Higher Education and Demographic Changes in Mexico

Abstract

This chapter provides a general overview of the recent changes in Mexico’s demographic dynamics and their implications for higher education. Secondly, it presents some features of student diversity, in terms of economic background, the presence of adults in higher education institutions, and the participation of indigenous population at this educational level. Thirdly, we discuss the implications that changes in international migration patterns have on the Mexican educational system, especially those caused by the tightening of immigration policies in the United States, and the increase in the proportion of Mexican migrants to other countries, especially to United States, within secondary and higher education. Finally, we highlight the need for a system of higher education that responds to demographic changes, with equity as the guiding principle of policy and practice reforms. This implies the expansion of higher education system to enrol more and diverse students, the diversification of the educational offering, the development of educational models adjusted to the interests and needs of heterogeneous students, and the development of programmes for the expeditious recognition of studies carried out abroad by Mexican students deported from the United States.