Universidad San Francisco De Quito

Universidad San Francisco De Quito

Founded in 1988, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is the first private liberal arts university of Ecuador.

About


Today, USFQ has more than 9,000 students and receives 1,000 international students per year. We are also ranked as #1 University in Ecuador and #45 in Latin America (2025 QS University Rankings).

 

USFQ believes in freedom as a fundamental human characteristic and training students to become well-rounded world citizens, leaders, and entrepreneurs. As a research-centered university, USFQ has the highest number of faculty with PhDs in the country, which we leverage across all subjects.

 

USFQ is the only university in the world with scientific stations in the Amazon Basin and the Galapagos Island.


Cumbayá Program:
International students who wish to experience life in Quito and study at USFQ’s main campus and take courses at USFQ alongside local students.

 


Galapagos Semester Program GAIAS:
Located on San Cristobal Island, the USFQ Galapagos campus offers international students the opportunity to study in one of the most pristine natural laboratories in the world. The program offers four academic tracks in biological and social sciences, all taught in English.

 

Students can choose one of the following tracks: 
Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation
Marine Ecology
Sustainability and Resilience
One Health

 

*Topics of tracks may change.

 

** Please note the track fees which students are required to pay in order to take part in the program. See the Galapagos fee link below for more details.

Accommodation


Homestays with Ecuadorian host families in Quito (approximately 45 minutes from campus in public transportation), including breakfast and dinner, laundry service, a private room in the home and the experience of being another member of the family. Students who receive approval from their home institution to rent an apartment are responsible for making their own arrangements. Families are responsible for picking up the students at the airport.