Overview
Alongside a number of other Latin American countries, Argentina has seen its universities make significant progress in the international university rankings in recent years.The nation’s highest placing in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings is the Universidad de Buenos Aires, ranked at 230. Also in the top 500 are the Universidad Austral, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina Santa María de los Buenos Aires, Universidad Nacional de La Plata and Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
Indeed, there’s certainly no shortage of choice when it comes to finding a world-class institution to study at in Argentina. This variety is also matched by the range of activities available to those who choose to spend time in the country.
Argentina's capital city Buenos Aires is the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after Brazil’s São Paulo, and is absolutely packed with things to see and do – from outdoor markets, cute cafés and historic architecture, to gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques and trendy bars.
For a slightly more laid-back location, you may choose to study in nearby La Plata, or, perhaps further northwest, in Córdoba. Both offer many of the same attractions as the capital – including top universities – but on a less overwhelming scale.
Meanwhile, beyond these exciting urban hubs lie huge expanses of incredible natural beauty, just waiting to be explored.
Discover Argentina's top universities - QS University Rankings: Latin America >
Fast Fact
- Capital and largest city is Buenos Aires
- Second largest country on the South American continent
- Stretches 3,500km from north to south, with Andes Mountains to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east
- Borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay
- Main language is Spanish
- Currency is the peso (one peso = 100 centavos)
- Major exports include cereals, live animals, mineral fuels and machinery
- Most visited country in South America in 2011, according to the World Tourism Organization
- Most popular national sport is football (soccer)
Lifestyle
Argentina’s capital and largest city, Buenos Aires, appears at 24th in the QS Best Student Cities ranking for 2012. The city is home to five universities ranked by QS, and also picks up high scores for affordability and popularity with employers.
Buenos Aires is also known for its vibrant nightlife, attractive architecture – much of it European in style – and an arts and culture scene arguably unrivalled in Latin America. Other notable cities for students in Argentina are Córdoba, Rosario, San Miguel de Tucuman, Mar del Plata and Mendoza.
As you’d expect, student life can vary considerably between different regions of Argentina, but many of these cities offer an attractive combination of old and new – historic buildings and modern nightlife, leaving avenues and buzzing cafes.
Outside of the cities, Argentina’s diverse landscape offers scope for activities, including vineyard tours, rafting, skiing, hiking and of course sun-bathing along the coast.
Those of an adventurous disposition will have no trouble finding new challenges. Argentina is home to the continent’s highest peak, Aconcagua, as well as areas of desert, glacier-carved valleys, amazing waterfalls and stunning lakes.
Meanwhile, equestrian enthusiasts will know that horses and horse-riding are an essential part of the country’s national heritage and identity. Argentine-bred horses are renowned worldwide, and it’s a popular destination for horse-riding holidays - forget about the US cowboy; prepare to meet Argentina’s gauchos.
Oh, and Argentina is also a good place to study if you’re keen to learn to dance the tango, you're really into football (soccer), or if you enjoy a good steak.
Discover Argentina's top universities - QS University Rankings: Latin America >
Practical Information
Applying to university in Argentina
There are several different options when it comes to choosing a university in Argentina. The first and largest type are national universities, which receive funding from the government.
There are 40 of these, catering for the majority of undergraduate students in the country. In addition, there are around 45 private universities – which are smaller, and will charge higher fees.
Both the public and private sectors also have a number of ‘institutes’, which are differentiated from ‘universities’ by their focus on specific subject areas.
The academic year in Argentina runs from March to November. Foreign students apply directly to the educational institution they have chosen, and must show copies of school certificates. After being offered a place, students then apply for a student visa, usually valid for two years at a time.
Languages in Argentina
Although English is recognized as a business language, Spanish is the language of day-to-day life. Knowledge of Spanish, therefore, is essential and is in fact a requirement when applying for a student visa.
However, there is also a growing trend of foreigners coming to Argentina specifically to gain a Certificate of Spanish Language and Use (CELU), accredited by the Department of Education and the Foreign Affairs Department, which confirms the holder’s proficiency in the language. The exam is given twice a year at certain universities.
Living costs in Argentina
In general, Argentina offers both affordable higher education and relatively low living costs – particularly when compared to the majority of North American and European study-abroad destinations. Fees will be higher at private institutions, and may also vary depending on the course.
Foreign students are allowed to work in the country, provided they satisfy all the legal requirements, which are to obtain a work permit and to be legally granted residence in the country.
Explore more study destinations in Latin America >
Featured University
Universities in Argentina
Ranking University name Location
1 Universidad de Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
2 Universidad Nacional de Córdoba
Córdoba
3 Universidad Nacional de La Plata
La Plata
4 Universidad Tecnológica Nacional
Buenos Aires
5 Universidad Nacional de Rosario
Rosario
6 Universidad Nacional del Nordeste
Corrientes ...
