About the university

The Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS) is a public state university based in La Paz, with extension campuses in Guerrero Negro, Loreto, Ciudad Insurgentes and Los Cabos. Created in 1975, it offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in marine biology, agronomy, economics, engineering, geology, social sciences, humanities and other fields related to the development of the Baja California Sur region. The university has a strong focus on marine and environmental sciences, coastal management and sustainable use of natural resources. Students benefit from laboratories, libraries, research vessels, experimental fields and close links with government agencies and productive sectors.

Key information

• Location: La Paz, MX
• Ranking #1401
• National ranking #70
• Institution type: public

Popular faculties

• Faculty Of Marine Biology
• Faculty Of Agricultural Sciences
• Faculty Of Economics
• Faculty Of Engineering
• Faculty Of Earth Sciences
• Faculty Of Social Sciences And Humanities
• Faculty Of Fisheries And Ocean Sciences

Programs (29)

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Finance and Accounting
• Marketing
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Law
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Philosophy
• History
• Linguistics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Environmental Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Education
• Fine Arts
• Music

Student body

• Total students: 8,500
• International students: 2%

Campus life

Campus life at UABCS in La Paz is closely connected to the surrounding desert and marine environments. Students attend classes in modern buildings and laboratories and participate in field trips, research cruises and community projects along the coast of the Gulf of California. Cultural activities, exhibitions, concerts and academic events take place in auditoriums and open spaces on campus. The city of La Paz offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with access to beaches, ecotourism and local seafood, which complements the academic focus on sustainability and marine ecosystems.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $300 - $600 / per month

Housing options

• Private apartments in La Paz
• Shared student houses
• Rooms for rent in local families
• Small studios near campus
• Short-term hostels and guesthouses for exchange students

Student clubs and organizations

• Student councils
• Environmental and marine conservation groups
• Cultural and arts clubs
• Sports and outdoor activity clubs
• Academic societies by program
• Volunteer and community service organizations

Sports

• Football
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Athletics
• Swimming and water sports
• Fitness and recreational sports groups

Career & internships

Employment rate: 80%

Partner companies

• Government agencies of Baja California Sur
• Environmental and marine research institutes
• Fisheries and aquaculture companies
• Tourism and ecotourism operators
• Agricultural and ranching enterprises
• Local service and consulting firms

Internships: The Autonomous University of Baja California Sur collaborates with government agencies, research institutes, fisheries, tourism companies and environmental organizations in the region. Many programs require students to complete professional practice or social service, often in coastal communities, protected natural areas, farms or local businesses. Internship offices and academic coordinators help students arrange placements and supervise projects related to marine conservation, agriculture, public administration and community development. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in real contexts and improve their chances of employment in regional sectors.

Admission requirements

Required documents

• Application form
• Official high school certificate or previous degree with transcripts
• Valid identification or passport
• Entrance examination results if required
• Proof of payment of admission fees
• Photos
• Proof of Spanish language proficiency for non-native speakers
• Additional documents requested by the chosen program

Tuition costs

• $550 - $750 / per year
• Acceptance rate: 60.00%
• Scholarships available: As a public Mexican university, UABCS offers access to federal and state scholarship programs that support students with financial need or strong academic performance. These include tuition fee reductions, maintenance grants and social support for low-income students. The university also manages its own institutional scholarships and participates in external schemes linked to research projects, environmental initiatives and community work. Some students benefit from CONACYT and other national funds at the postgraduate level. Detailed calls and requirements are published on the UABCS website and through student services.

Quick facts

• Founded: 1976
• Teaching languages: Spanish, english, spanish
• Study formats: offline

Contact

• Website: https://www.uabcs.mx
• +52 612 123 8800