The University of Lethbridge has reached an agreement with Mexico’s national council of science and technology that will see fully-funded Mexican graduate students study at its campus.

Under the agreement, Mexican students who are accepted and enrolled in a master’s or PhD program at the U of L will have a significant portion of their tuition fees and living expenses paid for by the National Council of Science and Technology of the United Mexican States (CONACYT).

Additionally, the agreement will open the door for Lethbridge and Mexican master’s and PhD students to participate in fellowship visits that will last up to one year. These visits are for the purpose of allowing Lethbridge and Mexican students the opportunity to acquire expertise in specific research projects.

“This agreement will provide Mexican graduate students an incredible opportunity to study at our university,” says U of L Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Rob Wood, adding that the continued internationalization of the University will benefit all students. “Just as important, these students will enrich our campus through the interactions and collaborations they have with our Canadian students and other international undergraduate and graduate students.”

The U of L is currently the institution of choice for nearly 500 international students representing 87 different countries.

CONACYT is an agency of the Mexican federal Government aimed at strengthening the country's scientific and technological capabilities.  Areas of strategic importance for the organization include health, natural resources and the environment, alternative energy, education, social development, information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and transportation.  CONACYT administers several funding programs in education for the development of human capital in Mexico.

U of L President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, says agreements like these will have a lasting impact, not only for students, but also for their countries.

“Universities play an important role in building relationships between nations,” says Mahon. “This collaboration will have lasting and positive economic and quality of life impacts that will benefit both Canada and Mexico.”

Building international connections is a key component of the University’s strategic direction to enhance relationships with external communities, as detailed in Destination 2020 – the U of L’s strategic plan.