Quick Summary
Based in Cuenca, Ecuador, Universidad de Cuenca is a public with roots dating back to 1867. Ranked #1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 16500 students including 1.5% from outside Ecuador. Known for strengths in Medicine, Architecture, Agriculture, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in Ecuador, located in a UNESCO World Heritage city with zero tuition for undergraduate students.
Subject Strengths
MedicineArchitectureAgricultureForestrySocial Sciences
Founded1867
TypePublic
Total Students16500
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusUrban
Campus SizeMultiple Urban Campuses
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitario del Río, IESS José Carrasco Arteaga
AccreditationConsejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior (CACES)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1201-1400
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1501+
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Continuing Education
Programs
PhD in Water Resources, PhD in Health, PhD in Social Sciences
PhD Programs
Hybrid and specific online master's programs
Online Programs
Centro de Estudios Ambientales, Departamento de Recursos Hídricos y Ciencias Ambientales
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior (CACES)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFLNot Available
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission depends heavily on the National Higher Education Entrance Exam and internal institutional tests. Focus on high scores in logical reasoning and subject-specific knowledge.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
Living Cost
$6,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$4,500/yr
per year · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$6,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Architecture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Law | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Veterinary Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$9,600
Average Salary After Graduation
72%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with local government and public sector
Industry Connections
Strong links with public healthengineering firmsand agricultural sectors in Southern Ecuador
Notable Alumni
Jefferson Pérez (Olympic Gold Medalist), multiple Ecuadorian Presidents and Ministers
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
University stadium, coliseum, multiple outdoor courts
Student Clubs
Diverse cultural, arts, and political student organizations
Library Resources
Central Library Juan Bautista Vázquez with extensive digital repository
Exchange Programs
PAME-UDUAL, Erasmus+, and bilateral agreements with European universities
Summer Programs
Not Available