7 Universidad Nacional de Cuyo
Mendoza
8 Universidad de Palermo
Buenos Aires
9 Universidad Nacional de San Luis
San Luis ...
10 Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
Tandil ...
11 Universidad Nacional de Quilmes
Bernal ...
12 Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina
Buenos Aires
13 Universidad Nacional de Tucumán
San Miguel de Tucumán
14 Universidad Nacional del Litoral
Santa Fe ...
15 Universidad de Belgrano
Buenos Aires
16 Universidad Gastón Dachary
Posadas
17 Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata ...
18 Universidad Nacional del Sur
Bahía Blanca
19 Universidad Nacional de Salta
Salta
20 Universidad Nacional del Comahue
Neuquén
21 Universidad de San Andrés
Victoria
22 Universidad Torcuato di Tella
Buenos Aires
23 Universidad Nacional de San Martín
San Martín
24 Universidad Nacional de Luján
Luján
25 Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto
Río Cuarto
26 Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos
Concepción del Uruguay
27 Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento
Los Polvorines
28 Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
Buenos Aires
29 Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales
Buenos Aires
30 Universidad Abierta Interamericana
Buenos Aires ...
31 Universidad Nacional de La Patagonia San Juan Bosco
Comodoro Rivadavia ...
32 Universidad Austral
Buenos Aires ...
33 Universidad Nacional de San Juan
San Juan
34 Universidad Nacional de Catamarca
S. Fdo. del Valle de Catamarca ...
35 Universidad Nacional de Lanús
Remedios de Escalada
36 Universidad Nacional de La Pampa
Santa Rosa ...
37 Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
38 Universidad Nacional de Jujuy
San Salvador de Jujuy
39 Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero
Santiago del Estero
40 Universidad del Salvador
Buenos Aires
41 Universidad Nacional de La Patagonia Austral
Río Gallegos
42 Universidad Nacional de La Rioja
La Rioja ...
43 Universidad de Flores
Buenos Aires ...
44 Universidad Católica de Córdoba
Córdoba ...
45 Universidad Nacional de Villa María
Villa María
46 Universidad de Congreso
Mendoza ...
47 Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales
Buenos Aires
48 Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos
Paraná
49 Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
Junín
50 Universidad Blas Pascal
Argüello
51 Universidad Nacional de Misiones
Posadas
52 Universidad Empresarial Siglo 21
Córdoba
53 Universidad Católica de Salta
Salta ...
54 Universidad Nacional de La Matanza
San Justo
55 Universidad FASTA
Mar del Plata
56 Universidad de Morón
Morón
57 Universidad Argentina John F. Kennedy
Buenos Aires
58 Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora
Lomas de Zamora
59 Universidad de Mendoza
Mendoza
60 Instituto Universitario Nacional del Arte
Buenos Aires
61 Universidad Maimónides
Buenos Aires
62 Universidad Católica de La Plata
La Plata
63 Instituto Universitario Aeronáutico
Alta Gracia ...
64 Universidad del Cine
Buenos Aires
65 ESEADE Instituto Universitario
Buenos Aires
66 Universidad de la Cuenca del Plata
Corrientes
67 Universidad Católica de Santiago del Estero
Santiago del Estero
68 Universidad del CEMA
Buenos Aires
69 Universidad Adventista del Plata
Libertador San Martín
70 Universidad Favaloro
Buenos Aires
71 Universidad del Centro Educativo Latinoamericano
Rosario
72 Universidad de la Marina Mercante
Buenos Aires
73 Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro
Viedma
74 Universidad Juan Agustín Maza
Guaymallén
75 Universidad Católica de Santa Fe
Santa Fe
76 Universidad del Museo Social Argentino
Buenos Aires
77 Instituto Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud
Buenos Aires ...
78 Universidad del Aconcagua
Mendoza
79 Universidad ISALUD
Buenos Aires
80 Universidad de Concepción del Uruguay
Concepción del Uruguay
81 Instituto para el Desarrollo Empresarial de la Argentina
Buenos Aires ...
82 Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino
San Miguel de Tucumán ...
83 Instituto Universitario de la Policía Federal Argentina
Buenos Aires
84 Universidad Católica de Cuyo
Rivadavia ...
85 Instituto Universitario CEMIC
Buenos Aires
86 Universidad Nacional de Formosa
Formosa
87 Universidad Champagnat
Godoy Cruz
88 Universidad Atlántida Argentina
Mar de Ajó
89 Universidad Nacional del Chaco Austral
Sáenz Peña
90 Instituto Universitario Escuela Argentina de Negocios
Buenos Aires
91 Instituto Universitario Italiano de Rosario
Rosario
92 Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero
Buenos Aires ...
