Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Work permitpossible
- Permanent residencyafter 3 years
- Citizenshipafter 2 years
Overview
- Country
- Argentina
- Visa name
- Student Visa (Visa Estudiantil)
- Local name
- Visa de Estudiante
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Student visa for international students enrolled at educational institutions registered with Argentina's National Registry of Petitioners (RENURE). Covers university degree programmes, language courses, and other approved studies. Valid for 365 days, renewable. Argentina's public universities historically offered free tuition to all, though a 2025 policy change now allows public universities to charge fees to non-resident international students.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Mixed
- Free condition
- Free for Argentine citizens and foreign nationals with temporary/permanent residency. As of July 2025, public universities may charge tuition to non-resident international students.
- Tuition range
- $0 – $10,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Public universities: historically free for ALL students. From July 2025, the government authorized public universities to charge non-resident international students. Fees where applied: $2,000–$8,000/yr. Private universities: $2,500–$10,000/yr. Postgraduate: $2,500–$10,000/yr at both public and private institutions.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
- Freelance
- Allowed
Student visa holders with temporary residency (DNI) can work legally in Argentina. No specific hour restrictions. The temporary resident status grants broad work rights. Paid internships allowed with special permission.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residency (Radicación Permanente) | Work permit | — | Any | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELU (Certificado de Español: Lengua y Uso) | Admission | Spanish | Intermedio | Most programmes taught in Spanish. CELU or DELE certification may be required. Some universities offer preparatory Spanish courses. English-taught programmes limited. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $150 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children can apply for dependent residency.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Dependent residents with DNI have work rights.
Long-term pathway
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 3 years
- Citizenship
- After 2 years
- Study time counts
- Yes, full credit
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 10-30 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- cancilleria.gob.ar
- Health insurance
- Not required
Notes and caveats
Argentina has one of the most liberal immigration policies for students. Temporary residency (DNI) grants broad rights including work, banking, and healthcare. Permanent residence is generally available after 2 years for Mercosur nationals and 3 years for non-Mercosur nationals. Apply at least 30 days before travel. Reciprocity fee ($100–$160) may apply for some nationalities. Important 2025 change: public universities now authorized to charge non-resident international students tuition. Many students enter on tourist visa and convert to student residency in-country.
Also in Argentina
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source