Exchange guide University of Buenos Aires
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Snapshot
Argentina's most prestigious university and the largest in the country. Free tuition for exchange students with multiple faculties spread across Buenos Aires.
Why students shortlist it
Latin America's most academically prestigious public university, completely free for all students including foreigners. Politically charged, intellectually vibrant atmosphere across 13 faculties in the world's most European Latin American city.
Teaching languages: Spanish (primary and exclusive — no English-taught courses)
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
Nominated students must have completed at least one year of university study, demonstrate good academic standing, and possess Spanish language proficiency at B2 level or above (as almost all courses are taught in Spanish).
Nomination Process
Home university coordinators nominate students to the central UBA International Relations office or directly to the specific host faculty. Nominees then complete the faculty-specific application form and upload required documents.
Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: One week before classes start (late February for First Semester, late July for Second Semester).
Faculty-level international relations offices host orientation sessions for incoming exchange students.
Events hub: https://www.uba.ar/internacionales/
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| October 31 | November 30 | |
| April 30 | May 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- Obtain your Argentine student visa (Visa de Estudiante) from your nearest consulate or register for temporary residency upon arrival.
- Submit your learning agreement and register for classes at the host faculty's international office.
- Check in with the host faculty's student registry and secure your local student credentials.
- Purchase a SUBE card for public transit and a local SIM card.
Academics
Course Registration
Registration is decentralized and managed by each faculty's student department (Departamento de Alumnos). Students register for courses at the start of each semester, with add/drop periods lasting two weeks.
Credit System
UBA does not use a standard credit system, but lists courses by total clock hours (horas de cátedra). A standard workload is typically 3-4 courses per semester, which is equivalent to approximately 30 ECTS (often calculated as 28-30 class hours per 1 ECTS).
Grading System
Numerical scale from 0 to 10. The minimum passing grade is 4. An 8 or above is considered very good, and 10 (sobresaliente) is rarely awarded. Students who average 7 or higher in their midterms can promocionar (pass without sitting the final exam).
Exam Culture
A strict 75% attendance is required to maintain student status. Grading is based on two midterms (parciales). Students who pass but do not average 7 must take a comprehensive final exam (examen final).
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 | Argentine public universities are constitutionally free for all nationalities, no exceptions. No tuition, no admin fees, no registration cost. Same for forei… |
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
Argentine public universities are constitutionally free for all nationalities, no exceptions. No tuition, no admin fees, no registration cost. Same for forei…
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.
Comprehensive international travel insurance policy
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Local Argentine private healthcare plans (prepagas) like OSDE or Medicus (optional)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Relaciones Internacionales UBA (UBA Internacional)
Visa and migration orientation, international student activities, and general administrative coordination.
Faculty-Level International Offices
Departmental course registration, learning agreement validation, and academic advising.
Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín
Clinical consultations, medical emergencies, and specialty treatments for students and staff.
International Students (UBA)
University of Buenos Aires services for international students: academic information, exchange program support, and guidance for incoming visiting students.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Centros de Estudiantes (highly politically active student unions in each faculty)
- Centro Cultural Rojas (cultural workshops, art, theater)
- UBA Internacional Social Club
Buddy Program
UBA Internacional buddy pairing and integration events
Sports & Recreation
- Campo de Deportes de Ciudad Universitaria (sports center with football fields, tennis courts, and track/field)
- Faculty-level sport teams
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
UBA Relaciones Internacionales
Official Facebook portal for the UBA international office, hosting orientation alerts and exchange updates.
Alquiler Estudiantes Buenos Aires
Active Facebook housing community to find rooms, apartments, and roommates for students in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires International Students
Facebook community group for international exchange students and travelers in Buenos Aires.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Get MercadoPago set up for daily payments.
- Join the Centro de Estudiantes of your faculty.
- Learn about the 'blue dollar' exchange rate situation.
- Explore San Telmo market on Sundays.
Key Dates
First Semester application window
September - November
Applications for the March intake are due by late November.
Second Semester application window
March - May
Applications for the August intake are due by late May.
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.