Applying to university in Argentina: an essential guide

Argentina is an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education, vibrant culture and affordable living.

Buenos Aires is 23rd in Top Universities’ ranking of best student cities. Argentina’s capital is a dynamic city with growing opportunities for Spanish-speaking international students and graduates.

This year, seven universities in Argentina are featured in Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings.

1. Choosing a university

Argentina has several prestigious universities. The following are some of the universities worth looking into.

University of Buenos Aires

The largest university in Argentina, and one of the largest by enrolment in Latin America, the University of Buenos Aires is a public university with 13 departments, 10 museums and six hospitals under its umbrella.

Founded in 1821, the institution has also produced four Nobel laureates – more than any other Spanish-speaking university – and counts the famous Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara among its alumni.

The university does not have a main campus, but has buildings scattered across the city of Buenos Aires.

Universidad Austral

This is a private Catholic university. Its main campus is in Buenos Aires, but the school also has faculties and departments in Rosario and Pilar, including a university hospital and IAE Business School.

Universidad Católica Argentina

This is a private Catholic university. Established in 1958, the school’s main campus is situated in Puerto Madero.

Instituto Tecnológico Buenos Aires

Located in Buenos Aires, ITBA is a private university.

The primary focus is on business, engineering and information technology. Established in 1959, ITBA is known as one of the Argentina’s leading trainers of engineers.

Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

Universidad Torcuato Di Tella was founded in 1991, with the mission of educating new generations of academic, social, political and business leaders, and to promote research in the arts and sciences.

2. How to apply

Each university in Argentina has different admission requirements. Generally, students will need:

• A completed application form (usually available on the university’s website)
• A copy of their passport
• Academic transcripts from their previous studies
• A recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent
• Proof of proficiency in Spanish (DELE diploma of Spanish as foreign language).

Most Argentinian universities accept online applications. Some universities require an entrance course and an exam. In most cases, this can be avoided with a school average above 8/10 points.

3. Funding opportunities

Studying in Argentina can be affordable, but it’s important to explore funding options. The following are some avenues to consider:

Scholarships

Many Argentinian universities offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit, financial need or specific fields of study. Research and apply for these scholarships directly through the university’s financial aid office.

Government scholarships

The Argentinian government, as well as the governments of other countries, sometimes offer scholarships for international students. Examples include the Argentine Ministry of Education scholarships and the Fulbright Program for US students.

Private organisations

Several private organisations and foundations offer scholarships for students studying abroad. Examples include the Organization of American States scholarships and scholarships from international NGOs.

Work opportunities

International students in Argentina can work part-time while studying, although there are restrictions. They should check with their university’s international office for guidance on how to obtain a work permit and find job opportunities.

Good luck with the application process – I hope your students enjoy their time in Argentina.