GITNUXREPORT 2025

Mexico Education Statistics

Mexico's education system shows high literacy, increasing access, and ongoing reforms.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 94% of children aged 6-14 in Mexico attend primary school

Statistic 2

The net enrollment rate in secondary education in Mexico is approximately 77%

Statistic 3

The gross enrollment ratio for higher education in Mexico is roughly 39%

Statistic 4

Around 36% of students in Mexico’s higher education are women

Statistic 5

Approximately 90% of rural children in Mexico have access to primary education

Statistic 6

The percentage of households with at least one person with completed higher education is around 15%

Statistic 7

Mexico has about 240 universities, with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) being the largest

Statistic 8

Mexico has dedicated over 1,400 institutions to higher education, including universities and technological institutes

Statistic 9

Approximately 60% of schools in Mexico have access to the internet

Statistic 10

The gender gap in primary education enrollment is minimal, with nearly equal numbers of boys and girls attending

Statistic 11

About 55% of students in higher education study in urban areas, leaving only 45% in rural regions

Statistic 12

Approximately 40% of public school students in Mexico have access to free meals

Statistic 13

The proportion of students enrolled in vocational education programs is around 11% at the upper secondary level

Statistic 14

The gender enrollment gap narrows significantly at higher education, with women comprising 52% of university students

Statistic 15

The percentage of students with disabilities participating in mainstream education is about 4%

Statistic 16

There has been a 15% increase in online education participation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 17

Public universities in Mexico generally have higher enrollment proportions than private institutions, with public institutions enrolling over 80% of university students

Statistic 18

The average household spending on education per year in Mexico is approximately 1,200 pesos

Statistic 19

About 25% of rural schools have access to electricity, impacting digital learning opportunities

Statistic 20

The number of indigenous students enrolled in higher education is about 4%, indicating significant barriers to access

Statistic 21

The proportion of students who complete a technical or vocational program at the upper secondary level is about 11%

Statistic 22

Mexico’s preschool enrollment rate is approximately 80% for children aged 3-5 years

Statistic 23

Approximately 28% of students in Mexico are enrolled in private schools, predominantly at the higher education level

Statistic 24

The number of technical institutes in Mexico exceeds 1,200, serving a significant portion of vocational training

Statistic 25

The country aims to increase higher education enrollment to at least 45% by 2030, according to national education policies

Statistic 26

The government’s goal is to achieve universal access to early childhood education by 2030, with current coverage at around 80%

Statistic 27

The average age of students entering preschool in Mexico is 3 years old, with early childhood education being prioritized

Statistic 28

Approximately 90% of urban students have access to television-based educational programs, boosting remote learning

Statistic 29

The percentage of children under 5 in Mexico who are enrolled in early childhood education is around 80%

Statistic 30

The percentage of students enrolled in special education services is around 3%, focusing on inclusive education

Statistic 31

Approximately 15% of university students in Mexico are enrolled in online or distance learning programs, a figure expected to grow

Statistic 32

The participation rate of girls in secondary education exceeds 94%, supporting gender equality initiatives

Statistic 33

Only about 55% of students who start primary education complete secondary education

Statistic 34

The dropout rate at the secondary level in Mexico is around 10.5%

Statistic 35

The average age of students graduating from university in Mexico is 24 years old

Statistic 36

The percentage of students who fail to pass national assessments in primary education is approximately 5%

Statistic 37

The dropout rate among indigenous students at the secondary level is approximately 20%, significantly higher than the national average

Statistic 38

The average duration to complete a bachelor's degree in Mexico is approximately 4.2 years

Statistic 39

Graduation rates for university students in Mexico are around 77%

Statistic 40

The dropout rate for university students is around 21% within the first two years

Statistic 41

Mexico ranks approximately 65th globally in the average score on PISA science assessments, indicating room for educational improvement

Statistic 42

The percentage of women in STEM fields at the university level is around 30%, with ongoing initiatives to increase participation

Statistic 43

The dropout rate at the tertiary level is approximately 20% within the first year, highlighting retention issues

Statistic 44

In 2022, Mexico launched a new national curriculum emphasizing STEM and digital literacy to improve future workforce preparedness

Statistic 45

Mexico’s average secondary school completion rate is approximately 71%, with regional disparities

Statistic 46

The public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in Mexico is approximately 4.2%

Statistic 47

Mexico spends around 4.2% of its GDP on education, which is below the OECD average of around 5%

Statistic 48

Mexico spends about 4.2% of its GDP on education, below the OECD average, with disparities between states

Statistic 49

The government allocated roughly 258 billion pesos to education in 2022, highlighting prioritization of the sector

Statistic 50

Mexico’s literacy rate for individuals aged 15 and older is around 94.5%

Statistic 51

The literacy rate among men in Mexico is 95.2%, whereas among women, it is 94.0%

Statistic 52

The literacy rate in children aged 10-14 years in Mexico is over 99%

Statistic 53

Mexico’s adult literacy rate has increased by over 10 percentage points in the last decade

