The FOBES Agreement: Understanding US-Mexico Higher Education Bilateral Privileges and Cross-Border Tuition
By Muntasir • Published Mar 02, 2026 • Updated May 11, 2026 • Guides
The FOBES agreement facilitates higher education cooperation and cross-border student mobility between the United States and Mexico. Programs like California AB 91 and Texas tuition waivers allow eligible Mexican residents to pay in-state resident tuition. Applicants must pass examinations like TOEFL iBT or EXANI-II to qualify for admission and visa benefits.
Bilateral Cooperation: Structure of the FOBES Framework
The Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation, and Research (FOBES) coordinates academic cooperation between the United States and Mexico. Launched in late 2013 by both governments, this initiative promotes student mobility and joint scientific research. You access bilateral educational benefits through institutional agreements aligned with this federal framework.
| Pillar | Focus Area | Primary Goal | Official Resource |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Mobility | Student and scholar exchanges | Expand cross-border enrollment | SRE Mexico |
| Language Acquisition | English and Spanish proficiency | Remove communication barriers | U.S. Department of State |
| Workforce Development | Strategic industry internships | Prepare students for binational careers | SRE Mexico |
| Scientific Innovation | Joint research partnerships | Connect academic laboratories | CONAHCYT Portal |
California Assembly Bill 91: Cross-Border Tuition Pilot Program
California Assembly Bill 91 (AB 91) establishes a pilot program for low-income Mexican residents living near the border. Signed in October 2023, this legislation permits eligible students to pay in-state tuition rates at participating community colleges. Your eligibility depends on your place of residence and financial status.
- Geographic Limit: You must reside within 45 miles of the California-Mexico border in Baja California.
- Duration of Residence: You must demonstrate residency in this zone for at least one year before enrollment.
- Financial Status: You must meet the low-income criteria defined by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.
- Institutional Limit: Each participating institution permits a maximum of 150 full-time students under this program annually.
- Eligible Colleges: Participating schools belong to the San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Association, including Southwestern College and Imperial Valley College .
- Reciprocity Requirement: The program requires a reciprocal agreement with a university in Baja California to benefit California residents studying there.
- Program Duration: This pilot program remains active until July 1, 2028, with a scheduled repeal on January 1, 2029.
Texas State Education Waivers for Mexican Citizens
Texas offers specialized tuition waivers to eligible Mexican citizens under state education codes. These programs allow you to pay Texas resident tuition rates instead of nonresident fees. You apply for these benefits directly through the university registrar or financial aid office.
| Program Name | Eligible Institutions | Eligibility Criteria | Key Benefit | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Border County Tuition Waiver | Public institutions in counties bordering Mexico | Mexican citizen, residing in Mexico, documented financial need | Texas resident tuition rate | Texas Higher Education |
| Border Nations Waiver | Any public university in Texas | Mexican citizen, residing in Mexico, demonstrated financial need | Texas resident tuition rate | Texas Higher Education |
Academic and Visa Qualification Exams
Securing admission under these cross-border programs requires passing specific examinations. Mexican students entering U.S. colleges must demonstrate English proficiency, while U.S. students entering Mexican universities must complete national admission exams. These test scores determine your academic eligibility and visa support.
| Examination | Administering Body | Target Group | Exam Format and Duration | Scoring System and Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Educational Testing Service | Mexican students entering U.S. institutions | 4 sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing), 2 hours total | 0 to 120 scale, minimum of 80 required by most universities |
| IELTS Academic | IDP and British Council | Alternative for U.S. admission | 4 sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), 2 hours 45 minutes total | 1 to 9 band scale, minimum of 6.5 required by most universities |
| EXANI-II | CENEVAL | U.S. students entering Mexican public universities | 2 main areas (Prerequisites, Specific Knowledge), 4.5 hours total | 700 to 1300 scale, competitive threshold set by each university |
Section-by-Section TOEFL iBT Format and Scoring System
The TOEFL iBT evaluates your academic English skills across four distinct components. Your test performance influences university acceptance and visa documentation.
- Reading Section: 20 questions, 35 minutes, requires reading academic passages and answering comprehension questions.
- Listening Section: 28 questions, 36 minutes, involves listening to lectures and classroom discussions.
- Speaking Section: 4 tasks, 16 minutes, requires speaking into a microphone to express opinions and summarize information.
- Writing Section: 2 tasks, 29 minutes, requires writing essay responses based on reading and listening passages.
- Scoring Scale: Each section yields a score from 0 to 30, summing to a total scale of 0 to 120.
- Score Reporting: Unofficial Reading and Listening scores appear immediately after the test, with official scores released online within 4 to 8 days.
Section-by-Section EXANI-II Format and Scoring System
The EXANI-II assessment evaluates academic readiness for undergraduate studies in Mexico. The exam uses a multiple-choice format with three options per question.
- Common Core Area: Evaluates systematic thinking, reading comprehension, written draft editing, and mathematical reasoning.
- Specific Discipline Area: Tests two subjects related to your chosen degree, such as biology and chemistry for pre-medicine.
- English Diagnostic Area: Measures English reading and written comprehension as a placement tool.
- Scoring System: Raw scores convert to an index scale ranging from 700 to 1300 points, with 1000 representing the national average.
- Score Reporting: Universities receive results within two weeks and notify applicants according to individual admission calendars.
Component-Specific Exam Preparation Strategies
Adequate preparation ensures you achieve the scores required for university admission and tuition waiver applications. Using structured study methods improves your performance.
- Reading and Comprehension Strategy: Read academic journal articles daily and practice summarizing the main arguments without looking at the text.
- Listening and Comprehension Strategy: Listen to academic podcasts or university lectures, taking structured notes on key details and supporting evidence.
- Speaking and Verbal Expression Strategy: Record your responses to sample prompts and analyze your pacing, clarity, and grammatical accuracy.
- Quantitative and Analytical Reasoning Strategy: Solve practice math problems without a calculator to build speed and accuracy under timed conditions.
- Writing and Composition Strategy: Write short, direct essays focused on thesis clarity, paragraph transitions, and precise vocabulary.
Free and Premium Practice Resources
Using official study materials and practice tests improves your performance. You find both free and paid preparation tools online.
- Official Prep Portals: Use the ETS TOEFL Portal for official practice tests and the CENEVAL Portal for the official EXANI-II study guide.
- Mobile Applications: Download official preparation apps to practice vocabulary, grammar, and quantitative concepts during short study intervals.
- Mock Exams: Take full-length, timed mock exams to build endurance and understand pacing requirements.
- YouTube Channels: Watch instructional videos from verified educators explaining specific test-taking strategies and common errors.
Structured Study Plan and Preparation Timeline
A structured timeline ensures you complete all academic, legal, and financial requirements before university deadlines. You must initiate document preparation months in advance to avoid delays in visa processing. This roadmap outlines preparation plans based on your baseline.
- 4-Week Intensive Plan (High Baseline): Complete two full-length practice tests weekly, target weak components, and review incorrect answers daily.
- 8-Week Standard Plan (Intermediate Baseline): Allocate the first four weeks to component-specific skill building and the remaining four weeks to timed practice tests.
- 3-Month Comprehensive Plan (Low Baseline): Dedicate month one to language grammar and vocabulary, month two to test format familiarity, and month three to timed mock exams.
- Application Roadmap: Research participating institutions, register for exams, request tuition waivers from the registrar, and apply for your student visa.