National University of La Plata

About the university

The National University of La Plata (UNLP) is one of Argentina’s most prestigious public universities, founded in 1905 in La Plata. In 2025–2026, it remains a major academic and research institution with strong international recognition in Latin America. The university offers a wide range of programs in sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, law, and social sciences. It is known for its large campus, advanced research centers, and active academic community. UNLP plays a key role in Argentina’s higher education system, emphasizing accessibility, research excellence, and public service.

Key information

Location: La Plata, AR
Ranking #2
QS #250
THE #1000
US News #300
National ranking #3
Institution type: public

Popular faculties

Engineering
Computer Science
Exact Sciences
Medicine
Architecture and Urbanism
Economics
Law and Social Sciences
Humanities and Education Sciences
Veterinary Sciences
Social Work
Journalism and Communication

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: 110,000
Undergraduate: 95,000
Graduate: 15,000
International students: 5%

Campus life

UNLP has a large, urban-style campus spread across La Plata, integrating historic buildings, modern laboratories, libraries, museums, a botanical garden and an astronomical observatory. Student life is very active and socially engaged, with strong traditions of student unions, cultural festivals, lectures, film cycles and artistic events. The university offers dining facilities, study spaces and support centers for academic, psychological and social assistance. The city itself is relatively compact and student-friendly, with many cafes, affordable eateries and cultural venues within walking or biking distance. Public transport connects faculties across the city, and many activities are organized jointly with local cultural and scientific institutions.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: ARS 120 - ARS 600 / per month

Housing options

University residence halls
shared student apartments
private studios and one-bedroom apartments
homestays with local families
student hostels
long-term room rentals in family houses

Student clubs and organizations

Academic and professional societies
cultural and language clubs
music and theater groups
debate and political student organizations
volunteer and social impact groups
science and technology clubs
environmental organizations
student media and journalism groups

Sports

Football
futsal
basketball
volleyball
athletics
rugby
hockey
handball
rowing
swimming
tennis
fitness and gymnastics groups

Career & internships

Employment rate: 80%

Partner companies

YPF
Techint
Banco Provincia
Banco Nación
Globant
Mercado Libre
Telecom Argentina
AGIP y organismos del Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
Municipalidad de La Plata
CONICET
hospitales públicos y clínicas privadas de la región

Internships: UNLP students can access internships through faculty career offices, agreements with public institutions and private companies in La Plata and the Greater Buenos Aires region. Many programs include professional practice as a compulsory or elective component, especially in Engineering, Informatics, Medicine, Architecture, Law and Economics. There are research internships within university laboratories and institutes, often linked to national research bodies such as CONICET. Health-related degrees offer clinical rotations in associated hospitals and health centers. International mobility programs also allow short-term placements abroad with partner universities and organizations, particularly for advanced students and postgraduates.

Admission requirements

Required documents

Completed application form
valid passport
secondary school diploma or previous degree (translated and legalized)
official academic transcripts
proof of Spanish language proficiency (typically B2 level for regular programs)
curriculum vitae
motivation letter
letters of recommendation (for some programs)
proof of financial means
health insurance coverage
passport-sized photos
student visa and migration documents as required by Argentine authorities

Tuition costs

ARS 0 - ARS 4,000 / per year
Acceptance rate: 100.00%
Scholarships available: UNLP, as a public university, offers institutional scholarship programs (Becas UNLP) mainly for low-income and high-achieving students. Support can cover meal cards, transport, study materials, or partial housing assistance rather than full tuition (which is free or low for many). International students may access mobility scholarships through bilateral agreements and exchange programs with partner universities in Latin America, Europe, and other regions. Research and postgraduate grants are available for thesis work and participation in R&D projects, often managed together with CONICET and national agencies. Eligibility is based on academic merit, socioeconomic criteria, and study progress, and competition is moderate to high.

Quick facts

Founded: 1905
Teaching languages: Spanish, spanish
Study formats: offline

Contact

Website: https://unlp.edu.ar
[email protected]
+54 221 644 7000