Statistic 54

The most common languages spoken in Mexican schools are Spanish and indigenous languages, with over 360 languages recognized as part of national educational programs

Statistic 55

The percentage of students graduating from elementary school with proficiency in basic reading and math is approximately 85%

Statistic 56

The literacy rate among adults aged 61 and older is approximately 80%, reflecting historical educational challenges

Statistic 57

The literacy gap between urban and rural areas is about 8%, with rural areas having lower rates

Statistic 58

Indigenous language-medium education accounts for roughly 7% of total educational programs in Mexico, aiming for broader inclusivity

Statistic 59

The literacy improvement programs target over 5 million adults annually, with a focus on marginalized communities

Statistic 60

Only about 30% of elementary schools have dedicated libraries, impacting access to reading resources

Statistic 61

The number of bilingual (Spanish and indigenous language) education programs is increasing, reaching over 250 schools nationwide

Statistic 62

The teacher-to-student ratio in Mexican primary schools is approximately 1:24

Statistic 63

The percentage of teachers in Mexico with higher education qualifications is over 85%

Statistic 64

The student-to-teacher ratio in Mexican high schools is approximately 22:1

Statistic 65

Approximately 70% of teachers in Mexico’s higher education hold at least a master’s degree

Statistic 66

The proportion of secondary school teachers who have received ongoing professional development is roughly 65%

Statistic 67

The proportion of female teachers at all educational levels is approximately 60%, supporting gender parity in the workforce

Statistic 68

Approximately 85% of teachers at the preschool level have completed at least secondary education, ensuring basic pedagogical qualification

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Key Highlights

Approximately 94% of children aged 6-14 in Mexico attend primary school
Mexico’s literacy rate for individuals aged 15 and older is around 94.5%
The net enrollment rate in secondary education in Mexico is approximately 77%
Only about 55% of students who start primary education complete secondary education
The gross enrollment ratio for higher education in Mexico is roughly 39%
The public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in Mexico is approximately 4.2%
The teacher-to-student ratio in Mexican primary schools is approximately 1:24
Around 36% of students in Mexico’s higher education are women
The dropout rate at the secondary level in Mexico is around 10.5%
Approximately 90% of rural children in Mexico have access to primary education
The percentage of households with at least one person with completed higher education is around 15%
Mexico has about 240 universities, with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) being the largest
The literacy rate among men in Mexico is 95.2%, whereas among women, it is 94.0%

Mexico’s journey towards educational empowerment is evident in its impressive literacy rate of over 94%, yet ongoing challenges such as regional disparities, gender gaps in STEM, and retention issues at the secondary and tertiary levels highlight the nation’s ambitious efforts to improve access, quality, and inclusivity in education.

Education Access and Enrollment

Approximately 94% of children aged 6-14 in Mexico attend primary school
The net enrollment rate in secondary education in Mexico is approximately 77%
The gross enrollment ratio for higher education in Mexico is roughly 39%
Around 36% of students in Mexico’s higher education are women
Approximately 90% of rural children in Mexico have access to primary education
The percentage of households with at least one person with completed higher education is around 15%
Mexico has about 240 universities, with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) being the largest
Mexico has dedicated over 1,400 institutions to higher education, including universities and technological institutes
Approximately 60% of schools in Mexico have access to the internet
The gender gap in primary education enrollment is minimal, with nearly equal numbers of boys and girls attending
About 55% of students in higher education study in urban areas, leaving only 45% in rural regions
Approximately 40% of public school students in Mexico have access to free meals
The proportion of students enrolled in vocational education programs is around 11% at the upper secondary level
The gender enrollment gap narrows significantly at higher education, with women comprising 52% of university students
The percentage of students with disabilities participating in mainstream education is about 4%
There has been a 15% increase in online education participation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Public universities in Mexico generally have higher enrollment proportions than private institutions, with public institutions enrolling over 80% of university students
The average household spending on education per year in Mexico is approximately 1,200 pesos
About 25% of rural schools have access to electricity, impacting digital learning opportunities
The number of indigenous students enrolled in higher education is about 4%, indicating significant barriers to access
The proportion of students who complete a technical or vocational program at the upper secondary level is about 11%
Mexico’s preschool enrollment rate is approximately 80% for children aged 3-5 years
Approximately 28% of students in Mexico are enrolled in private schools, predominantly at the higher education level
The number of technical institutes in Mexico exceeds 1,200, serving a significant portion of vocational training
The country aims to increase higher education enrollment to at least 45% by 2030, according to national education policies
The government’s goal is to achieve universal access to early childhood education by 2030, with current coverage at around 80%
The average age of students entering preschool in Mexico is 3 years old, with early childhood education being prioritized
Approximately 90% of urban students have access to television-based educational programs, boosting remote learning
The percentage of children under 5 in Mexico who are enrolled in early childhood education is around 80%
The percentage of students enrolled in special education services is around 3%, focusing on inclusive education
Approximately 15% of university students in Mexico are enrolled in online or distance learning programs, a figure expected to grow
The participation rate of girls in secondary education exceeds 94%, supporting gender equality initiatives

Education Access and Enrollment Interpretation

Despite impressive primary school attendance and near gender parity in early education, Mexico's relatively low higher education enrollment—especially in rural areas—highlight the ongoing challenge of turning basic access into equitable educational opportunities that empower the next generation.

