Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) logo

Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP)

Puebla, MX · Ranking #1201

Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is a large public research university located in Puebla City, one of Mexico’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions, with origins dating back to 1587. It offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, natural and health sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, architecture and business. BUAP is consistently ranked among the top public universities in Mexico and appears in major global rankings, supported by strong research output and modern infrastructure. The university has several campuses and research centers across the state, extensive libraries, laboratories, museums and cultural venues, and it promotes international cooperation and academic mobility.

Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) logo

Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP)

About the university

Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is a large public research university located in Puebla City, one of Mexico’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions, with origins dating back to 1587. It offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, natural and health sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, architecture and business. BUAP is consistently ranked among the top public universities in Mexico and appears in major global rankings, supported by strong research output and modern infrastructure. The university has several campuses and research centers across the state, extensive libraries, laboratories, museums and cultural venues, and it promotes international cooperation and academic mobility.

Key information

  • Location: Puebla, MX
  • Ranking #1201
  • QS #1201
  • US News #992
  • National ranking #5
  • Institution type: private

Popular faculties

  • Faculty Of Engineering
  • Faculty Of Chemical Sciences
  • Faculty Of Medicine
  • Faculty Of Nursing
  • Faculty Of Law And Social Sciences
  • Faculty Of Economics
  • Faculty Of Arts
  • Faculty Of Computer Science

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: 116,000
  • Undergraduate: 101,000
  • Graduate: 15,000
  • International students: 1%

Campus life

Campus life at BUAP is centered on several large campuses in Puebla City, including Ciudad Universitaria and historical downtown buildings. Students enjoy access to modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, museums, sports complexes and cultural venues where concerts, film screenings and exhibitions are held. The university organizes academic conferences, book fairs and social responsibility campaigns that connect students with local communities. Puebla’s colonial architecture, gastronomy and relatively affordable cost of living make it an attractive environment for national and international students.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $450 - $900 / per month

Housing options

  • Private apartments in Puebla city
  • Shared student houses
  • Rooms for rent in local families
  • Student residences and boarding houses near campus
  • Short-term hostels and budget hotels for exchange students

Student clubs and organizations

  • Student councils
  • Academic societies by faculty
  • Cultural and arts groups
  • Music and theatre clubs
  • Debate and leadership clubs
  • Volunteer and community service organizations
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation clubs

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Athletics
  • Soccer futsal teams
  • Swimming
  • Martial arts and fitness groups

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • Public and private hospitals in Puebla
  • Manufacturing and automotive companies
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Technology and software firms
  • Public schools and universities
  • State and municipal government agencies
  • Consulting and service companies

Internships: BUAP maintains strong ties with companies, hospitals, schools, research centers and government agencies in Puebla and the surrounding region. Many degree programs require students to complete professional practice or social service, giving them experience in real workplaces in areas such as health, engineering, education, business, public administration and culture. University internship and linkage offices help students secure placements, sign agreements and obtain academic credit. These experiences improve graduates’ employability and create networks with employers at the local, national and international levels.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • Online application form
  • High school certificate or previous degree with official transcripts
  • Valid identification or passport
  • BUAP admission exam results
  • Proof of payment of application and examination fees
  • Photos
  • Proof of Spanish language proficiency for non-native speakers
  • Additional documents requested by the selected program

Minimum GPA: 3

Tuition costs

  • $450 - $750 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 35.00%
  • Scholarships available: BUAP offers a wide range of scholarships funded by the university, federal and state governments and external organizations. Students with strong academic performance or financial need can apply for tuition waivers, maintenance grants, transport support and excellence scholarships. There are also specific programs for research assistants, cultural and sports activities and participation in community projects. International and exchange students may access mobility scholarships through bilateral agreements and national programs such as those offered by Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or partner institutions.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1973
  • Teaching languages: Spanish, English, english, spanish
  • Study formats: offline

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