Every child has the right to enrol in an Argentine school, whatever their migration status. What private schools charge by tier, the costs on top of the fee, and what changed for universities.
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Every child has the right to enrol in an Argentine school, public or private, whatever their migration status. In one cost survey, private fees run from about ARS 60,000 (about USD 39 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) a month at a subsidised school to as much as ARS 2,500,000 (about USD 1,620 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) at an elite international one.
Decree 366/2025 keeps the right to enrol in initial, primary and secondary school, public or private. That right holds even if a child's migration status is irregular.
If your child has no ID card yet, the authorities must guarantee access using documents from your home country.
The right does not depend on which residence route your family uses, or on whether your file has been decided.
These are monthly fees per child in Buenos Aires, by tier, from one cost survey.
| Tier | Monthly fee per child |
|---|---|
| Subsidised or parish | ARS 60,000 (about USD 39 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) to ARS 150,000 (about USD 97 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) |
| Mid-range | ARS 120,000 (about USD 78 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) to ARS 300,000 (about USD 190 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) |
| Bilingual | ARS 250,000 (about USD 160 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) to ARS 600,000 (about USD 390 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) |
| Premium national | ARS 400,000 (about USD 260 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) to ARS 1,000,000 (about USD 650 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) |
| Elite or international | ARS 800,000 (about USD 520 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) to ARS 2,500,000 (about USD 1,620 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) |
Another guide gives a general range for Buenos Aires of ARS 250,000 (about USD 160 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) to ARS 1,500,000 (about USD 970 at ARS 1,540 on 6 October 2026) a month.
Fees are lower in some other cities. The same survey puts them about 15% lower in Córdoba, and about 20% lower in Rosario and Mendoza.
We show ranges, not individual schools. Ask each school for its current fee list in writing.
Private schools also charge a matrícula (annual enrolment fee). One guide says it usually equals 1-3 monthly fees.
The cost survey gives these ranges for the matrícula:
Once every extra item is added, one guide puts the real yearly cost at about 14 times the base monthly fee.
To budget, take the monthly fee you are quoted and multiply it by that figure. Then compare the result with what the school tells you a full year costs.
One diplomat family describes preschools and daycares this way: Plentiful and mostly Spanish-medium.
If your child has no Spanish yet, ask how the school supports new arrivals.
Undergraduate study at state universities is free for Argentine citizens and foreigners with permanent residence. Since the 2025 decree, state universities may charge other foreigners, including temporary residents.
When last reported, no national university had announced plans to charge. The universities' national council had rejected the measure. That could change, so check with the university before you apply.
The University of Buenos Aires requires Spanish at level C1 from applicants from countries where Spanish is not the language.
The Route Finder asks who is moving with you and shows the routes you may fit. If you are bringing an animal too, read Bringing a pet.
Each route page sets out the test, what you need and what it costs.
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