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.
City
Buenos AiresCountry
ArgentinaInternational
Strong Latin American and incoming exchange mix by faculty; exact share varies by academic unit
Enrollment
Approx. 300,000 students
Study abroad at University of Buenos Aires (UBA): overview
Study abroad at University of Buenos Aires (UBA) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination name alone. The University of Buenos Aires (UBA / Universidad de Buenos Aires) is Latin America's most prestigious public university, founded in 1821. Useful proof points: Approx. 300,000 students; Strong Latin American and incoming exchange mix by faculty; exact share varies by academic unit; Law, Economics, Social Sciences and Political Science. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
Approx. 300,000 students
International Mix
Strong Latin American and incoming exchange mix by faculty; exact share varies by academic unit
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Law, Economics, Social Sciences and Political Science and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: Spanish (primary and exclusive — no English-taught courses)
Exchange & application at University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At University of Buenos Aires (UBA), rules can sit at faculty level, so validate courses before promising yourself a timetable.
Exchange document
Factsheet+2025-2026 U Buenos Aires.pdf
Host-university document shared through UAB partner materials. Check the academic year and faculty scope before applying.
✅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/
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | October 31 | November 30 |
| 2nd semester | 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 & courses at University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Academics combine credits, calendar, seats and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, real teaching language and course-list changes before final enrolment.
📝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).
📚Library Access
Library, digital resources and study spaces after activating the university account.
Tuition & fees at University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Separate exchange, full-degree tuition, insurance, housing and living costs. Official fees vary by programme and student category, so use the university page as the final check.
| 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 | Argentine public universities are constitutionally free for international full-degree students too — no tuition, no admin fees, no registration cost. Only mi… |
| Local / Argentine student | ARS 0 — FREE | Argentine and resident students pay no tuition at public universities — the same constitutional free-tuition guarantee. UBA is one of the largest free public… |
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
Argentine public universities are constitutionally free for international full-degree students too — no tuition, no admin fees, no registration cost. Only mi…
ARS 0 — FREE
Argentine and resident students pay no tuition at public universities — the same constitutional free-tuition guarantee. UBA is one of the largest free public…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Housing near University of Buenos Aires (UBA) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Buenos Aires
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin issues from becoming blockers.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
🏥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 at University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, exchange groups or faculty channels. Join repeated groups early instead of waiting for campus life to happen automatically.
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 & 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 exchange dates at University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods or admin closures visible before booking return travel.
-
1
1st semester application (March intake)
September – November
Nominate via your home university; applications for the March intake close by late November. UBA Internacional handles incoming students.
-
2
2nd semester application (August intake)
March – May
Same flow for the August intake; applications close by late May.
-
3
Orientation & enrolment
Late February (Sem 1) or late July (Sem 2)
Faculty-level enrolment is in person — confirm your facultad before arrival.