How to Finance Your Graduate Degree Abroad

Finance your Master’s or PhD abroad as a Mexican student. Explore scholarships, loans, interest rates, and smart strategies to reduce costs and maximize funding.

Studying a Master's or PhD abroad is a life-changing investment, but the price tag can be daunting. For Mexican students, the secret to making it work isn't finding one "magic" scholarship, but building a "financial mosaic"—combining government support, specialized low-interest loans, and international credit.

Here is the breakdown of the top funding sources for 2026, including the current interest rates and eligibility requirements.

1. FIDERH (Banco de México)

FIDERH is a federal trust managed by the Bank of Mexico. It is widely considered the best loan option for Mexicans due to its extremely favorable terms.

Amount: Up to $800,000 MXN
Interest Rate: Approximately 5.25% to 7.25% annually (calculated as 0.75 of the TIIE 28-day rate)
Eligibility: Mexican citizens with a minimum GPA of 8.0. You must have an acceptance letter from a recognized university
Key Advantage: You don't pay anything while studying, and you get a 12-month grace period after graduation before payments begin.
Website: fiderh.org.mx

2. SECIHTI Scholarships (Formerly CONACYT)

This is the "gold standard" because it is a scholarship (grant), not a loan. You are not required to pay this back as long as you complete your degree.

Amount: Monthly stipend for living expenses (approx. $1,100 - $1,300 USD depending on the region) + up to $300,000 MXN/year for tuition + health insurance
Interest Rate: 0% (It is a grant)
Eligibility:Mexican students accepted into high-quality programs abroad. Focus is given to "priority areas" like Health, Energy, and Sustainability
Website: secihti.mx

3. FUNED

FUNED is a private non-profit that provides complementary credit for Master’s degrees at the world's top 200 universities.

Amount: Between $5,000 and $15,000 USD
Interest Rate: Historically around 7% to 9%, though they often offer a "grace period" with 0% interest while you are in school
Eligibility: Mexican citizens with a GPA of 8.0 and at least one year of work experience
Key Advantage:They often have "matching" programs with universities that can lead to extra tuition discounts.
Website: funedmx.org

4. Prodigy Finance

If you don't have a co-signer (aval) with property in Mexico, Prodigy is a popular international alternative. They lend based on your "future potential."

Amount: Up to 100% of the cost of attendance (tuition + living)
Interest Rate: Starting from 9.65% APR (Variable). Rates depend on your specific school and program
Eligibility: Open to Mexican students for specific programs (mostly Business, STEM, and Law). No co-signer or collateral is required
Website: prodigyfinance.com

5. Juno (JoinJuno)

Juno uses the power of "group buying." They negotiate with lenders on behalf of a large group of students to get lower rates than an individual could get alone.

Amount: Varies by lender
Interest Rate: Highly competitive; often 1% to 2% lower than standard private US loans. Currently, rates for international students without a US co-signer can range from 11% to 15% APR
Eligibility: International students studying in the US
Website: joinjuno.com

Pro Strategy: The "Refinance" Move

Many students take a loan from a high-interest lender like Prodigy or Juno to get through school. Once they graduate and land a job in the US (under an H-1B or O-1 visa), they use SoFi to refinance that debt.

SoFi Refinancing Rates: Currently between 4.24% and 9.99% Fixed APR

Why do this?

It can cut your interest rate in half, saving you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Quick Comparison

SECIHTI: Scholarship (0%) — Best for research/priority areas
FIDERH: Loan (~7%) — Best for those with a Mexican co-signer
Prodigy: Loan (9.6%+) — Best for those with no co-signer
SoFi: Refinancing (4.2%+) — Best post-graduation (working in US)

Final Tip

New York and other major cities are expensive. Always apply for Institutional Aid directly through your university's financial aid office first—this is "free money" that is often overlooked!

If you're planning to apply to graduate programs abroad, Brujo Method supports candidates through test preparation (GRE/GMAT) and the full admissions process—helping you target schools where your profile can maximize both admission chances and financial aid opportunities.