93 Instituto de Enseñanza Superior del Ejército
Buenos Aires
94 Universidad Nacional de Chilecito
Chilecito
95 Instituto Universitario ISEDET
Buenos Aires
96 Instituto Universitario de Salud Mental
Buenos Aires
97 Universidad Notarial Argentina
La Plata
98 Instituto Universitario del Gran Rosario
Rosario ...
99 Universidad de San Pablo-T
San Miguel de Tucumán
100 Instituto Universitario Naval
Buenos Aires
101 Universidad CAECE
Buenos Aires
102 Instituto Universitario de Seguridad Marítima
Buenos Aires
103 Instituto Universitario del Hospital Italiano
Universities in Buenos Aires Public:
International study in Argentina
Why study abroad in Argentina?
Argentina’s troubled economy is on the mend after its dramatic collapse in 2001, but relations with the UK, which were improving after the 1982 war, are again under strain partly because of oil exploration around the disputed territory.
- However, its universities are still potential study destinations for UK students attracted by the country’s strong literary tradition and film industry. And, of course, the tango.
- Argentina is predominantly a Spanish-speaking country – the fourth largest after Mexico, Spain, and Colombia – and is therefore an alternative to be considered if the language is a key part of the attraction. Globally, Spanish is spoken by more than 400 million people and is the second international language after English.
- After Uruguay, Argentina boasts the largest number of foreign students in Latin America – about 90,000 enrol each year. Some 35% are from Europe, Asia and the US, attracted by the high quality of courses and the low tuition fees and living expenses – due to the devaluation of the peso in 2002.
- Seven universities are ranked within the top 700 in the 2012–13 QS World University Rankings. The University of Buenos Aires is the only one in the top 300, in 230th place. Two others (the Pontifica Universidad Católica Argentina at 305th and the Universidad Austral at 327th) are in the top 400. The Universidad Nacional de la Plata is in the 401–450 band; the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba is in the 451–500 band; and the Universidad del Belgrano and the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella are in the 601+ band.
Entry and visa regulations
- UK citizens will require a visa (1,400 pesos/£180). Students enrolling on an undergraduate course of more than one year will need to apply for a permanent residence permit.
- Applying for a visa for Argentina can take a lot of time. Argentina is a bureaucratic country. Applications for study visas have to be initiated by the university in Argentina. These applications can take a long time to be processed.
- While there is no formal requirement, all courses at public universities are taught in Spanish. It would be rash to consider Argentina without a good knowledge of Spanish and a proven ability to communicate.
The university system
- Argentina has 47 national universities, financed by the Ministry of Education since 1946, with 80% of the student population. The remainder is distributed between 49 private universities.
- Most public universities are tuition-free and open to anyone, but other costs and the absence of a domestic scholarship scheme means that higher income background students outnumber students from lower income groups by a ratio of 8:1.
- Post-graduate education requires some form of funding and is generally not free.
- There are no limits on foreign enrolment. Students may graduate with a profesorado after three to four years or a licenciatura, generally after five years of full time study and a final project, although there is a trend of reducing this period of study to four years.
- Applications for entry to undergraduate courses are made to selected universities. Entry requirements vary according to university and programme.
Funding your study
University education is almost completely free, with undergraduates at state universities paying no fees but meeting book costs, living expenses and commuting expenses (if applicable).
- International students are treated similarly, although Argentinian students save housing costs by living with their families.
- At private universities, tuition and fees vary widely from 8,000–24,000 pesos (£1,000–£3,000) a year. The estimated annual cost for an undergraduate when books, housing and commuting expenses are included is 15,760–31,760 pesos (£2,000–£4,000).
- Grants (becas) may be available for international students and details can be explored through the Latin American organisation Universia.
Student housing
- Many Argentinean universities offer help to find a place to live.
- Housing ranges from living with a family, university apartments or independent housing. There are numerous student residences and youth hostels.
Working while studying
Foreigners hired to work in Argentina must have a work visa and legal residence in the country.
Local regulations on immigration establish three types of residence: permanent, temporary and transitory. If you entered as a student you must, once in the country, start the procedures for obtaining work permits and residence.
Health and safety
- There is universal healthcare for all residents but insurance is advisable.
- Crime is a problem for residents and visitors alike. Street crime is rife, especially in the larger cities like Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Assume that perpetrators are armed.
- A growing threat is the so-called express kidnappings when victims are snatched off the street, made to withdraw as much money as possible from ATM machines, and then their family or co-workers are contacted for a ransom. Once paid, the victim is usually quickly released unharmed.
- In 2007 Argentina ranked third out of 42 countries for manslaughter and fifth out of 49 for murder.
