Study Abroad in Argentina: Application Process, Cost of Living and Visas

Just like other Latin American countries, Argentina has a fierce and passionate national identity. Urban loving students can travel straight to the capital of Buenos Aires, where they can engage in Latin American culture, by attempting to dance the tango in one of their many lively bars, or by partaking of the finest Argentine beef in the many Argentine restaurants.On top of that, Tuition fees are cheap and affordable for international students.

Besides it’s spirited urban hubs, Argentina also has many towns, which are a haven of peace and solitude away from the heat and energy of the city. The geography of the country is as diverse as it gets, from the wetlands in the north to the dry Andean plateaus and the great expanses of Patagonia in the west, and the lush archipelagos of Tierra la Fuego which veer out from the country’s southernmost point towards Antarctica. Argentina also houses some of the highest peaks in all of the Americas, Aconcagua, plus other areas of desert, glacier-carved valleys, scintillating waterfalls and amazing lakes.

How to Apply to universities in Argentina

At the moment, there are about 40 national universities in Argentina which receive state funding from the government and cater to the majority of undergraduate students in the country. There are equally 45 private tertiary institutions in Argentina, which are much smaller and charge slightly higher tuition fees.

Additionally, their public and private sectors also have a number of ‘institutes’, which are different from ‘universities’ per their focus on specific subject areas.

The academic session in Argentina runs from March to November.International students should do well to apply directly to the educational institution they have selected, and should show copies of school results. After being offered admissions, students are encouraged to apply for a student visa, which is usually valid for two years at a time.

Visa information

Visa guidelines typically vary depending on your nationality, so do well to check with the Argentinian embassy in your home country for full details and tuition fees. The rules and steps are shown below:

Anyone taking part in a study program in Argentina for more than 90 days should apply for a student visa. Without this visa, you might not be able to collect your student transcripts at the end of your studies.

Inorder to obtain a student visa, students will have to enter the country as tourists and upgrade the tourist visa to a student visa once they are in Argentina. To apply for this, you have to provide a passport (which has to be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your studies), an authentic letter showing proof of admissions (provided by your university once you arrive in the country), and a visa processing fee of not more than US$100.

Note that the average student visa lasts six months, but if you are studying for longer you have to obtain a police certificate showing you have no criminal record in Argentina (citizens outside of the MERCOSUR states will require two of these – one from their home country and one upon arrival). A birth certificate may also be required.

Suppose you are staying longer than a year for your program, you will be required to leave Argentina before your existing visa expires and then reapply for another one when you return after that first visa’s expiration. If you cannot leave then you must contact the ISA (Study Abroad Argentina) to talk about an alternative plan. Make sure that you complete this process legally.

It is always encouraged that you carry a copy of your passport identification page and visa page with you at all times when you are in Argentina.

Languages in Argentina

Ability to speak and understand Spanish is super important for undertaking study program in Argentina. Although English is accepted as a business language, Spanish is the language of day-to-day life and the language all university courses are conducted in.

You’ll also find a good number of foreigners who visit Argentina specifically to obtain a Certificate of Spanish Language and Use (CELU), accredited by the Department of Education and the Foreign Affairs Department, which affirms the applicant’s proficiency in the language. The exam is carried out twice a year at some universities.

Living Expenses in Argentina

Argentina gives you low tuition university education and relatively cheap living costs – especially when compared to the other North American and European study abroad destinations.

Tuition are considerably higher at private universities in Argentina and vary widely across programs, but are still relatively low. These fees can go from ARS8,000 to 24,000 (US$1,000-$3,000) a year and, combining fees with living expenses, students can expect to spend somewhere in the region of ARS15,700-31,700 (US$2,000-$4,000) per year.

International students are able to work while studying provided they satisfy all the legal requirements, which are to obtain a work permit and be granted legal residence to study on low tuition in the country.