INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Universidad Nacional (National University)

Universidad Privada (Private University)

Universidad Provincial (Provincial University)

Sede Nacional de Universidad Extranjera (National Branch of a Foreign University)

Universidad Internacional (International University)

Instituto Universitario Estatal (State University Institute)

Instituto Universitario Privado (Private University Institute)

Instituto Tecnológico (Technological Institute)

Instituto Superior de Formación Docente - Educación Superior no Universitaria (Teacher Training Institute - Non-University Level Post-Secondary Education)

Instituto de Formación Técnica - Educación Superior no Universitaria (Technical Training Institute - Non-University Level Post-Secondary Education)

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Bachillerato

Bachillerato Especializado

Título Menor

Bachiller Universitario

Profesorado

Licenciatura

Professional Title

Especialización

Maestría

Doctorado

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 5

Age of exit: 14

Structure of school system:

Pre-Elementary

Length of program in years: 1

Age level from: 5 to: 6

Basic

Length of program in years: 9

Age level from: 6 to: 14

Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificado de Educación Primaria/ Certificado de Educación General Básica

Technical Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Escuela de Educación Técnica

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Técnico constructor, Técnico electrónico, etc.

Polymodal Secondary

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Bachiller en …(different orientations), Certificado de Educación Polimodal en … (different orientations), Técnicos Medios, Peritos, Auxiliares.

School education:

Basic general education is compulsory and lasts for nine years leading to the Certificado de Educación General Básica. Secondary education consists in the last cycle of basic general education and polymodal education. It leads to the Bachillerato. In parallel to the polymodal cycle, there is a technical-professional track which leads, after a further year's study, to the title of Técnico. Some schools provide a course lasting one year longer leading to the Bachillerato especializado.

Higher education:

Higher education is provided by national and private universities, university institutes and institutes devoted to higher studies in the Fine Arts or to technical and professional studies, as well as teacher-training institutes. The Consejo Interuniversitario Nacional (CIN) coordinates policies of the national universities and their relationship with public and private, national and foreign bodies; draws up proposals for the national recognition of complete and partial studies and degrees and diplomas; and the national validation of foreign qualifications. Private universities are autonomous but must be recognized by the State, and their statutes, courses and programmes must be approved by it. They may award degrees and qualifications which are valid nationally if recognized by the central government. Over the last decade, their number has increased considerably. Since 1997, the Consejo Nacional de Evaluación y Acreditación Universitaria (CONEAU) oversees the external evaluations of all universities and provides authorization for the establishment of new universities. It also accredits graduate programmes and some undergraduate programmes where the public interest needs to be protected (e.g. Medicine and Engineering)..

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Law No. 24.521 Year: 1995

Concerns: Higher education

Academic year:

Classes from: Mar to: Nov

Long vacation from: Dec to: Feb

Languages of instruction: Spanish

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Higher technical education is offered by technical institutes (Institutos de Formación Técnica). It leads to the award of the Título Menor. The length of studies varies according to the organization of studies. Professional courses are also available in a wide range of subjects.

University level studies:

University level first stage: Licenciatura, Professional Title:

The first stage of university level education lasts between four and six years. It leads to the award of the Licenciatura or a professional qualification. The first stage corresponds to the study of basic subjects and practical experience in a given subject. In fields such as Architecture, Law and Medicine, first professional degrees are awarded after 5-6 years of study. The title of Profesor en ... is awarded after three to four-and-a-half years' study. The number of 4-year Licenciatura programmes is increasing. Intermediate professional titles of Técnico or Técnico Universitario, Bachillerato Universitario, Perito, Analista, Professor de Nivel Inicial o Primario, Profesor de Nivel Secundario o Polimodal are also offered and are conferred after studies that last for a minimum of two to three years.

University level second stage: Especialización, Maestría:

The Especialización consists in further training in a profession. It leads to the title of Especialista in a given field after a minimum of one year or 360 hours. The Maestría offers further training in a discipline or in an interdisciplinary field and is conferred after two years of further study or 540 hours. Training includes carrying out a research project or defending a thesis under the guidance of a supervisor which is evaluated by a jury which comprises at least one member that is external to the University. It leads to a Título Académico de Magister and the specification of the field of study.

University level third stage: Doctorado:

The Doctorado is the highest degree. Candidates must submit a thesis. Since it is not a prerequisite for the practice of a profession, no time limit is imposed.

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

EGB teachers are trained in two-and-a-half years in higher teacher training institutes (Institutos Superiores de Formación Docente), followed by one semester of practical experience. Successful graduates are awarded the title of Maestro.

Training of secondary school teachers

Polymodal school teachers are trained in three to four years in higher teacher training institutes (Institutos Superiores de Formación Docente).  They obtain the title of Profesorado.

Training of higher education teachers

Higher education teachers are trained in universities in four-year courses.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministerio de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología - MECyT (Ministry of Education, Science and Technology)

Head: Daniel Filmus, Minister

Pizzurno 935
1020 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 41291030

Fax: +54(11) 41291020

EMail: info@me.gov.ar

WWW: http://www.me.gov.ar

Consejo Interuniversitario Nacional - CIN (National Interuniversity Council)

Head: Rotates every six months among national rectors

Pacheco de Melo 2084
1126 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Fax: +54(11) 48062269

EMail: info@cin.edu.ar

WWW: http://www.cin.edu.ar

Role of governing body: Coordinates university  activities, recommends the creation of academic units, participates in university policy planning and makes recommendations to the Ministry.

