Douglas Olsen
Argentina is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering a variety of attractions, from its vibrant culture and history to its diverse landscape. The country boasts 40 national universities and around 45 private universities, with eight internationally ranked universities located in or near Buenos Aires, including the country's top-ranked Universidad de Buenos Aires. In addition to its academic offerings, Argentina provides a range of extracurricular activities, such as rafting, skiing, hiking, and horseback riding, making it a well-rounded choice for international students seeking a blend of education and adventure. However, it is important to consider factors such as safety concerns, bureaucratic challenges, and economic downturns that may impact the overall experience for international students in Argentina.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students from Argentina in the US | 63 (enrolled in non-degree programs in 2020-2021) |
| % change from the previous academic year | -58.8% |
| Number of OPT students from Argentina in the US in 2019-2020 | Not mentioned |
| Number of OPT students from Argentina in the US in 2020-2021 | 298 |
| % change from the previous academic year | -8.9% |
| Top US states where Argentine students prefer to study | New York, Florida, California, Massachusetts, and Texas |
| % of students in graduate programs | 41.1% |
| % of undergraduate students | 39% |
| % of students in Optional Practical Training | 13.3% |
| % of students in non-degree/professional enrichment programs | 6.6% |
| Number of international students in Argentina | Not mentioned |
| Preferred study path for international students | MBA programs |
| Other preferred courses | Educational Tourism (Spanish immersion, tango classes) |
| Major considerations for inbound international students | Undergraduate classes are typically free, but graduate programs require funding for tuition fees |
| Language of instruction in most classes | Spanish |
| Visa requirement for international students | For graduate programs lasting more than 90 days |
| Top countries from where Argentina gets international students | Western and Northern Europe, the US, Brazil, Japan, China, Russia, and Australia |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in Argentina: US students make up the majority
- Economic factors: The sharp economic downturn in Argentina has impacted international study
- Language: English is not widely spoken, but many courses are taught in English
- Safety: Violent crime and corruption are concerns for international students
- Student life: The cultural hub of Buenos Aires is a draw for international students
International students in Argentina: US students make up the majority
Argentina is an increasingly popular destination for international students, with its good programmes, reasonable fees, and rich culture and history. The country's eclectic culture, diverse landscape, and world-class education attract students from all over the world.
Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina, is home to the majority of the country's leading universities. Eight internationally ranked universities are located in or near the city, including the country's top two institutions, the Universidad de Buenos Aires and the Universidad Austral. The city's affordability, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere also contribute to its appeal to international students.
While the exact number of international students in Argentina is unclear, it is evident that US students make up a significant portion. According to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors data, there has been a growing presence of US students in Argentina. Additionally, Argentina has been ranked as the top destination among South American countries and third in all of Latin America for receiving university students from the US.
The appeal of Argentina for US students can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Spanish-speaking environment and learn the language is enticing. Secondly, the availability of programmes taught in English, offered by many Argentinian schools, makes it more accessible for those who are not proficient in Spanish. The cultural attractions, such as Latin dancing, colourful costumes, Day of the Dead celebrations, and vibrant music, also contribute to the country's allure.
However, it is important to note that recent economic downturns, exchange rate problems, and high inflation rates in Argentina have impacted the ability of international students to pursue their studies in the country. Despite these challenges, Argentina remains a sought-after destination for international students, especially those from the United States, who are drawn to its academic offerings and unique cultural experiences.
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Economic factors: The sharp economic downturn in Argentina has impacted international study
Argentina has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, owing to its good programs, reasonable fees, and rich culture and history. The country boasts a wealth of natural resources, a lively culture, and a range of landscapes, from vineyards and mountains to the bustling capital of Buenos Aires. However, Argentina has faced economic challenges that have impacted the country's prosperity and, by extension, the landscape of international study within its borders.
One significant factor contributing to Argentina's economic woes is the populist policies enacted by former President Néstor Kirchner and his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who served as president from 2003 to 2007 and 2007 to 2015, respectively. During their administrations, they took advantage of a favourable international economic environment, with high commodity prices and low US interest rates. This led to a significant increase in public spending, which peaked at 41% of GDP in 2015, up from 22% in 2003. While these policies were unsustainable, they made the Kirchners' governments popular and helped them establish a new political dynasty. However, the failure to invest in projects with high long-term social or economic returns in areas like health and education has had lasting repercussions. As a result, Argentina's GDP per capita has stagnated, remaining the same as it was fifteen years ago.
Compounding these issues, the slow correction of the fiscal imbalance and the strict monetary and exchange rate regime adopted by President Macri's administration led the government to rely heavily on international credit markets to finance the fiscal deficit. This reliance on external borrowing contributed to the country's economic woes. However, there are signs of recovery, with Argentina's economy showing better-than-expected performance in the third quarter of 2024, and a projected GDP growth of up to 5.5% in 2025, driven by private consumption and investment.
