Beca Rita Cetina 2026: Official Payment Dates, Amounts, and Registration Guide
For millions of Mexican families, the Beca Rita Cetina is a crucial financial lifeline supporting secondary education. As we enter 2026, beneficiaries are keenly awaiting news on payment schedules and program continuity under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. This universal scholarship, which replaced the Benito Juárez Welfare Scholarships (BBBJ), provides direct cash transfers to students in public secondary schools nationwide. Based on the latest official data and announcements, here is what you need to know about the 2026 cycle.
The program is a cornerstone of the federal government’s social welfare policy. In her first government report, President Sheinbaum highlighted that 5.6 million secondary school students receive this stipend, underscoring its massive scale and importance. While the core mission remains, staying updated on registration windows and deposit dates is essential to avoid missing out.
Beca Rita Cetina 2026: Key Dates and Payment Amounts
The most critical information for beneficiaries revolves around when payments arrive and how much they are. While the official 2026 calendar from the National Coordination is pending, we can project based on established bimestral patterns and past announcements.
The standard scholarship amount for the Rita Cetina program has been $1,900 MXN per student every two months. Furthermore, an additional $700 MXN is provided for each child in the household under a certain age, a significant boost for larger families. Payments are typically deposited directly into the designated bank accounts of beneficiaries.
| Period | Projected Payment Window | Amount (Per Student) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – February 2026 | Late February – Early March 2026 | $1,900 MXN | First payment of the year. |
| March – April 2026 | Late April – Early May 2026 | $1,900 MXN | Follows the bimestral schedule. |
| May – June 2026 | Late June – Early July 2026 | $1,900 MXN | Often precedes summer break. |
| July – August 2026 | Late August – Early September 2026 | $1,900 MXN | May align with back-to-school preparations. |
| September – October 2026 | Late October – Early November 2026 | $1,900 MXN | |
| November – December 2026 | Mid to Late December 2026 | $1,900 MXN | Year-end payment. |
Important: These dates are projections. The official schedule will be published by the National Coordination of Scholarships for Welfare (CNBBBJ). For real-time updates, many beneficiaries use official apps like iBenito | Becas Bienestar Info, which provide updated payment schedules.
Registration and Eligibility for New Students
For new students entering the public secondary school system, registration is a mandatory step. Based on the previous cycle, registration typically opens for a limited window. For example, in 2025, registration for new students was from September 8 to September 20, with extensions sometimes announced, such as one until October 5 as seen on social media channels.
The process is usually conducted by parents or guardians at the student’s school or through designated online platforms. Required documents consistently include:
- Official student ID or proof of enrollment.
- CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) of the student.
- Proof of address and household income (if applicable).
- Bank account details for direct deposit.
Program Context and Future Outlook
The Rita Cetina Scholarship (RCS) is more than just a cash transfer; it’s a key part of Mexico’s social safety net aimed at reducing dropout rates and supporting family economies. As noted in policy studies, it is one of three new major programs created alongside the Women’s Pension and Health in Your Home initiative.
“All students in public secondary schools receive this stipend,” was a key point from President Sheinbaum’s report, reaffirming the universal nature of the program for the target demographic.
While discussions about government budgets surface online, the program’s institutional footprint suggests it remains a priority. Delays, when they occur, are often logistical and resolved. Beneficiaries concerned about payment status should always verify information through official SEP or CNBBBJ channels rather than unverified social media posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the first Beca Rita Cetina payment of 2026 be deposited?
Based on the standard bimestral schedule, the first payment for the January-February 2026 period is projected to be deposited in late February or early March 2026. Always confirm via the official iBenito app or announcements from the Scholarship Coordination.
How much money is the Beca Rita Cetina scholarship per payment?
The scholarship provides $1,900 Mexican Pesos (MXN) every two months for each enrolled secondary school student. An additional $700 MXN is added per qualifying younger child in the same household.
Can I still register my child for the Beca Rita Cetina in 2026?
Registration for new students typically opens once a year, often around September. For the 2026-2027 school year, expect the registration window to be announced in the second half of 2026. Continuing students do not need to re-register annually.
What should I do if my scholarship payment is late?
First, check the official payment schedule for confirmed deposit dates. If your payment is significantly late, contact the administrative office at your child’s school or the state-level representation offices of the National Coordination of Scholarships for Welfare. Avoid sharing personal data on unofficial forums.