Consejo de Universidades (Council of Universities)

Pizzurno 935, Piso 2
1060 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 41291251

Fax: +54(11) 41291953

Role of governing body: Presided by the Minister of Education and integrating the Comité Ejecutivo of the Consejo Interuniversitario Nacional, the Comisión Directiva del Consejo de Rectores de Universidades Privadas and a representative of each Consejo Regional de Planificación de la Educación Superior and a representative of the Consejo Federal de Cultura y Educación, it proposes the definition of policies and strategies of university development and  promotes interuniversity cooperation.

Consejo de Rectores de Universidades Privadas - CRUP (Council of Rectors of the Private Universities)

Head: Avelino José Porto, President

Guido 1841, 1° Piso
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 48055984

Fax: +54(11) 48116435

WWW: http://www.crup.org.ar

Role of governing body: Coordinates the activities of private universities.

Comisión Nacional de Evaluación y Acreditación Universitaria - CONEAU (National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation)

Head: Miguel Talento, President

Av. Santa Fe 1385, Piso 4
C1059ABH Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 48151767

Fax: +54(11) 48150744

EMail: consulta@coneau.edu.ar

WWW: http://www.coneau.edu.ar

Role of governing body: Oversees the external evaluations of all universities and the authorization process for the establishment of new universities. It also accredits graduate programmes and some undergraduate programmes where the public interest needs to be protected.

Consejos Regionales de Planificación de la Educación Superior - CPRES (Regional Higher Education Planning Councils)

WWW: http://www.me.gov.ar/spu/guia_tematica/CPRES/cpres.html

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Bachillerato

Entrance exams required:

There is an entrance examination in some cases.

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Bachillerato

Entrance exams required: There is an entrance examination in some cases.

Foreign students admission

Admission requirements: Students must hold the Bachillerato or its equivalent and sit for an entrance examination for the faculty or institution. To be admitted to post-graduate studies and research, candidates must have completed a degree course in a foreign university and have obtained the approval of the academic unit offering the post-graduate course.

Entry regulations: Foreign students must have a visa and a residence permit.

Language requirements: Students must be proficient in Spanish.

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Higher education institutions and courses are assessed and accredited by the National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation (Comisión Nacional de Evaluación y Acreditación Universitaria (CONEAU).

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Comision Nacional de Evaluacion y Acreditacion Universitaria (CONEAU)

Av. Santa Fé 1385 - Piso 4
1059 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 48151767

Fax: +54(11) 48150744

EMail: consulta@coneau.edu.ar

WWW: http://www.coneau.edu.ar

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University

Departamento de Convalidaciones, Dirección Nacional de Gestión Universitaria, Secretaría de Politicas Universitarias

Santa Fé 1548, 12° Piso
1060 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 41291969

EMail: dnguprivl@me.gov.ar

WWW: http://www.me.gov.ar/dngu

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Acuerdo de Admisión de Títulos y Grados Universitarios para el Ejercicio de Actividades Académicas en los Estados Partes del Mercosur

Year of signature: 2001

Name of agreement: Protocolo de Integración Educativa para la Formación de Recursos Humanos a Nivel de Postgrado entre los Países Miembros del Mercosur

Year of signature: 1998

Name of agreement: Protocolo de Integración Educativa para la Prosecución de Estudios de Posgrado en las Universidades de los Países del Mercosur

Year of signature: 1998

STUDENT LIFE

Student expenses and financial aid

Student costs:

Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (US Dollar)

Maximum: 400 (US Dollar)

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: Guía de Becas (http://www.aragon.com.ar - info@aragon.com.ar)

Publisher: Fundación José María Aragón

Title: Guía del Estudiante 2002

Publisher: Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires. Dirección de Orientación al Estudiante

Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd Edition

Author: UNESCO

Publisher: UNESCO Publishing

Year of publication: 2003

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES

Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:

Dirección Nacional de Cooperación Internacional, MECyT

Pizzurno 935, Piso 2, Oficina 21
1020 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 41291187

Fax: +54(11) 41291157

EMail: becas@me.gov.ar

WWW: http://www.me.gov.ar/dnci/

Programma de Internacionalización de la Educación Superior y Cooperación Internacional, MECyT

Pizzurno 935, 1° piso, of. 144
1020 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 41291396

EMail: enciu@me.gov.ar

WWW: http://www.me.gov.ar/spu/enciu

Secretaría de Políticas Universitarias, MECyT

Head: Daniel Malcolm, Secretary

Pizzurno 935, piso 2, officina 202
1020 Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54(11) 41291140

EMail: privada@me.gov.ar

WWW: http://www.me.gov.ar/spu

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: 1-10

Highest on scale: 10

Pass/fail level: 6 or 7

Lowest on scale: 1

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: 0-10. 9-10 Sobresaliente; 9 Muy bueno; 7-8 0-10 Sobresaliente; 9 Muy Bueno; 7-8 Distinguido; 5-6 Bueno; 4-4.9 Aprobado; 2-3 Insuficiente; 0-1 Reprobado

Highest on scale: 10

Pass/fail level: 4

Lowest on scale: 0

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

Data for academic year: 2005-2006

Source: IAU from Ministerio de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología, 2006

Note on Higher Education Institutions: Also Instituto Universitario Evangélico ISEDET, URL: http://www.isedet.edu.ar; and Instituto de Enseñanza Superior del Ejercito, URL: http://www.iese.edu.ar