Institutional Background
In 1625, the College of St. Ignatius of Loyola was founded. By 1869, the school merged with the Civil College of Queretaro. Almost a century later, in 1951, these schools became the University of Querétaro. Seven years later, the University applied for autonomy which was granted by the state and the school became Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro.
The Campus
On the Hill of the Bells, overlooking the university, the Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, Emperor of México faced the firing squad in 1867. A museum detailing the events of this exciting era in Mexican history displays a letter from the Emperor’s mother telling him that must accept his fate bravely.
Fields of Study
The University offers 31 undegraduate degree programs and 20 graduate degree programs. Among the master’s programs at the University which have been evaluated as excellent by Mexico’s National Council on Science and Technology are: Systems in Transportation Engineering, Food Sciences, and Educational Psychology.
Computers
UAQ is equipped with computers. Students must pay a small fee for their use at the beginning of every semester.
Library
The library contains 87,549 volumes , 563 magazines and 42 data base in c.d. Like many Mexican universities, the focus is being placed on connecting to international databases rather than investing heavily in books.
Cafeteria
Each building has a cafeteria providing students with everything from snacks to full meals.
Extracurricular Activities
Students can participate in theater and dance.
Accommodations
The university can arrange accommodations with Mexican families for approximately $ 250 per month including two meals per day.
Calendar
The school follows a two-semester system. The first semester begins in late July and ends in late November, the second semester runs from the middle of January to the beginning of June.
Summer & Winter Programs
Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro offers summer and winter programs for foreign students. Not all classes are given in Spanish. Courses include Prehispanic Culture, Mexican Culture, Mexican Muralists and Spanish. The Spanish courses and those on Mexican civilization and literature are available during the summer from mid-June to mid-July, and in winter from early November to early December.
Something Special
Querétaro is at the forefront of combining very pleasant living conditions with incentives to attract industry. In addition to the University’s internal growth and achievement, it has sought to extend academic links beyond its borders to include agreements with schools in the United States and Canada.
Further information about the University, its programs, admission and enrollment procedures are available on request by writing to:
Dr. Francisco Javier Vallejo Jauregui
Director of Academic Exchange Programs
Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro
Centro Universitario
Cerro de las Campanas
76010 Querétaro, Qro.
Telephone: 011-52(42) 16-32-42 ext. 144 y 145
Fax: 011-52(42) 16-49-17 or 15-51-33
email : VaJa@sunserver.uaq.mx