Quick Summary
Private (pontifical) in Quito, Ecuador — Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, est. 1946. Ranked #801-1000 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 21000 students including 2.5% from outside Ecuador. Known for strengths in Modern Languages, Medicine, Biological Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 65%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier research institution in Ecuador with a strong Jesuit tradition of humanistic and scientific excellence
Subject Strengths
Modern LanguagesMedicineBiological SciencesLaw
Founded1946
TypePrivate (Pontifical)
Total Students21000
Intl Students2.5%
Faculty Ratio16.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size45 acres
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Vozandes, Clínica San Francisco, Red de Salud PUCE
Accreditationundefined
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-1000
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1501+
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Specialized Certifications, Language Courses
Programs
Biology, Psychology, Education, Literature, Philosophy
PhD Programs
Business Administration, Education, Information Technology, Law
Online Programs
CISeAL (Infectious Disease Research), Herbarium QCA, Museum of Zoology QCAZ
Research Centers
High
Research Output
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Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate65%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on the PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Académica) entrance exam; prepare socioeconomic documentation for tuition scaling.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$5,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$7,200/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$8,500/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$55
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$12,755/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAcademic Excellence, Socioeconomic Support, Sports, Arts
Avg Scholarship$2,000
Financial AidDifferentiated tuition system based on family income analysis
Work-StudyAvailable for registered students in administrative and research units
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Specialized Certifications, Language Courses programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Architecture | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$15,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with national banks, NGOs, and government ministries
Industry Connections
Chambers of CommerceUNESCOPan American Health Organization
Notable Alumni
Osvaldo Hurtado, Fabián Alarcón, various Supreme Court Justices
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, soccer fields, basketball courts, multi-use athletic complex
Student Clubs
Debate Club, Model UN, FEUCE (Student Union), Environmental Club
Library Resources
One of the largest university libraries in Ecuador with extensive digital repositories
Exchange Programs
PIMU Network, AUSJAL, Erasmus+ partnerships
Summer Programs
Spanish language immersion, Tropical Biology field courses