The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) will receive a budget of 45 billion 58 million pesos for the upcoming year, which implies a cut of 14.32% in real terms compared to 2024, according to the 2025 Economic Package published by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP).
The rector of UNAM, Leonardo Lomelí, had requested a budget of 52 billion 500 million pesos for 2025, highlighting the growth of enrollment by 24 thousand 167 students in the last six years despite the lack of real increase in the budget.
In his first report, Lomelí mentioned that the university is more than just numbers and classrooms, being a pillar of social transformation and a source of pride for Mexico. He affirmed that every peso allocated is managed responsibly in search of the maximum benefit for the community and the country.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, while respecting university autonomy, suggested that UNAM will need to adjust its expenses, pointing out the importance of republican austerity. Sheinbaum also announced that resources will be allocated to strengthen upper secondary education and the Benito Juárez Universities, as well as to create the Institute of Higher Studies "Rosario Castellanos."
In 2024, UNAM had a budget of 50 billion 418 million pesos, complemented by 5 billion 540 million from its own income, distributed mainly in teaching, research, university extension, and institutional management.
In addition to UNAM, other institutions such as the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), and the College of Mexico will experience budget reductions. IPN will have a budget of 19 billion 170 million pesos, UAM of 8 billion 128 million, and the College of Mexico of 722 million, reflecting decreases in real terms.
The Universities for the Well-being Benito Juárez, on the other hand, will see a significant increase in their budget for 2025. Additionally, in the 2025 Economic Package, there is an increase in direct support for students, with Benito Juárez welfare scholarships reaching a fund of 132 billion 278 million pesos, 43.5% more than the previous year.
