Mexico: Growing Enrolment Abroad Despite Political Factors

There is so much to say about Mexico! It’s a vivid palette of Hispanic, Indian and Caribbean cultures brought together under the bright sun, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Mexico is a vibrant, colourful, curious and a truly magical place. But more importantly, it is a country with an increasingly competitive student market.

Numbers on the rise

Because of its favourable geographical position and continuous economic growth, Mexico is estimated to be among the top 20 source markets for outbound students by 2035. Mexico is also the second largest economy in Latin America. Mexican families’ expenditure on education has steadily risen in the recent years. As a result, this student market has become extremely attractive to foreign educators. Households now have the ability and willingness to send their children abroad for schooling. Thus, younger Mexicans are attaining higher levels of education than former generations.

Recent research shows that over 24 million Mexican people are English learners. This number places the country among the world’s biggest markets for ESL programs. Mexican students travel abroad for all kind of studies. These include secondary education, undergraduate degrees, master’s, doctorates, career and vocational programs, as well as graduate and postgraduate certificates.

Outbound Mexican students have increased by 35% for the past few years. The majority are leaving the country to do their Bachelor’s degrees or to pursue English learning programs. 

Many people have been speculating that recent political developments and situations, especially in the US, will affect international enrolment, especially for Mexican students. While it is true that politics and economy will always leave their mark on global student mobility patterns, we have to point out that Mexican enrolment abroad for university studies is growing stronger than ever. Such situations simply mean that educators will need to be more reassuring in their marketing efforts. If your institution has a solid reputation of a safe, welcoming place where diversity is cherished and celebrated, this will always prevail over other factors. 

3 things to know about Mexico as a students market:

• Each year, Mexico sends over 30,000 students abroad at tertiary level alone 

• The top preferred destinations for outbound Mexican students are: US, Spain, France, Germany and UK. Italy, Canada and Australia are also growing in popularity among Mexican students and their families.

• High crime rates in Mexico have widely influenced local family attitudes towards outbound student mobility. Safety of the destination of study has become increasingly important for Mexican parents in recent years and an important detail to consider when recruiting and marketing your institution to Mexican students.

Are you ready to embark on a student recruitment adventure this autumn? Be brave, step out of your comfort zone and explore Mexico with ETN Focus Workshops on 21-22 September in Mexico City. We still have a few spots left, so it’s not too late to secure your place:

See you soon!