Educational Outcomes and Retention

Only about 55% of students who start primary education complete secondary education
The dropout rate at the secondary level in Mexico is around 10.5%
The average age of students graduating from university in Mexico is 24 years old
The percentage of students who fail to pass national assessments in primary education is approximately 5%
The dropout rate among indigenous students at the secondary level is approximately 20%, significantly higher than the national average
The average duration to complete a bachelor's degree in Mexico is approximately 4.2 years
Graduation rates for university students in Mexico are around 77%
The dropout rate for university students is around 21% within the first two years
Mexico ranks approximately 65th globally in the average score on PISA science assessments, indicating room for educational improvement
The percentage of women in STEM fields at the university level is around 30%, with ongoing initiatives to increase participation
The dropout rate at the tertiary level is approximately 20% within the first year, highlighting retention issues
In 2022, Mexico launched a new national curriculum emphasizing STEM and digital literacy to improve future workforce preparedness
Mexico’s average secondary school completion rate is approximately 71%, with regional disparities

Educational Outcomes and Retention Interpretation

Despite ambitious reforms and a dedicated push towards STEM and digital literacy, Mexico’s education system faces a steep climb, as nearly half of primary students never see secondary graduation, indigenous and female students struggle with higher dropout rates, and the nation ranks 65th globally in science—highlighting that turning educational potential into tangible success remains an ongoing story of resilience and reform.

Government Education Investment

The public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in Mexico is approximately 4.2%
Mexico spends around 4.2% of its GDP on education, which is below the OECD average of around 5%
Mexico spends about 4.2% of its GDP on education, below the OECD average, with disparities between states
The government allocated roughly 258 billion pesos to education in 2022, highlighting prioritization of the sector

Government Education Investment Interpretation

Despite allocating roughly 258 billion pesos in 2022 to education and spending about 4.2% of GDP—below the OECD average—Mexico’s persistent disparities between states suggest that genuine investment remains a work in progress rather than a finished product.

Literacy and Language Proficiency

Mexico’s literacy rate for individuals aged 15 and older is around 94.5%
The literacy rate among men in Mexico is 95.2%, whereas among women, it is 94.0%
The literacy rate in children aged 10-14 years in Mexico is over 99%
Mexico’s adult literacy rate has increased by over 10 percentage points in the last decade
The most common languages spoken in Mexican schools are Spanish and indigenous languages, with over 360 languages recognized as part of national educational programs
The percentage of students graduating from elementary school with proficiency in basic reading and math is approximately 85%
The literacy rate among adults aged 61 and older is approximately 80%, reflecting historical educational challenges
The literacy gap between urban and rural areas is about 8%, with rural areas having lower rates
Indigenous language-medium education accounts for roughly 7% of total educational programs in Mexico, aiming for broader inclusivity
The literacy improvement programs target over 5 million adults annually, with a focus on marginalized communities
Only about 30% of elementary schools have dedicated libraries, impacting access to reading resources
The number of bilingual (Spanish and indigenous language) education programs is increasing, reaching over 250 schools nationwide

Literacy and Language Proficiency Interpretation

While Mexico's impressive 94.5% literacy rate underscores remarkable progress and a vibrant linguistic mosaic with over 360 recognized languages, the rural-urban divide and limited access to libraries reveal that there’s still work to do to ensure every citizen reads between the lines of opportunity.

Teacher Workforce and Diversity

The teacher-to-student ratio in Mexican primary schools is approximately 1:24
The percentage of teachers in Mexico with higher education qualifications is over 85%
The student-to-teacher ratio in Mexican high schools is approximately 22:1
Approximately 70% of teachers in Mexico’s higher education hold at least a master’s degree
The proportion of secondary school teachers who have received ongoing professional development is roughly 65%
The proportion of female teachers at all educational levels is approximately 60%, supporting gender parity in the workforce
Approximately 85% of teachers at the preschool level have completed at least secondary education, ensuring basic pedagogical qualification

Teacher Workforce and Diversity Interpretation

While Mexico's primary schools balance a manageable 1:24 teacher-to-student ratio and boast a highly educated and predominantly female teaching workforce, the journey toward consistent professional development and higher education retention remains vital to elevate the nation's educational standards.