Critical analysis of the policies that shape the beginnings of university studies in Argentina

Abstract

Higher education (HE) coverage in Argentina is among the highest in Latin America and is at the universalisation stage. This implies a transition from an elite university model to one of mass access, which has had a democratising impact by facilitating the incorporation of traditionally excluded groups. In this article, we have identified a series of policies that shape the transition into university studies through documentary analysis of research carried out in Argentina and the systematisation of the regulations of some Argentine universities. These policies have been ordered as follows: first, we will describe those focused on the first year which seek to address indicators of discontinuity in the initial stages of university studies. Then, we will describe the comprehensive, third-generation policies which organise the entire educational experience during the first year of university studies and beyond, shaping the university system.