Argentina is a diverse and vibrant nation known for its warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. The country has become increasingly popular among international students for the unique cultural experiences it provides alongside comparatively affordable education. It is also home to many respected educational institutions and offers programs in a wide range of fields.
The official language of Argentina is Spanish, so non-Spanish-speaking international students may need to prove Spanish proficiency before enrolling, especially in degree programs taught in Spanish. Some universities and exchange programs also offer courses in English, and those courses may require proof of English proficiency. Understanding Spanish can greatly improve your living and study experience in Argentina, even if you plan to take English-taught courses. This article explains the common Spanish and English language proficiency tests that may be accepted by Argentine universities.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Argentina
International students in Argentina may be asked to take one or more of these language tests: DELE, CELU, SIELE, or another approved Spanish certificate; and IELTS, Cambridge English Exams, TOEFL, or another approved English certificate.
Spanish Language Tests for International Students
Here are three standardized language tests that international students may use to provide proof of Spanish proficiency in Argentina.
1. DELE – Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera
DELE is an official Spanish proficiency diploma granted by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education. The DELE exams are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and cover six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced users. The exams assess reading, listening, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction.
Admission requirements vary by university and program, so students should not assume that B2 is always sufficient. For example, the University of Buenos Aires currently requires C1-level Spanish for applicants whose secondary school diploma was obtained in a non-Spanish-speaking country. UBA’s own CEA exam certifies the C1 level required for admission to the Ciclo Básico Común (CBC).
2. CELU – Certificado de Español: Lengua y Uso
CELU is another Spanish proficiency test for international students. It is recognized by Argentina’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a certificate of Spanish as a second language for academic and professional contexts.
The CELU scoring system has two certified levels: “intermediate” and “advanced.” The National University of Córdoba accepts CELU for non-Spanish-speaking international students, although the level required can vary by faculty or program.
3. SIELE – Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española
SIELE is an electronic Spanish proficiency test promoted by Instituto Cervantes, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Buenos Aires. The complete SIELE Global exam assesses reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction.
SIELE results are reported with CEFR equivalences from A1 to C1, and SIELE certificates are valid for five years. Because admissions rules vary, students should check whether their chosen university or program accepts SIELE and what score or CEFR level it requires.
English Language Tests for International Students
Here are three popular standardized English language tests that international students may use when applying to English-taught courses, exchange programs, or programs that require proof of English proficiency in Argentina.
1. Cambridge English Exams
Cambridge English Exams, such as C1 Advanced, formerly known as CAE, and C2 Proficiency, formerly known as CPE, are globally recognized English qualifications. These exams assess writing, speaking, listening, and reading.
CPE and CAE may be accepted where a university or program lists Cambridge English as an approved proof of English. As a general guide, C1 Advanced scores of 180 to 199 correspond to CEFR C1, while C2 Proficiency scores of 200 to 230 correspond to CEFR C2. A C2 Proficiency score of 180 to 199 can still certify Level C1. Always check the official admissions page for the exact score required by your program.
2. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
Another widely accepted standardized English language test for international students is IELTS. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and it assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Minimum IELTS scores vary by university and program. A CEFR B2 requirement is often roughly comparable to IELTS 5.5 to 6.5, but universities can set their own score requirements. For example, Austral University lists English B2 as 6.0 IELTS or 72 TOEFL iBT for incoming international students, while Torcuato Di Tella University lists English B2 for exchange and study abroad students when proof is required.
3. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Another well-known English proficiency test for international students is TOEFL. The TOEFL iBT test assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing in an academic context.
TOEFL does not have a universal passing score because each institution sets its own requirements. Scores such as 80 to 90 may be required by some universities around the world, but students should not treat that range as an Argentina-wide rule. In Argentina, requirements vary by program; for example, Austral University lists English B2 as 72 iBT TOEFL for its incoming international students.
Students hoping to study in Argentina should be aware that language requirements are program-specific. Many programs taught in Spanish require Spanish proficiency from non-Spanish-speaking applicants, while English proficiency is usually relevant for English-taught courses, exchange programs, or programs with English-language components. Minimum scores and accepted tests can change, so check the official admissions, international office, or faculty page of the Argentine university you are interested in before applying.
We hope this article about language tests in Argentina for international students has been of great help to you. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students!
