Tango, juicy steaks, and soccer are some of the words that come to mind for many people when they think about Argentina. However, this South American country is much more than that. Its rich history, culture, and diverse landscapes make it a great place to visit or study. Argentina has several universities that appear in major international rankings, and its public university system can make higher education affordable. According to the latest official university statistics summarized for 2023, Argentina had about 126,589 foreign students enrolled in pre-degree, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.
Argentina has public and private universities, and both accept international students. Public universities have traditionally been tuition-free for undergraduate study. Current national rules guarantee free undergraduate study at state-managed institutions for Argentine citizens and foreign students with permanent residency; universities may decide whether to charge fees to foreign students who do not have permanent residency. Private universities charge tuition, but some programs can still be lower in cost than comparable options in the United States or Europe. Living costs vary widely by city, neighborhood, exchange rate, and housing type, so students should check current prices before budgeting.
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in Argentina, we made a list of quality and affordable universities in Argentina. Be aware that fees can change frequently because of inflation and currency fluctuations, so always confirm costs directly with the university before applying.
But first, we’ll briefly explain admissions for international students.
Affordable and Free Schools in Argentina for International Students
1. University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
The University of Buenos Aires is widely regarded as Argentina’s leading university and has a strong international reputation. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UBA is ranked 84th in the world, and in the QS Latin America and the Caribbean Rankings it is ranked 10th. UBA offers more than 110 undergraduate programs and more than 550 graduate programs. Most new undergraduate students start with the Common Basic Cycle, the first year of all UBA degree programs.
UBA has buildings throughout Buenos Aires. Some academic buildings are in Ciudad Universitaria (“university city”), while others are spread throughout the capital.
According to UBA’s FAQ, undergraduate degree programs are not fee-based; students do not pay to register, attend classes, or take exams. Postgraduate programs may charge fees, and students should check the corresponding faculty for current rates. To learn more about admissions, visit UBA’s website.
2. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina (the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina or UCA)
UCA is a private, nonprofit Catholic university. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, it is ranked joint 530th globally and 40th in the QS Latin America and the Caribbean Rankings. Its current QS profile lists campus locations in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Paraná, and Rosario, while UCA also has academic presence in Pergamino.
An interesting fact about this affordable university in Argentina is that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, served as Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University before becoming pope.
Tuition fees vary by program, campus, and intake period. Instead of relying on older dollar estimates, check UCA’s current tuition page or contact admissions for the latest fees. UCA commonly lists fees in Argentine pesos, and the dollar equivalent can change quickly.
To learn more, visit their admissions section. Be careful when navigating the website because pages for international mobility or exchange students may differ from full-degree admissions. If you want to study a full degree at UCA, choose your campus and program through the admissions pages and request current information directly from the university.
3. University of Palermo (UP)
The University of Palermo (UP) is a private, nonprofit university in Buenos Aires. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UP is ranked #781-790. Its QS profile describes a student body from 51 countries, with more than 30% international students.
This affordable university in Argentina welcomes international students. On UP’s admissions pages, students can review the enrollment steps, required documents, immigration procedures for foreign students, and information about equivalencies. Because requirements can vary by nationality and program, students should confirm the details for their chosen degree directly with UP.
Tuition fees vary by degree and are not consistently published in one public fee table, so prospective students should request an updated quote from the university before applying. UP also offers online degree programs, including Business Administration and Marketing, in addition to on-campus options.
4. Austral University (Universidad Austral)
Universidad Austral is a private institution with activity in Pilar, Buenos Aires, and Rosario. Rather than listing a fixed number of degree programs, it is better to check its current program finder: Austral now advertises a broad catalog that includes undergraduate, pre-degree, postgraduate, and specialization programs. Areas include medicine, nursing, psychology, engineering, law, business, communication, and related fields.
The admissions process is explained on its website. Prospective students can schedule an admissions interview and request help with arrival logistics such as housing and university life. Tuition and fees vary by faculty and program, so students should contact the relevant school for current costs.
A great aspect of this affordable university in Argentina is that it offers courses in English and Spanish for incoming international students. There are also international short programs and semester or academic-year options. Students should check the international factsheet, requirements, handbook, accommodation, and monthly expense pages before applying. Check their international page to learn more.
5. Universidad Nacional de La Plata (National University of La Plata or UNLP)
The National University of La Plata is a public institution located in La Plata, Buenos Aires province. It has 17 faculties and offers more than 120 undergraduate degree programs in fields such as architecture, engineering, dentistry, psychology, arts, education, music, and many others. Some programs include introductory or leveling courses for new students.
UNLP’s buildings are spread across La Plata and organized by academic units. The university is strong in research and has many affiliated centers and institutes. It also has a planetarium, an observatory, and a university dining hall with affordable prices.
UNLP remains one of the most affordable public options in Argentina. Its Faculty of Engineering explains that the university is totally free and does not charge enrollment or other academic fees. International applicants should still check UNLP’s current foreign applicant rules, deadlines, documents, and residency or visa requirements for their intake year.
FAQS About Studying in Argentina
What Do I Need to Study at a University in Argentina as an International Student?
The admissions process varies depending on the university, and students usually apply directly to the institution. Argentina does not have one national university entrance test for all international applicants, but individual universities or faculties may use introductory courses, entrance courses, interviews, exams, or language assessments. UBA, for example, uses the Common Basic Cycle as the first year for undergraduate degree programs.
Requirements vary depending on citizenship, previous studies, chosen program, and migration status. Students from MERCOSUR countries often have simpler document and residency procedures, but all applicants should check the university’s current instructions and Argentina’s migration rules for their nationality.
Tuition status also depends on the institution and your residency category. Current national rules guarantee free undergraduate study at state-managed institutions for Argentine citizens and foreign students with permanent residency, while public universities may decide whether to charge students without permanent residency. Private universities charge tuition, usually with program-specific fees.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in Argentina was helpful! Feel free to check the Available Programs for International Students!
