History Schools and Programs in Argentina

History Studies in Argentina

History in Argentina is studied at university in two main forms: the Licenciatura en Historia, a degree oriented to research, and the Profesorado en Historia, which trains history teachers for secondary and higher education. Both are first degrees taken straight after secondary school, they are taught in Spanish, and at the UNTREF, for example, each lasts four years.

SpainExchange lists 4 schools in Argentina that teach history: two in Buenos Aires (the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and the Universidad Católica Argentina), the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and the Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTREF) in Sáenz Peña, Buenos Aires province.

How history degrees are organised

Under the Higher Education Law (Ley 24.521), only universities can award the licenciado degree and the postgraduate titles of magíster and doctor. Officially recognised titles are valid throughout the country. History is not one of the regulated professions of article 43, so the degree itself does not go through the periodic CONEAU accreditation required for fields such as medicine; postgraduate programmes, including master's and doctorates in history, must be accredited by CONEAU.

The UNTREF gives a clear example of the two routes. Its Licenciatura en Historia lasts a planned four years, includes a final thesis (tesina) and leads to the title of Licenciado en Historia; the first two years cover subjects such as historical methodology, the ancient and medieval worlds, American history and the history of thought. Its Profesorado en Historia also lasts four years and leads to the title of Profesor en Historia, with a focus on teaching in secondary and higher education. At the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, the Escuela de Historia offers the same pair: the licenciatura oriented to research and the profesorado oriented to teaching.

After the first degree, students can continue to a master's (maestría) and a doctorate. The UNTREF's Doctorado en Historia, for example, has 720 contact hours, leads to the title of Doctor en Historia and is rated category A by CONEAU. The Universidad Torcuato Di Tella offers a Licenciatura en Historia, a Maestría en Historia and a Doctorado en Historia in its Department of Historical and Social Studies, which also runs a digital history lab.

Admission and language

Applicants need a completed secondary education and must meet the admission rules of each university. The UNTREF, for example, asks for completed secondary school at a recognised institution plus its general entry requirements. At the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, registration for the 2027 entrance course runs from 2 November to 15 December 2026.

Students who finished secondary school in a country that has an education agreement with Argentina must validate their certificate (convalidación) to study at a national institution; the procedure is free. Classes, reading and exams are in Spanish. History students at Córdoba also have to pass a reading test in a foreign language, chosen from English, French, Portuguese, Italian and German. The Universidad Nacional de Córdoba runs Spanish and culture courses (PECLA) and receives international exchange students. For postgraduate study, the UNTREF asks students with a foreign degree to meet the national requirements for validating their title.

For a full degree, the university must be registered in the RENURE register and requests the student's entry permit from the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones; the student then collects the visa at the Argentine consulate.

Costs and funding

Since decree DNU 366/2025, undergraduate study at state universities is free for Argentine citizens and for foreigners with permanent residence. State universities, such as Córdoba and the UNTREF, may charge other students, who can still receive scholarships where statutes or agreements provide them. Private universities charge tuition fees. The Universidad Torcuato Di Tella offers 100% scholarships for applicants to its 2027 master's and doctorate in history.

Careers

History graduates in Argentina work mainly in teaching and research. According to the UNTREF, the licenciatura prepares graduates to design and run research projects, join interdisciplinary research teams, communicate historical knowledge to academic and general audiences, and work on projects to preserve documentary sources and historical heritage. The profesorado leads mainly to teaching in secondary and higher education, as well as to educational projects and management.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a licenciatura and a profesorado in history?

The licenciatura is oriented to research and usually ends with a thesis; the profesorado prepares students to teach history in secondary and higher education. At the UNTREF both last four years.

Do I need to speak Spanish to study history in Argentina?

Yes. History degrees are taught in Spanish. Some universities, such as the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, run Spanish courses for international students.

Can I do a PhD in history in Argentina?

Yes. Doctorates must be accredited by CONEAU. Examples include the UNTREF's Doctorado en Historia, rated category A, and the doctorate at the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.