Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador • Founded 1946 • QS 2027 #1001-1200
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1946, the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Quito (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Pichincha.
Officially recognized by the Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior del Ecuador (Council for Quality Assurance of Higher Education of Ecuador), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) is a large-sized coeducational Ecuadorian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 77-year-old Ecuadorian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
PUCE also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
The numbers below cover the academic side of Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.
Unit 15 items
- Faculty of Administrative and Accounting Sciences
- Faculty of Architecture, Design and Arts
- Faculty of Communication, Linguistics and Literature
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Education Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences
- Faculty of Human Sciences
- Faculty of Jurisprudence
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Philosophical and Theological Sciences
- Faculty of Psychology
- School of Bioanalysis
- School of Social Work
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior del Ecuador.
Architecture, Design and Fine Arts (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Design
- Fine Arts
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration and Accountancy (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication, Linguistics and Literature (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Modern Languages
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering
- Systems Analysis
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Ecology
- Geography
- History
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural and Exact Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Natural Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy and Theology (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Bioanalysis (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Histology
- Medical Technology
- Microbiology
Social Work (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Work
Programs Offered
Look through Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.
78 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Ecuador
Bachelor's Degree 48 programmes
Showing 10 of 48.
Master's Degree 29 programmes
Showing 10 of 29.
Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme
How to apply to Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Practical steps to apply to Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador runs 78 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Ecuador.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.puce.edu.ec). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +593 (3) 241 6722. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Quick reference for Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When did Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador open?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador traces its founding to 1946 (approximately 80 years ago).
What city is Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador in?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador operates from Quito, Ecuador.
What is Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador's control type?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador operates as a private institution.
How big is Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador's student body?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador serves approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
How is Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador ranked?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador is ranked QS 2027 #1001-1200.
What is Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador's religious tradition?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador is associated with Christian-Catholic.
How many faculties does Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador have?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador is organised into 15 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador accredited?
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador is accredited by The Higher Education Quality Assurance Council (CACES).
Where can I learn more about Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador?
You can find Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador online at www.puce.edu.ec.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador and the universities below are both members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).
Other Ecuadorian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Below: other Christian-Catholic-affiliated universities in Ecuador, alongside Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Quito: universities located close to Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Below: other Ecuador universities that offer General Engineering programmes.
Universities Compared with Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.
Studying in Ecuador: guides and resources
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