Helpful links
International Affairs, University of Belgrano: Inside Academia
Professor Victor Beker is certainly well qualified to be Dean of International Affairs at Argentina's University of Belgrano.
First of all, he is himself a former international student, graduating from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Then there are the economist's academic credentials: the six books and numerous articles published, the Fulbright fellowship and a first prize from the Buenos Aires Academy of Sciences. To this we can add perhaps the most important thing – a real enthusiasm for international graduate studies.
"I joined the University of Belgrano in 1990 as a professor in economics. One year later I was appointed Chair of the Department and managed one of Belgrano's most popular and successful departments for a number of years.
"In 1995 I was promoted to my present job as Dean of International Affairs at a time when we received only 100 international students a year. This was a moment of great change in Argentina and we were interested in making sure that a university like Belgrano could somehow help to encourage more international links with the country.
"We must have been successful in some small way as today we receive around 2,000 international students out of a total of 10,000 students in the university as a whole."
Changing times in Argentina
Professor Beker's experience of the academic world has been moulded, in part, by the changes in higher education in Argentina.
As one of the powerhouses of Latin American university and college education, Argentina used to offer large, state-run universities. But in the 1960's, smaller private institutions began to emerge offering focused and student-centred undergraduate and graduate programs for local and international students.
Entering into the world of privately funded university education allowed Professor Beker the time to develop relationships with his students and ensure that all students had the best possible student experience. Founded in 1964, the University of Belgrano has developed an enviable reputation throughout Latin America and beyond for its graduate programs across a range of academic areas including law, economics, international studies, humanities and information technology.
In recent years it has also become well known for its distance learning and joint programs, making it possible to read a joint degree offered with universities in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the US.
International exposure
As Dean of International Affairs, Professor Beker has seen the impact of international exposure firsthand and relishes the opportunities such an approach has for all those involved in the process.
"Teaching international students has manifold effects for both teachers and students. As an academic and an administrator I would say that it certifies the quality level of the host institution and its faculty members but it also creates a very important intercultural atmosphere which enriches the teaching and learning activities."
There are also some unexpected results of the international education experience, according to Professor Beker, that add much to its value. "I have often seen that the discussion of different topics, when they are analysed from very different points of view and cultural perspectives provide for some unforeseen conclusions. It opens the mind of professors and students as well as making everyone more involved."
With over 30 years of experience, Professor Beker has met an enormous number of students who have benefitted from the increasingly international nature of higher education, particularly the two-way exchange of students. Just as the more academically focused areas of the international experience have some unexpected results, travelling abroad can impact on different aspects of life.
"The first story which comes to mind is the case of a student of mine whom I recommended for an exchange program at the Erasmus University Business School in Rotterdam. One of the tasks she had was to study the Russian market for a beer company. For that purpose she had to visit Russia and her report was assessed as one of the best and ultimately, when she returned to Argentina, she held a contract with the beer company to promote their business in this country.
"But the story does not stop there. I did not hear from her for one year or so until I received an invitation to attend her marriage with one of her classmates she knew during her stay in Rotterdam!"
Focus on employability
While the personal benefits of pursuing graduate programs abroad can be various, the University of Belgrano has developed strong relationships with local and national companies to ensure that what is taught at the university is relevant to future employers and a student's career prospects.
Whether through an extensive program of internships available to students while they are pursuing their degree, or via an annual "Fair of Enterprises," held for the recruitment of new staff to Argentine companies, the links between the academic and business worlds are very strong for all students at Belgrano.
Reflecting on his own international experiences, Professor Beker points to one episode that has altered the way he views the international student experience. "Something that helped me was not only the fact that I had been an international student myself - which was, after all, a long time ago - but that in 1996 my son Pablo went to study at Cornell University in the USA. This more recent, but different episode, really brought home to me first hand an impression of the challenges and problems an international student faces when they study abroad."
Support for international students
As a way of reducing these challenges for international students studying at the University of Belgrano, Professor Beker has implemented a program of support. "I strongly believe in team work and I trust and empower the people with whom I work and they know I will back them up if a problem arises. International students really benefit from this environment."
The support offered to international students at Belgrano by Professor Beker and his team ensure they can focus on their graduate programs during their time in Buenos Aires. The effect, according to Professor Beker, is very positive indeed.
"Our recruitment of new international students is mainly based on word of mouth and most of the international students come here because our university has been recommended to them by their companions. We have a whole team of academic advisors and administrative staff to support international students once they come to Argentina and we help them solve any academic, administrative or personal issue."
Professor Beker truly believes in the benefits of an international graduate program and recommends leaving one's home country for an education as well as a personal experience to as many students as possible. "If somebody doubts the importance of internationalization in education, seeing one of my students employed and married as a result of studying abroad is a good example of the international experience that it has not only academic but cultural and personal."
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