UNID Logo

The Interamerican University for Development, or Universidad Interamericana para el Desarrollo (UNID), was founded in Mexico in 2000. This private university offers top-notch postsecondary education, emphasizing skills development and real-world application of information required for a successful profession.

The university was established as a component of the “Plantel Azteca” educational system and had prior experience with basic and secondary education. The founders wanted to give more Mexican students access to higher education, particularly in areas with few opportunities.

In Mexico City, the first campus opened its doors in 2000. It provided a small selection of programs, mostly in technology and business. At the turn of the century, these fields were selected to satisfy Mexico’s increasing need for experts in these areas.

Early on, the institution concentrated on bolstering its scholarly offerings and building a strong reputation. It aggressively sought partnerships with neighborhood companies to give its students access to internships and hands-on learning experiences.

The university started operating outside of Mexico City around 2005. New campuses emerged in major Mexican cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey. This expansion allowed the institution to offer its programs to students in other parts of the nation and reach a wider audience of prospective students.

Launching its initial online programs in 2007 was a step toward increasing educational access. These programs were created for students who could not attend in-person classes because of their jobs or other obligations—in the years that followed, online learning emerged as one of the primary growth areas.

2010 saw a major increase in the institution’s academic offerings. New programs were launched in social sciences, engineering, and healthcare. This growth reflected the goal to satisfy the rising need for professionals across the board in the Mexican economy.

A major endorsement from the Mexican government came in 2012 when the Ministry of Education officially accredited the organization. This enhanced the institution’s standing in Mexico’s higher education system and attested to its curricula caliber.

2015 was a notable year in the university’s history because it marked its 15th anniversary. By this point, it offered various undergraduate and graduate programs across more than 20 sites in Mexico.

The university began offering PhD programs in 2017, ushering in a new era in its growth as a research hub. This program’s main focus was innovation in business and education.

2018 witnessed a notable growth in global collaboration. The institution partnered with several overseas universities, creating new chances for staff and student exchanges.

Despite the world’s issues in 2020, the university persisted in growing, greatly enhancing its online offerings, and modifying its programs to meet the new demands of the labor market.

In 2021, the institution responded to the growing demand for distance education by greatly expanding its online offerings. Both newly created and enhanced courses focused on interaction and the real-world application of knowledge in a virtual setting.

Additionally, in 2021, the university introduced courses centered on economically developing fields, including digital marketing, data analysis, and cybersecurity. These programs were created in association with top businesses in their respective domains.

International collaboration was strengthened in 2022. New partnership agreements with institutions in the US and Europe were inked, increasing the options for student exchanges and cooperative research initiatives.

That same year, a major endeavor to update the technology infrastructure started. Virtual laboratories’ capabilities were increased, computer labs were renovated, and new learning management systems were implemented.

A noteworthy development in 2023 was the substantial growth of master’s and doctoral programs. Innovation, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence were the subjects of new programs that bolstered the institution’s standing as a hub for cutting-edge research.

The university was awarded accreditation by a leading international accrediting body in 2023, marking another milestone. This attested to the excellence of the institution’s educational programs on a global scale.

The institution introduced “UNID 2030,” a new project, to commemorate its 24th anniversary in 2024. Through this project, the institution will better prepare students for the demands of the labor market and keep up with worldwide educational trends.

The institution has continually pursued innovative education throughout its history. It focused on developing the practical skills required in the workplace and was among the first in Mexico to adopt a competency-based learning paradigm.

Additionally, the institution paid close attention to social responsibility, implementing several community service initiatives and offering scholarships to students from low-income families.

Consequently, the university’s history is one of swift expansion and adaptation to Mexico’s shifting educational requirements. Aiming to provide high-quality education to a diverse student body, the institution has grown from a modest start in Mexico City to a vast network of campuses throughout the nation. It continues to play a major role in developing higher education in Mexico.