Logo of Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Mexico Founded 1936 World Rank #834

Overview

English Name: National Polytechnic Institute
Local Name: National Polytechnic Institute
Acronyms: IPN
Founded: 1936
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #834
Rank in Mexico: #3
Motto: La Técnica al servicio de la Patria
Colours: Burgundy and white
Mascot: Burro blanco
Instituto Politécnico Nacional institutional setting
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Founded in 1936, the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (National Polytechnic Institute) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Mexico City (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).

This institution also has branch campuses in Naucalpan de Juárez, Ecatepec, Pachuca, León and Zacatecas. Officially recognized by the Secretaría de Educación Pública, Mexico (Secretariat of Public Education of Mexico), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) is a very large-sized coeducational Mexican higher education institution.

Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 88-year-old Mexican higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this Mexican higher education organization a very selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. IPN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Instituto Politécnico Nacional's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.

Address: Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos Avenida Luis Enrique Erro s/n, Col. Zacatenco Delegación Gustavo A. Madero
Postal Code: 07738
Phone: +52 (55) 5729 6003
Fax: +52 (55) 5729 6001
Social Media:

Academic Details

Instituto Politécnico Nacional's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.

Academic Year: August – December; January - June
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (bachillerato) and entrance examination
Total Students: 140,458
Student Enrollment: 0
Academic Staff Range: over-5,000
Full-Time Academic Staff: 8,386
Academic Staff with Doctorate: 1,803
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior (ANUIES)

Degrees

The degree levels available at Instituto Politécnico Nacional — bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and others — are organised below. Each tier signals a different depth of specialisation and minimum study duration.

Doctoral 31 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Administration
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Architecture
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biomedicine
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Epidemiology
  • Food Science
  • Heritage Preservation
  • Marine Science and Oceanography
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Molecular Biology
  • Natural Resources
  • Physics
  • Robotics
  • Science Education
  • Technology
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Town Planning
Other 79 programs
  • Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  • Administration
  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Anaesthesiology
  • Architectural Restoration
  • Architecture
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biomedicine
  • Biotechnology
  • Business and Commerce
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Educational Administration
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • Food Science
  • Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
  • Genetics
  • Gerontology
  • Haematology
  • Health Sciences
  • Homeopathic Medicine
  • Hygiene
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Insurance
  • Maintenance Technology
  • Marine Science and Oceanography
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical Technology
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Microelectronics
  • Midwifery
  • Molecular Biology
  • Natural Resources
  • Natural Sciences
  • Neurosciences
  • Nutrition
  • Occupational Health
  • Optometry
  • Paediatrics
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Physics
  • Production Engineering
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Real Estate
  • Road Transport
  • Safety Engineering
  • Science Education
  • Small Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Sports Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Systems Analysis
  • Taxation
  • Technology
  • Technology Education
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Textile Technology
  • Thermal Engineering
  • Tourism
  • Town Planning

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Secretaría de Educación Pública, Mexico.

Interdisciplinary Center of Health Sciences - Milpa Alta Unit (Centre) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Optometry
  • Social Work
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences - St. Thomas Unit (Centre) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Chemical Engineering and Extractive Industries (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Petroleum and Gas Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Process Engineer
  • Plant Manager
  • Materials Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Commerce and Administration - Tepepan Unit (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business and Commerce
  • International Business
Commerce and Management - St. Thomas Unit (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business and Commerce
  • International Business

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Computer Science (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Systems Analysis

Common Career Paths

  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Systems Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering and Architecture - Tecamachalco Unit (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Structural Architecture

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering and Architecture - Ticomán Unit (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Geological Engineering
  • Geophysics
  • Petroleum and Gas Engineering
  • Surveying and Mapping

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering and Architecture - Zacatenco Unit (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Civil Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering - Azcapotzalco Unit (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronics and Automation
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Robotics

Common Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Power Systems Engineer
  • Automation Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering - Culhuacán (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Power Systems Engineer
  • Automation Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering - Ticomán Unit (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Power Systems Engineer
  • Automation Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering - Zacatenco Unit (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Power Systems Engineer
  • Automation Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

National School of Biological Sciences (ENCB) (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Bioengineering
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Parasitology
  • Pharmacology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

National School of Medicine and Homeopathy (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Homeopathic Medicine
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Nursing and Midwifery (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Midwifery
  • Nursing

Common Career Paths

  • Registered Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Physics and Mathematics (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Physicist
  • Research Scientist
  • Data Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Textile Engineering (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Textile Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Tourism (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Tour Operator
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Travel Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Engineering - Guanajuato Campus (Unit) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Engineering - Zacatecas Campus (Unit) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Food Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Systems Analysis

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Engineering and Advanced Technologies (Unit) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Robotics
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Engineering, Social and Administrative Sciences (Unit) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Management
  • Information Technology
  • Transport Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Professional Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit (Unit) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Food Technology
  • Pharmacy

Programs Offered

Each programme at Instituto Politécnico Nacional is grouped by the degree it leads to. New programmes can take 6–12 months to propagate through search engines, so the live catalogue here is the authoritative list.

Bachelor's Degree

8 programmes

Instituto Politécnico Nacional runs 8 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.

Industrial Engineering Ingeniería Industrial Industrial & Systems Engineering 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Mechanical Engineering Ingeniería Mecánica Mechanical Engineering 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Chemical Engineering Ingeniería Química Chemical Engineering 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Civil Engineering Ingeniería Civil Civil Engineering & Construction 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Electrical Engineering Ingeniería Eléctrica Electrical Engineering 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Computer Systems Engineering Ingeniería en Sistemas Computacionales Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Physics Licenciatura en Física Physics & Astronomy 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Mathematics Licenciatura en Matemáticas Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus

How to apply to Instituto Politécnico Nacional

The standard application path for Instituto Politécnico Nacional, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Instituto Politécnico Nacional

    Use the programme finder to browse Instituto Politécnico Nacional's 8 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Instituto Politécnico Nacional typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Instituto Politécnico Nacional processes applications through www.ipn.mx. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +52 (55) 5729 6003. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Instituto Politécnico Nacional, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

When was Instituto Politécnico Nacional founded?

Instituto Politécnico Nacional was established in 1936 (approximately 90 years ago).

Where is Instituto Politécnico Nacional located?

Instituto Politécnico Nacional is located in México, Mexico.

Is Instituto Politécnico Nacional public or private?

Instituto Politécnico Nacional is a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at Instituto Politécnico Nacional?

Student enrolment at Instituto Politécnico Nacional is around over-50,000.

How is Instituto Politécnico Nacional ranked?

Instituto Politécnico Nacional holds rank #834 globally and #3 in Mexico.

What programmes are available at Instituto Politécnico Nacional?

Instituto Politécnico Nacional delivers doctoral programmes across its academic units.

Who recognises Instituto Politécnico Nacional?

Instituto Politécnico Nacional is accredited by Secretaría de Educación Pública, Mexico.

What is Instituto Politécnico Nacional's official website?

You can find Instituto Politécnico Nacional online at www.ipn.mx.

Members of Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior (ANUIES)

If Instituto Politécnico Nacional's Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior (ANUIES) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.

Where Else to Study Industrial & Systems Engineering

Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Industrial & Systems Engineering classroom experience. Some Mexico programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.

Universities Often Compared with Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.

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