The National Technological University (Spanish: Universidad Tecnológica Nacional, UTN) stands as a flagship public university system in Argentina, known for its exceptional engineering and technology programs. With over 30 regional faculties spread across the country, UTN is unique in its federal structure and focus on technical education and applied research.
In this guide from MyUnigate, we take you through UTN’s history, academic strengths, campuses, research initiatives, and opportunities for international students—including how to apply and access scholarships.
1. Overview and History of UTN
Established in 1959, UTN was created to address Argentina’s industrial and technological needs. Originally called the National Workers’ University, it was designed to provide practical, technical education to working professionals and has since evolved into one of Argentina’s largest and most prestigious engineering-focused university systems.
Key Historical Highlights:
- First university in Argentina dedicated exclusively to engineering and applied sciences.
- Maintains a federal structure, with autonomous faculties across regional campuses like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Santa Fe, Mendoza, La Plata, and more.
- Known for industry alignment—UTN graduates play key roles in Argentina’s energy, IT, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
2. Academic Programs at UTN
UTN’s academic focus is strongly oriented toward engineering, technology, and applied sciences. It offers undergraduate (grado), graduate (posgrado), and technical (tecnicatura) programs.
Core Engineering Fields:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Naval Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Graduate Programs:
- Master’s in Environmental Engineering
- Master’s in Quality Engineering
- Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
- Specializations in Automation, Software, and Systems Design
Each UTN regional faculty tailors its programs to meet the needs of local industries, making degrees highly relevant to job markets.
🧑🎓 Tip from MyUnigate: UTN is ideal for students interested in combining academic theory with real-world, practical applications in high-demand industries.
3. Campuses and Federal Structure
UTN operates through 29 regional faculties (Facultades Regionales), making it one of the few universities in Latin America with a decentralized academic system. Each faculty is semi-autonomous and serves the technical and professional needs of its respective region.
Major Campuses:
- UTN Buenos Aires (FRBA)
- UTN Córdoba (FRC)
- UTN Rosario (FRRo)
- UTN Mendoza (FRM)
- UTN La Plata (FRLP)
- UTN Santa Fe (FRSF)
Despite their geographic spread, all campuses follow a consistent curriculum and are coordinated through a national rectorate.
4. Research and Industry Collaboration
UTN has built a strong reputation in applied research and industry collaboration. Many projects are directly linked to national development priorities such as energy, transportation, manufacturing, and digital innovation.
Research Areas:
- Automation and Robotics
- Sustainable Energy
- Smart Cities and Infrastructure
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Cybersecurity and Systems Design
Each faculty houses Research & Development Units (Unidades de I+D) that often work with Argentine industries, international universities, and government bodies.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
As a public university, UTN does not charge tuition fees for most of its programs. Additionally, students have access to several scholarships and funding options:
Scholarships Offered:
- Becas PROGRESAR – for low-income and high-achieving students
- UTN Internal Merit Scholarships – awarded per faculty based on academic performance
- CONICET & ANPCyT Grants – for postgraduate research (master’s and PhD)
- Mobility Scholarships – for exchange programs within Latin America and Europe
UTN also partners with organizations like DAAD (Germany) and Erasmus+ (EU) to offer international mobility scholarships.
🎓 Want help with finding and applying for these scholarships? Visit MyUnigate for tailored guidance for international students.
6. Admissions for International Students
UTN accepts applications from students across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Programs are primarily in Spanish, so a good grasp of the language is required.
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma (translated and certified) for undergraduate programs
- Relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry
- Valid passport and student visa
- Spanish language proficiency (some faculties may require exams or certifications)
- Online or faculty-specific applications via the UTN websites
The UTN Rectorado coordinates some centralized international agreements, while each faculty handles individual admissions.
7. Campus Life and Student Services
Despite its technical focus, UTN campuses offer a vibrant student experience with access to:
- Engineering clubs and robotics teams
- Sports and fitness centers
- Professional networking events and career fairs
- Innovation hubs and incubators
- Language and cultural exchange programs
- Student unions and tech competitions (e.g., hackathons)
8. Contact Information
National Rectorate (Rectorado UTN):
📍 Address: Sarmiento 440, C1041AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
📞 Phone: +54 11 5371-5600
🌐 Website: https://www.utn.edu.ar
UTN Buenos Aires (example faculty):
📍 Address: Medrano 951, CABA, Argentina
For other campuses, visit the national UTN website to find regional faculty websites.
Conclusion
The National Technological University (UTN) is a powerhouse of engineering education and technological research in Latin America. With a highly practical focus, government support, and a wide network of regional faculties, UTN is ideal for students seeking top-tier technical education at an affordable cost.
If you’re considering studying in Argentina, MyUnigate can help you explore your options at UTN—whether it’s navigating the admission process, scholarship applications, or language preparation.
