Study requirements in Argentina
The basic requirement for studying abroad in Argentina is the general university entrance qualification. According to directoryaah, Argentina is a country located in South America. As a rule, there are also internal university entrance exams. For students who have a German degree and want to start postgraduate studies in Argentina, different admission criteria apply.
Since there is no Argentine-German equivalence agreement, it is advisable to find out about the requirements at the university in good time. As a rule, it is necessary that the respective department of the Argentine university recognizes the academic title.
Good knowledge of Spanish
A good knowledge of Spanish is required for a stay abroad in Argentina. In the case of a complete degree in Argentina, proof is usually provided on site via a language test. The same applies here: Students should inform themselves about the admission criteria at the university as early as possible.
Argentine universities and private language schools in Argentina offer Spanish language courses as preparation. English-language courses have so far been a major exception at Argentine universities.
Costs and financing options
Undergraduate studies at a state university are free for Argentines. For international students, studying in Argentina is not free. Tuition fees in Argentina vary between the equivalent of EUR 1,000-2,000 per academic year. Prospective students can find out the exact amount from the respective university.
At private universities, the fees are much higher.
Cost of Living in Argentina
Living and studying in Argentina is on average cheaper than in Germany. The cost of living varies depending on where you are and your individual lifestyle.
Housing is in short supply in major and university cities in Argentina. The Argentine students live mainly with their parents. The following accommodation options are available:
- Flat shares / rooms in a house completely rented by students: popular form of living among Argentines; around EUR 100-270 per month
- Student residences: mostly shared rooms for two or three people; Application via the International Office
- Rooms in host families: mediation through the International Office; around EUR 100 per month
- Renting your own apartment: minimum rental period of one year; a bank guarantee is often required
Funding opportunities for studying in Argentina
There are different ways in which the student fund can be topped up. On the one hand, there is the Auslands-BAföG, with which the federal government covers part of the travel and maintenance costs as well as tuition fees.
Another option is an education loan, which can also be taken out from the federal government.
In addition, there are various partial and full scholarships from the DAAD as well as scholarships from various political and cultural organizations and business enterprises.
Most Argentine students work alongside their studies because there is no study grant in their country that is comparable to our BAföG. Since the unemployment rate in Argentina is quite high, the chances for German students to find a job are slim. If you still want to try, you have to apply for a work permit on site.
Study in Argentina: Visa and Entry
Before you travel to Argentina, you need a student visa. The visa can be applied for at the Argentine embassy in Berlin. Unfortunately, this goes hand in hand with a bureaucratic process. In addition to the application form, the following documents must currently be submitted:
- the acceptance of a study place from an Argentine university
- a health certificate
- a certificate of good conduct
- an international birth certificate
- two passport photos
- a passport that is valid for at least three months
Good to know: a processing time of two months for the visa is quite normal. There are fees of around EUR 300. The visa is valid for a maximum of nine months.
Student or tourist visa?
A visa is not cheap at around EUR 300. Therefore, it may be more practical to enter on a three-month tourist visa. Those who intend to stay longer have the opportunity to briefly travel to a neighboring country and then return to Argentina. However, some universities expressly require a student visa for enrollment. It is therefore important to find out about the exact visa regulations in advance.
One advantage of the student visa is the work permit it contains. However, it can be difficult to get a part-time job in Argentina, especially with little knowledge of Spanish. The pay is also usually well below the German level.
Protection in the event of illness
Before students start their semester abroad, they should take care of adequate insurance cover. A foreign health insurance for the semester in Argentina ideally covers all medical and hospital costs as well as the return transport in the event of illness.
