The National Autonomous University of Mexico is successor to the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, founded by Royal Decree in 1551. Modeled on the University of Salamanca, it was organized in four major faculties, including Theology, Canons, Law and Medicine; a minor faculty denominated “Arts” and several departments.

This institution was the first to offer professorships in the Americas. The university faculty was made up of professors who earned doctoral degrees in the institution itself. Other vice-regal professionals were also educated in its halls, including clergymen, lawyers, administrators and doctors.

During Mexico’s first century of independence, the University was shut down and reopened on several occasions. The period also saw the founding of new colleges and educational institutions of diverse kinds.

In September of 1910, by bringing together the National Preparatory, Jurisprudence, Medicine, Engineering and Fine Arts schools founded throughout the nineteenth century, and the recently created School of Post Graduate Studies, the National University of Mexico buttressed and completely reorganized Mexican high school and higher education.

In July, 1929, the University secured its autonomy and took on its current form as the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

UNAM’s current Organic Law was enacted in 1945.