Ibero-American University

Ibero-American University (Universidad Iberoamericana, UIA) is a private, Catholic, Mexican higher education institution, sponsored by the Mexican province of the Society of Jesus.

The Ibero-American University (Universidad Iberoamericana, UIA) was founded in 1943 by the Society of Jesus, but with the significant aid of Rodolfo Brito Foucher, the rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The university was originally called Centro Cultural Universitario, but grew into a full-scale university after ten years due to the patronage of the business community which donated funds for building the campus and for guaranteeing loans as the university was being established.

The UIA was founded in the context of a post-revolutionary Mexico that was seeking to modernize and develop its economy. The university's founders believed that higher education was essential to this process, and they sought to create an institution that would train leaders for the new Mexico.

The UIA quickly became one of the most prestigious universities in Mexico, known for its high academic standards and its commitment to social justice. The university was also a pioneer in international education, and it established partnerships with universities around the world early on.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the UIA played a leading role in the student movement in Mexico. The university's students and faculty were active in the fight for democracy and social justice, and the UIA campus became a center of political activism.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the UIA continued to grow and expand its offerings. The university opened new campuses in other parts of Mexico and began offering new programs, such as business and engineering. The UIA also strengthened its international ties, and it became a member of the Iberoamerican University Association (Asociación de Universidades Iberoamericanas, AUI), which is a network of over 100 universities in Latin America and Spain.

Today, the UIA is one of the leading universities in Mexico and Latin America. It is known for its academic excellence, its commitment to social justice, and its global outlook. The UIA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, and it is home to a number of research centers and institutes that conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of areas.

The UIA is also a leader in social justice initiatives. The university's Center for Social Responsibility offers programs and services that promote social justice and development in Mexico. The UIA is also home to a number of other social justice-oriented organizations, such as the Center for Human Rights and the Center for Migration Studies.

Ibero-American University is ranked as the #7 top university in Mexico during 2025. The rank decreased by 1 point from last year.