Studying in Argentina: key information to make the best out of your experience

If you're thinking about doing an exchange in Argentina, here are some of the most common things international students usually need to sort out:

• If you're planning to stay in Argentina for more than 90 days, you’ll need to have a visa or a residence permit. The most common one is the Visa 365, which covers stays between 91 and 365 days. You can actually get this once you arrive in Argentina, either at the consulate or through immigration in the city where you'll be studying, just make sure you’ve got your university enrolment letter at hand. If you're staying longer than a year, then you’ll need the +365 Visa, which has to be sorted before you travel, at the Argentinian consulate in your home country. For short stays (under 90 days), you can usually just enter as a tourist, either with a passport or a tourist visa, depending on where you're from.
• If you're from a Mercosur country (or an associated state), you'll need to bring a criminal record certificate from your home country. The same goes for students from outside Mercosur staying more than six months, but in that case, the certificate needs to be apostilled (basically, officially stamped) under The Hague Convention.
• You’ll need to bring your academic transcript from your home university, signed and stamped by the institution. If it’s not in Spanish, you’ll also need to get it officially translated.
• A motivation letter, saying what you’d like to study and which courses you’re interested in.
• A reference letter from some professor at your home university.
• A valid passport and a copy of it.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae.
• Make sure you’ve got medical insurance that covers your whole stay in Argentina.
• Some faculties require having at least a B2 level of Spanish. In some cases they’ll want proof, but other times just being able to follow the lessons is enough.

Argentina has a really strong and diverse cultural identity, shaped by a mix of indigenous roots, European influence, and homegrown traditions that you’ll experience every day. Each part of the country has its own vibe, climate, and lifestyle.

One thing international students often mention is how warm and welcoming people are. Argentinians are super friendly, expressive, sociable, and always up for helping out, or inviting you to share a “mate”! Life here isn't just about hitting the books. There's a big culture of spending time together: from sharing meals and going to gigs or football matches, to just chilling with friends over a drink or “mate”.

The lifestyle’s definitely more laid-back than in many other countries as lunch is late, dinner’s even later, and there’s always time for a chat. It’s the kind of place where making friends and feeling at home comes naturally.

Studying in Argentina is also a great opportunity to learn or brush up on your Spanish. Just be aware that each region has its own accent, but you’ll get used to them in no time, and might even take home a few classic lunfardo expressions!

On top of that, Argentina’s university system is one of the most respected in Latin America, with top public unis like UBA (University of Buenos Aires), UNC (National University of Córdoba), and UNLP (National University of La Plata). And the best part? Higher education is much more affordable than in a lot of other countries.

Wondering what you can do during your exchange in Argentina?

If you're into history and culture, you'll love wandering through the traditional neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, checking out museums like the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) or the Cabildo, and visiting cities like Córdoba or Salta, where colonial charm and local identity are everywhere. Depending on where you are and the time of year, you can also catch tango shows, folklore festivals or lively murga performances.

For the more adventurous types, Argentina’s an absolute dream. Think trekking in Patagonia (El Chaltén and the Perito Moreno Glacier are a must), skiing in Bariloche, rafting in Mendoza, hiking through jaw-dropping scenery in Jujuy or the Iguazú Falls, and even whale watching in Puerto Madryn.

And if food is your thing, you're in for a treat! From classic “asados” with friends to “empanadas”, “locro”, “choripán”, and sweet treats like “alfajores” and “dulce de leche”, food is a fundamental part of daily life here. Sharing a “mate” (the drink) is also a big deal as it’s one of Argentina’s most rooted traditions, and you’ll definitely get used to it. Each province has its own flavours and dishes, so eating your way around the country is a proper cultural experience itself.

Getting around is also pretty affordable. Students get discounts on transport, and if you plan ahead, you can explore the country by bus or low-cost flights. One thing to know: night buses are a big thing here. Argentina’s huge, and the long-distance buses are surprisingly comfy, some even have proper sleeper seats!