Study in Argentina
A South American nation renowned for its **free public university tuition** for both domestic and international students. The language of instruction is almost exclusively **Spanish**. Requires a **Temporary Student Residence (Residencia Temporaria Estudiante)**, which involves an initial Consular Visa (VITEM) and a local DNI process.
Application timeline
4-16 weeks (Consular Visa)
Living cost
USD 450 - 800/month (Low, but highly variable due to inflation)
Hourly wage
ARS 1,800 - 3,000 (USD 2 - 3.5) (Informal market estimate)
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Argentina.
Takes < 2 minutes
Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Consular Student Visa (VITEM IV) + Temporary Residence (DNI)
Long-stay, Academic (Local DNI)
Validity
3 months (VITEM IV, entry), 1 year (DNI, renewable)
Processing time
4-16 weeks (Consular Visa) + 4-12 weeks (Local DNI/Residency).
Fee
USD 150 - 300 (Consular Visa) + ARS 14,000 (DNI for foreigners) (Variable).
Work rights
No, not officially allowed on the Student Residence Permit. Work requires a separate work visa/category, though **informal work is common**.
Documents required
Enrollment Certificate (RENURE registered institution), Financial Proof, Valid Passport, Police Clearance (from home country and Argentina), Health Certificate, Visa Application Form.
Dependents
Yes, via family reunification (VITEM XI), but they must also apply for a local DNI. · No (Requires separate work permit/visa).
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Buenos Aires · Global Top/National Top
Medicine (Spanish)
7 years (including CBC) · Free (0 USD/yr, Only administrative fees apply)
Architecture, Design & Urbanism (Spanish)
6 years (including CBC) · Free (0 USD/yr, Only administrative fees apply)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Government of Argentina Scholarship (MINCYT)
Monthly stipend/Travel grants.
Limited, usually for postgraduate studies or specific research areas.
University-Specific Grants
Small stipends for research/teaching assistants (mostly postgraduate).
Highly competitive and specific to the faculty/research area.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Full funding/Monthly stipend (Very limited).
Highly competitive.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
Bilateral/Mercosur Agreements
1-2 semesters
Students from partner countries/universities with existing bilateral agreements.
Erasmus Mundus
Variable
Limited participation, highly competitive.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Inflation Alert
Argentina experiences high and fluctuating inflation. The published minimum wage and cost of living estimates are subject to frequent and rapid changes. Budget for significantly higher-than-expected expenses.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Master Spanish proficiency (required for free public university entry); secure all financial documents and police clearances well in advance; **register with DNM immediately** upon arrival to process the DNI card.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
Spanish
Currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
Time zone
UTC-03:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
Informal Tutoring/Freelance
ARS 1,800 - 3,000/hr (USD 2 - 3.5/hr)
Teaching English or digital freelancing/remote work. Mostly paid in cash/foreign currency (informal work due to legal restriction).
Hospitality/Tourism (Informal)
ARS 1,500 - 2,500/hr (USD 1.8 - 3/hr)
Jobs in bars, hostels, or restaurants, particularly common in major tourist cities.
Babysitting/Nannying
ARS 2,000 - 4,000/hr (USD 2.5 - 4.5/hr)
High-demand in expat communities, generally informal.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Very Low. Legal work is restricted. Informal work, while common, is not legally secured and is subject to local demand and **Spanish proficiency**.