Instituto Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud. Fundación H. A. Barceló, Sede La Rioja

The La Rioja campus is currently undergoing a massive expansion project titled "Barceló Crece," which includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art campus.

• Main Academic Building: Houses modern lecture halls, administrative offices, and student support centers.
• Simulation Hospital: A dedicated facility where students practice clinical skills and emergency scenarios using high-fidelity simulators.
• Anatomy Laboratory: Equipped for cadaveric dissection and topographical anatomy studies.
• Specialized Science Labs: Modern labs for Histology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Physiology.
• Digital Library: Access to international medical databases and a physical repository of health sciences literature.
• ICT & Virtual Learning: The university uses a robust virtual campus to support the "Ciclo Introductorio" and blended learning subjects.
• International Relations Office: Manages agreements for students wishing to do rotations in the USA, Spain, or other parts of Latin America.
• Research Center: Supports faculty and student projects in public health and epidemiology.
• University Outreach Center: Coordinates medical camps and community health screenings in the surrounding provinces.
• Student Wellness Area: Includes counseling services and study lounges designed for intensive preparation.

The university maintains strong ties with the public healthcare network of La Rioja province for clinical clerkships:

• Hospital Regional Dr. Enrique Vera Barros: The main public referral hospital in La Rioja for adult medicine and surgery.
• Hospital de la Madre y el Niño: The primary site for Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology rotations.
• Centro de Salud Familiar (Fundación Barceló): The university's own primary care clinics where students begin early community medicine training.
• Specialized Private Clinics: Partnerships with various private sanatoriums for rotations in cardiology and diagnostic imaging.

Fees at Fundación Barceló are divided into an annual "Matrícula" (Registration) and 11 or 12 monthly "Cuotas." Prices are listed in Argentine Pesos (ARS).

Scholarship

• National Discount: Argentine citizens receive a significant discount on the standard tuition rates.
• Institutional Scholarships: Awarded to students with high academic averages after the second year.
• Payment Plans: The university offers flexible installment plans for families to manage the monthly "Cuotas."
• Regional Grants: Local students may apply for provincial bursaries provided by the government of La Rioja.

• The Vibe: La Rioja is a dry, scenic city at the foot of the Andes. It is known for its warm hospitality, mountains, and slow-paced lifestyle.
• Connectivity:
• Road: Centrally located within the city; accessible via local bus lines and taxis.
• Air: Served by Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid Airport (IRJ), with regular flights to Buenos Aires.
• Safety: La Rioja is considered one of the safer capital cities in Argentina for students.

• Accommodation: There are no on-campus dorms, but the university helps students find Residencias Universitarias (private hostels) nearby. Popular areas for students include the city center and the neighborhoods surrounding the Matienzo campus.
• Vibe: Close-knit and dedicated. Because it is a health-only institute, the environment is highly focused on medical training.
• Dining: Several local cafes and canteens near the campus offer affordable "menú estudiantil" options.
• Student Organizations: The university has an active student representative body and scientific societies that organize annual research conferences.

• Cycle Format: The Ciclo Introductorio (Entry Course) begins in January, March, or August.
• Requirements: High school diploma (legalized), ID/Passport, and health certificate.