Access to schools and health services depends on your immigration category, the type of service and the administration that runs the institution. “Everything is free for everyone” and “a foreigner without papers can get nothing” are both inaccurate. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Schools
Under article 7 of Law 25.871, as replaced by DNU 366/2025, foreigners may be admitted as students at initial, primary and secondary schools, public or private, whether national, provincial or municipal, even if their immigration status is irregular, and that status cannot be used to discriminate. School authorities must advise families on how to regularize the situation. This does not remove other practical requirements such as capacity, grade placement or the documents a school may ask for. The earlier text also named tertiary and university levels; the current text does not.
Universities
Article 2 bis of Law 24.521, introduced by DNU 366/2025 article 35, protects free undergraduate study at state institutions for Argentine citizens (native or by option) and foreigners with permanent residence. Institutions may set fees for other people, but that does not mean every state university charges every temporary resident. Scholarships may remain available where institutional rules allow. Check the specific university and programme. Being admitted does not create student residency; see the student residency guide.
Health care
Article 8 of Law 25.871, as replaced in 2025, says that in an emergency no foreigner may be denied or restricted access to social assistance or health care, whatever their status. Permanent residents may use the public health system on the same terms as Argentine citizens. In facilities run by the national State, routine care for other people is provided against health insurance or prior payment, under conditions set by the Ministry of Health. This does not mean every city or provincial hospital charges in the same way: check the level of government that runs the place you will use.
Keep the questions apart
An emergency, a routine check-up, a planned birth, school enrolment and university tuition are different situations. For immigration categories see the residency guide; for families see family reunification.
Related guide: Giving birth in Argentina: hospital, registration, first DNI and passport