If you are a university or college student in the city of Buenos Aires, you are entitled to ride the subwaycompletely free of charge. The benefit is calledthe Higher Education Student Passand is processed online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process.
Who is eligible
The benefit for free travel on the Buenos Aires subway for students is available to anyone currently enrolled at:
- Apublic or private universitybased in CABA
- Atertiary institution(IES, ISFD, etc.)
- AVocational Training Center (CFP)
It doesn’t matter if you live in Greater Buenos Aires (GBA) or another province: if you’re studying in CABA, you can apply. Your address is verified solely through your ID card.
What documents do you need to have ready
Before starting the process, download all the documents listed below because it will make the entire process easier and, most importantly, because the formcannot be saved and resumed later, so it’s best to have the files on hand.
👉Certificate of Enrollment
Screenshot or PDF of your assigned courses.
👉ID card (front and back)
Recommended: put both photos in a Word document and export it as a PDF. That way, everything is in a single file.
👉Certificate of Enrollment
You can download it from your college’s system:Administrative Procedures → Proof of Regular Student Status → Print Certificate.
👉Financial situation
A negative income certificate from ANSES (if you have no income)orpay stubs for yourself and your cohabitants (if you have formal income).
What is the ANSES Negative Certification:It is the document certifying that you have no registered income. It can be obtained for free atanses.gob.ar/consultas/certificacion-negativa. Enter your CUIL and that of each person living with you. The period must cover thelast 2 months, including the current month. If you have registered income, the negative certification cannot be issued. If that is the case, you must upload your pay stub.
The process, step by step
First, confirm the application. Review everything and click“Confirm Application.“ From the “My Applications” section, you can check the status at any time.
Go to the TADA portal. Visittad.buenosaires.gob.ar/tramitesadistancia/. This is the City Government’s Remote Procedures system.
Log in or create your account. Sign in with your CUIL or email address. It’s the same account you use for vaccination appointments, hospitals, and other procedures. If you already have an account, great.
Search for “Boleto” in the search bar. You’ll see the option “Boleto Educativo Educación Superior” appear. Click on it.
Read the requirements and start the application process. Click on“Start Application.“ The process has 3 steps: applicant information, attach documentation, and confirmation.
Fill in your personal information. Check that everything is correct and proceed to the next step.
Indicate who you live with. This determines what documentation you will need to provide regarding household income.
Upload the documentation. Attach the four documents mentioned above. For academic information, indicate: Level: University · Code: T08 · University: UBA (or your own) · Major.
⚠️Important:Remember that you cannot save your progress and resume the process later. Once you start, you must complete it in a single session.
How long does it take to be approved
Approval usually takes between3 and 5 business days, depending on your financial situation and the documentation submitted. Once approved, you’ll receive an email from the TAD system, and the updated status will appear in theNotificationssectionof theplatform.
If more than 5 business days have passed and you haven’t heard back, you can write directly to the GCBA through BA Colaborativa on the same website.
Once approved: use it with BUEPP
Here’s the part nobody explains to you. The benefit doesn’t work with the physical SUBE card. It’s used through the BUEPP app, Banco Ciudad’s virtual wallet.
So, to use the student benefit and ride the subway in CABA for free, download the app and wait48 business hoursfor your data to be verified and approved. Even if you already have an account on BUEPP, you still have to wait that long.
→Open the BUEPP app
→Tap TRANSPORTATION
→Select PAY TRIP WITH QR
→Click on GENERATE QR
→Scan your card at the subway turnstile enabled for virtual wallets
What nobody tells you
- It only works on the subway: The benefit applies only to the CABA subway, at turnstiles enabled for payment with a virtual wallet. It does not work on buses or trains.
- You don’t need money in your account: The ticket price is $0. Even if you have a balance in your BUEPP account, it won’t be deducted. The benefit is completely free.
- Problems with BUEPP: contact the bank directly: If 48 business hours have passed and the benefit does not appear in the app, or if you are having trouble creating the account, contact Banco Ciudad via WhatsApp:+54 9 11 5150 5050. They respond faster and more effectively than the GCBA.
According to some social media posts, even after the application has been approved, the benefit may not yet appear in the app. Check it periodically and file a claim because it’s an excellent way to save on transportation if you’re a university or college student. It’s worth it!
