Quick Summary
Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral – ESPOL is a public founded in 1958, located in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Ranked #721-730 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 10850 students including 1.1% from outside Ecuador. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18.5%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
ESPOL is the highest-ranked public university in Ecuador, offering internationally accredited programs (ABET/AACSB) at nearly zero cost for undergraduates.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringCivil EngineeringComputer ScienceAgriculture & Forestry
Founded1958
TypePublic
Total Students10850
Intl Students1.1%
Faculty Ratio15.2
CampusSuburban
Campus Size694 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationABET (multiple Engineering programs), AACSB (FCSH Business School), CACEI
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#721-730
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201–1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral programs in Engineering, Business, Life Sciences, Art and Design
Programs
PhD in Computer Science, PhD in Applied Mathematics, PhD in Management, PhD in Bioscience
PhD Programs
Limited professional development courses and selected hybrid master's degrees
Online Programs
CTI (Center for Information Technologies), CIBE (Biotechnological Research Center), CEMA (Maritime and Atmospheric Research Center)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
ABET (multiple Engineering programs), AACSB (FCSH Business School), CACEI
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18.5%
IELTS6
TOEFL79
Min GPA3.2
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · February 20
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the institutional admission test (Mathematics and Science) and ensure secondary school credentials are apostilled if international.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
Living Cost
$6,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$4,800/yr
per year · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$6,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidMerit-based scholarships and socio-economic support available for local and international students
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral programs in Engineering, Business, Life Sciences, Art and Design programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Petroleum Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$16,500
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong industry integration with mandatory internships in national and multinational corporations
Industry Connections
Strong partnerships with OCP EcuadorPetroecuadorand regional agricultural exporters
Notable Alumni
Jorge Glas, Leon Roldos Aguilera, multiple Ecuadorian ministers and industry leaders
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Olympic pool, football fields, tennis courts, multi-use coliseums
Student Clubs
Robotics Club, IEEE Student Branch, Debate Club, Sustainability Club, Dance Group
Library Resources
Wilfredo Loor Central Library, extensive digital repository, and access to major scientific databases
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with institutions in Germany, USA, Spain, and South Korea (DAAD, Erasmus+)
Summer Programs
Research internships and cultural exchange workshops