campus that aligns with your personal and academic needs. Check out Passport to Mexico, a short zine that highlights each campus!
Tec's "LiFE" strategy highlights the importance of balance for students in all aspects of their personal, social, and academic life. Many programs are offered at each of the campuses, such as student clubs, cultural workshops, theatre/dance/music companies, athletics classes, and both recreational & competitive sports.
See the Tec FAQ page for other useful information.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Kathryn Bauer
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.