Top 5 student cities in Argentina

Are you thinking about going on an exchange programme or starting your academic career abroad? Learning about the top 5 student cities in Argentina can be a good starting point for a different experience. The country stands out for the quality of its university system, a wide range of public and private universities, and a more affordable cost of living compared to other destinations in Latin America and Europe.

 

Argentina offers cities with very different profiles: large cities with intense cultural life, traditional university hubs, and quieter destinations, ideal for focusing on studies. In this article, we review the best cities for students, analysing their advantages and disadvantages, the most prominent universities, and rental options designed for those looking for student accommodation safely and online.

 

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the capital, is the university city most chosen by both domestic and foreign students. It’s the largest city in the country and has a wide range of universities, a very diverse cultural life and unrivalled leisure and nightlife.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Buenos Aires

Living and studying in Buenos Aires offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.

 

Pros of studying in Buenos Aires

• Very lively and multicultural student atmosphere.
• Very active cultural life: concerts, museums, theatres, and events all year round.
• Wide range of highly prestigious public and private universities.
• Wide variety of neighbourhoods well connected by public transport.

 

Cons of studying in Buenos Aires

• Rent is usually more expensive than in other inland cities.
• The pace of life can be intense for some students.
• The distances are long and traffic can cause significant delays.

 

Top Universities in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is home to some of Argentina's most renowned institutions.

 

Universidad de Buenos Aires

The University of Buenos Aires is one of the most important public universities in Latin America. Its main campus, Ciudad Universitaria, is located in the Núñez neighbourhood of the capital. Consult the complete guide to accommodation near the University of Buenos Aires for more information.

 

Student housing in Buenos Aires

The reality is that the price of student rentals in Buenos Aires varies greatly and depends on the neighbourhood where the accommodation is located, but it’s usually among the highest in Argentina. However, as a general rule, the average price is usually between €350-550 per month, with a minimum of €220.

 

If you’re going to study in the Argentine capital, check out our guide to student housing in Buenos Aires with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

 

Córdoba

Córdoba is another of the country's major university hubs and a favourite city among students for its youthful atmosphere and strong academic identity. With a very active student life, it’s ideal for those seeking a balance between study, leisure and more affordable costs than in the capital.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Córdoba

Córdoba offers many academic opportunities, although it isn’t without certain drawbacks for students.

 

Pros of studying in Córdoba

• Large student community, mainly concentrated in the Nueva Córdoba neighbourhood.
• It’s more affordable than living in Buenos Aires.
• Its location in the centre of the country makes it easier to travel.

 

Cons of studying in Córdoba

• There’s less cultural diversity and fewer international students.
• Job opportunities are scarcer than in Buenos Aires.
• Public transport is based on bus routes and may not be sufficient for some areas.

 

Top Universities in Córdoba

Córdoba is home to universities with a long academic tradition.

 

Universidad Católica de Córdoba

The Catholic University of Córdoba was the first private university to be founded in Argentina and is one of the universities that receives the most foreign students in the interior of the country.

It has a main campus that houses most of its faculties, located on the outskirts of the city centre, in the Santa Isabel neighbourhood. It also has some buildings in more central areas.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to housing close to the Catholic University of Córdoba.

 

Student housing in Córdoba

Rent for students in Córdoba is usually more affordable than in Buenos Aires. Students tend to choose single rooms in flats shared with other young people, which usually cost between €250 and €400 per month and can start from €170.

 

For more information about university life, accommodation and areas to live in this city, you can read our guide on student accommodation in Córdoba.

 

Rosario

Rosario is a university city with a strong cultural identity and a more relaxed pace than larger cities. Located on the banks of the Paraná River, it offers a good balance between academic life, leisure and affordable costs, making it a very attractive option for students.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Rosario

Student life in Rosario has many positive aspects, but also some disadvantages that may affect your daily life.

