The Mexican government announced that it will correct the budget allocated to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) for 2025. Both institutions will receive a 3.5 percent increase compared to the previous year, fulfilling the promise of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit stated that the initial cut in the Federation's Expenditure Budget was due to a "regrettable error." They are working with the Budget Commission of the Chamber of Deputies to ensure the budget increase for both institutions, as instructed by the president since the budget preparation.
Initially, the proposed budget included a real reduction of 9.5 percent in the UNAM subsidy, which generated criticism and concerns. UNAM warned that this reduction would impact thousands of scholarship beneficiaries and affect academic and research development.
The Ministry of Finance indicated that they are already working on correcting the figures alongside the Budget Commission of the Chamber of Deputies to ensure the budget increase in line with inflation. This action will guarantee that UNAM and IPN receive the necessary support for their academic and research activities.
With this rectification, there will be a budget increase for both institutions, in line with the federal government's educational policy. Total spending on education will increase by 11,869 million pesos in 2025, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening public higher education institutions.
The notification of the correction was sent to the rector of UNAM and the general director of IPN, who had raised concerns about the potential negative repercussions of a cut in their budgets on student support and academic and research development.