The economic downturn in Argentina has had several impacts on international study. Firstly, it has likely affected the country's ability to invest in its education system and maintain competitive educational institutions on a global scale. This could potentially deter international students from choosing Argentina as a study destination, as they may opt for countries with better-funded educational infrastructure and more robust academic offerings. Secondly, the economic challenges have contributed to low public expenditure on primary, secondary, and post-secondary non-tertiary education per student, ranking 35th out of 39 countries in 2021. This suggests that the country may struggle to adequately fund its education system during economic downturns, potentially impacting the quality of education available to both domestic and international students.
Moreover, the financial crisis has likely influenced the affordability of studying in Argentina for international students. Tuition fees in Argentina can vary, and while the country promotes reasonable fees, economic downturns could lead to unexpected increases in tuition costs, impacting the financial planning of prospective international students. Additionally, the economic situation may have influenced the availability of scholarships or financial aid, potentially creating further financial barriers for international students wishing to study in Argentina.
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Language: English is not widely spoken, but many courses are taught in English
While English is not widely spoken as a first language in Argentina, with only around 4% of the population reporting speaking English in 2021, many higher education courses are taught in English to cater to the international student market. This means that international students from non-Spanish-speaking countries can still study in Argentina without needing to learn Spanish.
English is the primary language of instruction in many STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses, as well as an increasing number of business and social science programmes. This is particularly true at the
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Safety: Violent crime and corruption are concerns for international students
Argentina is an increasingly popular destination for international students, thanks to its good programs, reasonable fees, and rich culture and history. The country is known for its vibrant culture, including Latin dancing, colourful costumes, Day of the Dead celebrations, and infectious dance hall music. It is also home to a diverse array of scenery and wildlife, from vineyards and mountains to the bustling capital city of Buenos Aires.
However, violent crime and corruption are significant concerns for international students considering studying in Argentina. While the country has a strong legal and institutional framework to combat corruption, it has long suffered from widespread and endemic corruption in both the public and private sectors. Bribery, fraud, and irregular payments are common, particularly in the public procurement sector, where exchanges of bribes and irregular payments are routine in connection with the awarding of contracts. Companies also face a moderate risk of corruption when accessing public services and acquiring licenses, and there is a high risk of corruption in the judiciary, with political manipulation influencing judicial decisions.
The police force is also considered one of the most corrupt institutions in the country, with businesses reporting that they cannot consistently rely on the police to enforce law and order. This lack of trust and widespread corruption can make it challenging for international students to feel safe and secure in the country.
In terms of violent crime, Argentina had a murder rate of 5.94 per 100,000 people in 2016, with a total of 2,605 murders that year. While this may not be the sole factor influencing students' safety concerns, it contributes to the overall perception of Argentina as a country with high violent crime rates.
Despite these concerns, Argentina remains a popular destination for international students, particularly those from the United States, who make up a significant number of the international student population in the country.
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Student life: The cultural hub of Buenos Aires is a draw for international students
Buenos Aires, the colourful and bustling capital of Argentina, is a cultural hub that attracts international students from far and wide. The city's vibrant culture, lively atmosphere, and rich history make it a popular choice for those seeking an immersive study abroad experience.
Buenos Aires is known for its beautiful European-style architecture, grand plazas, and trendy neighbourhoods. The Puerto Madero district, home to the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Argentina (UCA), showcases the latest architectural trends along the historic waterfront of the Río de la Plata. The Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the country, does not have a main campus. Instead, its academic units are scattered throughout the diverse neighbourhoods of the city, allowing students to explore and discover new areas.
International students in Buenos Aires have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Argentine culture and language. They can take Spanish language courses, as well as classes in cultural studies, international marketing, and other disciplines with an academic emphasis on Latin America. The city's cultural offerings extend beyond the classroom, with museums, theatres, art galleries, and the iconic Teatro Colón opera house providing ample opportunities for exploration and learning.
The social scene in Buenos Aires is equally enticing, with tango dance salons, soccer games, and a vibrant food culture that includes local wines and juicy steaks. The city's cafes, boutiques, and ice cream shops add to the lively atmosphere. Additionally, the availability of homestays and apartments allows international students to live centrally, fully immersing themselves in the local culture and improving their language fluency.
Buenos Aires also serves as a gateway to the rest of Argentina and Latin America. Students can take advantage of field trips and excursions offered by study abroad programs to explore rural areas of Argentina and other Latin American countries, deepening their understanding of the region and their own cultural identities.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 2020-2021 academic year, 63 Argentine students were enrolled in non-degree programs in the US, an almost 59% decrease from the previous year. The US is a leading destination for students from Argentina, with New York, Florida, California, Massachusetts, and Texas being the top states for Argentine students.
Argentina is a magnet for foreign students, with Buenos Aires being a top destination due to its eclectic culture, world-class education, and eight internationally ranked universities. More than 60% of international students reside in Buenos Aires. The country's rich history, culture, and natural resources also make it an attractive place to study, especially for STEM subjects.
While Argentina has experienced a wave of violent crime and mob justice, with the government declaring a state of emergency in Buenos Aires in April, it still remains a popular destination for international students. The country has also faced economic troubles, high inflation, and strict capital controls that affect purchasing power and access to foreign currency. However, these challenges do not seem to have significantly deterred international students, as Argentina continues to be a preferred choice for education abroad.