 

Pros of studying in Rosario

• Lower cost of living than in Buenos Aires and comparable to that of Córdoba.
• Active and fun student atmosphere.
• Good cultural offerings and outdoor spaces.

 

Cons of studying in Rosario

• Fewer universities.
• To travel abroad, you must first go to Buenos Aires or Córdoba.
• More limited job opportunities in some sectors.

 

Top Universities in Rosario

In Rosario, one higher education institution stands out above all others.

 

Universidad Nacional de Rosario

The National University of Rosario is often ranked among the best public universities in Argentina. Its faculties are spread across different neighbourhoods of the city and other towns in the province.

 

Student housing in Rosario

The cost of renting in Rosario is usually quite affordable, and similar to that in Córdoba. For your reference, rooms in shared flats typically range from €220 to €380 per month, depending on location and features.

 

Mendoza

Mendoza is a growing university city, known for its natural surroundings and quality of life. Located at the foot of the Andes mountain range, it offers a more peaceful environment than large capital cities, ideal for those looking to combine their studies with outdoor activities all year round.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Mendoza

Choosing Mendoza to study brings with it great advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

 

Pros of studying in Mendoza

• A privileged natural environment and good quality of life, with many outdoor activities.
• It’s usually more affordable than Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
• It’s a relatively small and tidy town.

 

Cons of studying in Mendoza

• Less student nightlife.
• Job and internship opportunities are scarcer.
• There’s less variety in terms of university programmes.

 

Top Universities in Mendoza

Mendoza is home to several prestigious universities in Argentina.

 

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo

The National University of Cuyo is nationally recognised for its programmes in science, engineering and humanities. Most of its faculties are located on the main campus, in the Olivares neighbourhood, next to San Martín Park.

 

Student housing in Mendoza

Living in Mendoza is generally more affordable than in the cities mentioned above, and this also includes the cost of accommodation. Students often choose rooms in shared flats, which can cost between €200 and €350 per month.

 

La Plata

La Plata is one of the most university-oriented cities in Argentina. Designed from the outset as a planned city, it offers a well-organised, green environment that’s ideal for academic life. Its proximity to Buenos Aires, combined with a more affordable cost of living and a very active student community, make La Plata a balanced option for those who prioritise their studies but also value the mobility and opportunities offered by a nearby large city.

 

Pros and cons of studying in La Plata

The academic experience in La Plata has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

 

Pros of studying in La Plata

• Strong university identity and vibrant student life.
• Lower cost of living than in Buenos Aires.
• Proximity to the capital and the opportunity to enjoy everything it has to offer.

 

Cons of studying in La Plata

• More limited cultural and leisure activities than in the capital.
• Less international environment.
• Buenos Aires office for certain plans or procedures.

 

Top Universities in La Plata

This city is home to another of the country's most prestigious institutions.

 

Universidad Nacional de La Plata

It’s one of the most prestigious public universities in the country, recognised for its academic standards and scientific output. The buildings where its faculties hold classes are located in the city centre, in different areas but relatively close to each other.

 

Student housing in La Plata

Rent for students in La Plata is cheaper than in Buenos Aires. Rooms in shared flats usually cost between €200 and €330 per month, especially in areas close to the city centre and universities.

 

Find accommodation in Argentina with Erasmus Play

Choosing between the top five student cities in Argentina will depend on the type of academic and life experience you are looking for. Cities such as Buenos Aires or Córdoba stand out for their university offerings and active student life, while Rosario, Mendoza and La Plata offer a more relaxed pace, more affordable costs and ideal environments for concentrating on your studies.

 

Regardless of the destination you choose, having good accommodation is key to starting this stage with peace of mind. Through our online student accommodation platform, you can compare verified rooms, flats and residences, filter by price and location, and book 100% securely before arriving in your new city.

Other guides on studying and living in Argentina

If you’d like to learn more about exchange programmes or studying in this Latin American country, please refer to our guide:

• Studying in Argentina