Mexican Citizens with Financial Need-Border County Waiver

Program Purpose

To encourage students from Mexico with limited financial resources to enroll in certain Texas public institutions of higher education while receiving the resident tuition rate.

NOTE: This webpage is intended to provide basic information for the public by highlighting requirements that appear in the Texas Education Code (TEC) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC). When reviewing eligibility requirements this exemption program, you should always refer to the relevant statutes and rules. The information on this webpage is to be used solely as a resource and does not override the statute or rules for this exemption program. It is not intended as, and does not constitute, legal advice.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this program, a student must:

  • Be a citizen of Mexico, residing in Mexico.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Be attending an eligible Texas public institution.

Eligible Institutions

This program is limited to Texas public universities or a component of the Texas State Technical College system located in a county bordering Mexico. In addition, there are several eligible public universities that fall outside of an eligible county but are statutorily approved to participate:

  • Sul Ross State University
  • Texas A&M University-Kingsville
  • Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
  • Texas A&M International University
  • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • The University of Texas at El Paso
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Texas State Technical College in Harlingen

This program is also available at public community colleges that have an agreement with an eligible Texas public university which may include:

  • South Texas College
  • Texas Southmost College

Note: Please check with your institution to confirm if a current agreement is in place.

Application Process

Contact your institution if you are interested in this program. See the office of the registrar, the admissions office, or the student financial aid office.

  • Your institution will determine the documentation you must submit to confirm proof of eligibility for this program.

Additional Information

  • To read more about this program check out:
  • Contact your Texas public college or university if you have questions.
  • General questions? Call 888-311-8881.
  • Online Inquiries: Contact Us (select “Financial Aid Question” as the subject under Contact Reason)