Exchange guide National University of Córdoba
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at National University of Córdoba in Córdoba, Argentina.
Snapshot
The oldest university in Argentina (founded 1613) and the heart of Córdoba's massive student scene. Free tuition.
Why students shortlist it
Historic public university in C?rdoba, Argentina, with a city-campus ecosystem and strong options in law, medicine, economics, architecture and humanities. Good fit for Spanish-speaking exchange students who want a politically active student city.
Teaching languages: Spanish (primary and exclusive)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Requires good academic standing at the home institution and completion of at least 40% of the home degree. Spanish proficiency is mandatory for all courses: non-native speakers are expected to demonstrate B1/B2 (CEFR) Spanish level.
Nomination Process
Home university coordinators nominate candidates through the UNC's Kuntur mobility platform. Once nominated, students complete the online application on Kuntur and upload their transcripts and passport copy.
Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: One to two weeks before classes start (early March for Semester 1, early August for Semester 2).
The Prosecretaría de Relaciones Internacionales (PRI) hosts a welcome meeting and orientation for international exchange students at the start of each semester.
Events hub: https://www.unc.edu.ar/internacionales/
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| October 15 | November 15 | |
| April 15 | May 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Obtain your Argentine Student Visa (visa de estudiante) or temporary residency entry stamp upon arrival.
- Verify your registration and check in with your Facultad's international relations coordinator.
- Submit your proof of mandatory international health insurance to the PRI office.
- Sign up for the Comedor Universitario card to access subsidized campus meals.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration is completed upon arrival at the Alumnos (student affairs) department of each respective Facultad. Students register for courses using the SIU-Guaraní online system once their student accounts are active.
Credit System
Argentine academic hours (horas cátedra). Workload is measured in total class contact hours per week. A standard full-time workload is 3 to 5 courses per semester (representing 20-30 contact hours per week). Conversion: 1 weekly contact hour over a semester typically corresponds to 1.5 ECTS.
Grading System
Grading scale from 1 to 10, where 4 is the minimum passing grade in some faculties (e.g., Law, Economics) and 6 is the passing grade in others (e.g., Philosophy, Medicine). 10 is Outstanding (Sobresaliente), 8-9 is Very Good (Muy Bueno), 6-7 is Good (Bueno), 4-5 is Approved (Aprobado), and below 4 is Insufficient (Insuficiente).
Exam Culture
Courses are split into optional lectures (Clases Teóricas) and mandatory practical sessions (Clases Prácticas), which require 75-80% attendance to qualify as a regular student (alumno regular). Final exams are written or oral and are held during official tables (mesas de examen) in July/August and December.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | ARS 0 — public universities are FREE for everyone | Argentine public universities (UBA, UNC) are completely tuition-free for ALL students including foreigners — no admin fees, no taxes, no facility costs. Stud… |
| Full degree – international | ARS 0 — FREE for everyone | UNC is a public Argentine university — tuition is constitutionally free for all including foreigners. No enrollment fees, no annual fees. Only cost: student … |
ARS 0 — public universities are FREE for everyone
Argentine public universities (UBA, UNC) are completely tuition-free for ALL students including foreigners — no admin fees, no taxes, no facility costs. Stud…
ARS 0 — FREE for everyone
UNC is a public Argentine university — tuition is constitutionally free for all including foreigners. No enrollment fees, no annual fees. Only cost: student …
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
No
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
Any international student health plan with global coverage
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Prosecretaría de Relaciones Internacionales (PRI)
Immigration support, Kuntur platform coordination, orientation sessions, and academic transcript processing.
Comedor Universitario (University Canteen)
Subsidized lunch program for students, offering highly nutritious meals for less than a dollar.
Culture & Services (UNC)
Universidad Nacional de Córdoba culture and services: student wellbeing, health services, sports (25+ disciplines), dining, scholarships, and campus life programs.
International Students (UNC)
UNC international students portal: incoming exchange information, academic guidance, campus integration, and support services for international students in Córdoba.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Centros de Estudiantes (student unions in each faculty organizing political and social events)
- Cultural and artistic workshops at the Secretaría de Extensión Universitaria
- Spanish language courses at the Facultad de Lenguas
Buddy Program
Informal buddy and tutor programs organize social activities and assist exchange students with course registration and city navigation.
Sports & Recreation
- Dirección de Deportes de la UNC: offers tennis, football, swimming, and outdoor athletics in Ciudad Universitaria.
- Hiking and climbing circles in the nearby Sierras de Córdoba.
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
UNC Relaciones Internacionales PRI
Official Facebook portal for the Prosecretaría de Relaciones Internacionales of UNC, posting events and deadlines.
Alquileres Nueva Córdoba y Estudiantes
Active Facebook housing community to find rooms, apartments, and roommates in the Nueva Córdoba student district.
Córdoba International Students Network
Active Facebook community group for incoming international exchange students in Córdoba.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Fly into Córdoba Airport (COR) and take a taxi or the Aerobus to Nueva Córdoba.
- Visit your Facultad's international relations coordinator to validate your enrollment.
- Get your Kuntur platform profile completed and your student login activated.
- Register for the subsidized Comedor Universitario card for cheap lunches.
Key Dates
Semester 1 (March-July) admission cycle
September - November
Nominations due by October 15, applications due by November 15 of the preceding year.
Semester 2 (August-December) admission cycle
March - May
Nominations due by April 15, applications due by May 15 of the same year.
Application window (1st semester, March intake)
September – November
Nominate via home uni; UBA Internacional handles incoming applications.
Application window (2nd semester, August intake)
March – May
Same flow for second-semester arrival.
Orientation & enrolment
Late February (Sem 1) or Late July (Sem 2)
Faculty-level enrolment is in person — confirm your facultad before arrival.