Universidad Nacional Rosario Castellanos: A Beacon of Accessible Higher Education in Mexico
Mexico City, January 9, 2026 – The Universidad Nacional Rosario Castellanos (UNRC), named after the renowned Mexican poet and feminist Rosario Castellanos, continues to expand its reach, providing free, quality higher education to thousands of students across Mexico. Founded in 2019 as an institute and elevated to national university status in 2024, it aims to democratize access to education without entrance exams.
History and Founding
The UNRC originated from a pilot program in 2017 under the administration of then-Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. It began as the Centro de Estudios Superiores in Gustavo A. Madero and Coyoacán districts. By 2019, it was officially established as the Instituto de Estudios Superiores Rosario Castellanos, and in 2023, it gained university status. In December 2024, President Sheinbaum signed a decree transforming it into a national institution, with plans for campuses in every state by 2030.
Current Expansion and Offerings
As of January 2026, the UNRC has over 70,000 enrolled students across 21 academic units in Mexico City, Baja California, Chiapas, San Luis Potosí, Estado de México, and Yucatán. It offers 19 bachelor’s degrees, three specialties, seven master’s programs, and three doctorates in modalities including in-person, hybrid, and online. New campuses are under construction in Michoacán, Puebla, Sonora, Quintana Roo, and Tamaulipas, with operations set to begin in 2026. The university emphasizes innovative curricula in areas like environmental sciences, data science, and humanities, aligning with Mexico’s Nueva Escuela Mexicana framework.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2019 (as institute); 2024 (as national university) |
| Enrollment | Over 70,000 students |
| Campuses | 21 units across 6 states; more planned nationwide |
| Programs | 19 bachelor’s, 7 master’s, 3 doctorates |
| Modalities | In-person, hybrid, online |
| Tuition | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process for the Universidad Nacional Rosario Castellanos?
Admission is open to anyone with a high school diploma. No entrance exams are required. Applicants register online, complete a preparatory course (PIRC), and submit documents like birth certificate, ID, and transcripts.
Where are the campuses located?
Campuses are in Mexico City (e.g., Gustavo A. Madero, Coyoacán), and expanding to states like Baja California (Tijuana), Chiapas (Comitán), and others. New sites in Michoacán, Puebla, and Sonora are scheduled for 2026.
What programs does the university offer?
It provides degrees in fields such as environmental sciences, law, economics, philosophy, data science, and more, with options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.