National University of the Littoral logo

National University of the Littoral

Santa Fe, AR · Ranking #9

The National University of the Littoral (UNL), founded in 1919, is one of Argentina’s oldest and most prestigious public universities. Located in Santa Fe, it plays a key role in higher education and research in 2025–2026. UNL offers a wide range of programs in engineering, law, social sciences, natural sciences, architecture, and economics. The university is known for its strong academic tradition, research output, and regional impact, with close ties to industry, government, and scientific institutions.

National University of the Littoral logo National University of the Littoral

National University of the Littoral

About the university

The National University of the Littoral (UNL), founded in 1919, is one of Argentina’s oldest and most prestigious public universities. Located in Santa Fe, it plays a key role in higher education and research in 2025–2026. UNL offers a wide range of programs in engineering, law, social sciences, natural sciences, architecture, and economics. The university is known for its strong academic tradition, research output, and regional impact, with close ties to industry, government, and scientific institutions.

Key information

  • Location: Santa Fe, AR
  • Ranking #9
  • QS #801
  • THE #1001
  • National ranking #10
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Architecture
  • Design and Urbanism
  • Biochemistry and Biological Sciences
  • Agriculture
  • Economic Sciences
  • Law and Social Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Sciences
  • Humanities and Sciences
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Engineering and Water Sciences
  • Education
  • Visual Arts and Design

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 35,000
  • Undergraduate: 38,000
  • Graduate: 7,000
  • International students: 6%

Campus life

UNL is distributed across several campuses and faculties in Santa Fe and nearby cities, offering an open, urban campus experience. Student life is active and socially committed, with a strong presence of student unions, cultural festivals, exhibitions, film cycles and public lectures. The university has libraries, laboratories, dining facilities and student support services. Santa Fe is a medium-sized riverside city with relatively low living costs, a calm pace of life and a growing cultural scene. Public transport and cycling make it possible to move between faculties and neighborhoods, and many academic and extension activities are developed in partnership with local government and communities.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $50 - $250 / per month

Housing options

  • Shared student apartments in Santa Fe
  • private studios and one-bedroom apartments
  • student hostels and long-stay hostels
  • homestays with local families
  • long-term room rentals in family homes
  • small university-affiliated or private residences

Student clubs and organizations

  • Student unions and political groups
  • cultural and arts clubs
  • music and theater groups
  • volunteer and social outreach organizations
  • academic and research societies
  • environmental and sustainability organizations
  • sports and outdoor activity groups

Sports

  • Football
  • futsal
  • basketball
  • volleyball
  • athletics
  • hockey
  • rugby
  • swimming
  • tennis
  • rowing and water sports on nearby rivers
  • fitness and training groups

Career & internships

Employment rate: 85%

Partner companies

  • Government of Santa Fe Province
  • Municipality of Santa Fe
  • public hospitals and health centers
  • educational institutions in the region
  • agro-industrial and food companies
  • engineering and construction firms
  • local banks and financial institutions
  • NGOs and social organizations

Internships: UNL students can undertake internships and professional practice through agreements with public institutions, companies and NGOs in Santa Fe and the surrounding region. Many programs in engineering, agriculture, health sciences, law and social sciences include practice components in their curricula. There are also opportunities for research internships in institutes and laboratories linked to national and provincial research systems. International students may access internships depending on their Spanish level, visa conditions and program structure. These experiences allow students to apply knowledge in real contexts, build networks and improve their employability in local and regional labor markets.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • Application form
  • valid passport
  • secondary school diploma or previous degree (translated and legalized)
  • official academic transcripts
  • proof of Spanish language proficiency (usually B1–B2 for undergraduate studies)
  • curriculum vitae
  • motivation letter
  • letters of recommendation (for some programs)
  • proof of financial means
  • health insurance
  • passport-sized photos
  • student visa and migration documents required by Argentine authorities

Tuition costs

  • $0 - $1,200 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 100.00%
  • Scholarships available: As a public university, UNL focuses its scholarship system on social and economic support rather than high tuition coverage, since fees are low or symbolic for many students. There are institutional scholarships for low-income students, support for transport, meals and study materials, and specific programs linked to academic merit or participation in research and extension projects. International students may access some mobility or cooperation scholarships through bilateral agreements, regional programs and external agencies, but most institutional schemes are aimed at local students. Selection criteria usually combine socioeconomic evaluation, academic performance and a commitment to complete studies. Detailed information is provided by the international office and each faculty.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1919
  • Teaching languages: spanish
  • Study formats: offline

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