Universidad Central del Ecuador emblem

Universidad Central del Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador • Founded 1586 • QS 2025 #1201-1400

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Central University of Ecuador
Local Name: Central University of Ecuador, Quito
Acronyms: UCE
Founded: 1586
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2025 #1201-1400 SCImago 2026 #2627
Motto: Omnium Potentior est Sapientia
Around Universidad Central del Ecuador campus
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Founded in 1826, the Universidad Central del Ecuador (Central University of Ecuador, Quito) is a non-profit public 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), Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) is a coeducational Ecuadorian higher education institution. Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

UCE also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Universidad Central del Ecuador's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.

Address: Ciudadela Universitaria Avenida América entre Gilberto Gatto Sobral y Bolivia
Other Sites: Also Santo Domingo and Galapagos campuses
Phone: +593 (2) 223 4722
Fax: +593 (2) 223 6367
Social Media:

Academic Details

A quick read on Universidad Central del Ecuador's academic vitals — enrolment counts, faculty makeup, and recognition status. The combination determines class sizes, faculty access, and credential portability.

Academic Year: October to June (October-December; January-March; April-June)
Recognition: Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior del Ecuador
Accrediting Agency: The Higher Education Quality Assurance Council (CACES)
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (bachillerato) or equivalent
Campus Setting: Urban

Degrees

Also posgrados

Other 55 programs
  • Accountancy
  • Administration
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art Management
  • Banking
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Dentistry
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • Food Science
  • Geology
  • International Law
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Medicine
  • Midwifery
  • Mining Engineering
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Performing Arts
  • Physical Education
  • Physical Therapy
  • Political Sciences
  • Preschool Education
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Public Health
  • Science Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
  • Statistics
  • Technology Education
  • Theatre
  • Tourism
  • Veterinary Science

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior del Ecuador.

Administration (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Public Administration
Agriculture (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Agronomy
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Architecture and Town Planning (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architecture
  • Town Planning

Common Career Paths

  • Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Interior Designer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Arts (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Art History
  • Ceramic Art
  • Dance
  • Fine Arts
  • Painting and Drawing
  • Performing Arts
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
  • Theatre
Biology (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology

Common Career Paths

  • Biologist
  • Lab Technician
  • Research Scientist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Chemical Engineering (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemical Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Process Engineer
  • Plant Manager
  • Materials Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Dentistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dentistry

Common Career Paths

  • Dentist
  • Oral Surgeon
  • Dental Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering and Applied Science (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Industrial Design
  • Information Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Geology, Mining, Petroleum and Environmental Engineering (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geology
  • Mining Engineering
  • Petroleum and Gas Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Human and Social Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Political Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law, Poltical and Social Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Criminology
  • Law
  • Political Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medical Technology
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Radiology
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Philosophy, Letters and Education (Faculty) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Teacher Training

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Physical Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physical Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Psychology (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Clinical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Rehabilitation and Therapy (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
Science (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Mathematics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Communication (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Content Strategist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Veterinary Science (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Veterinary Science
  • Zoology

Common Career Paths

  • Veterinarian
  • Animal Health Specialist
  • Wildlife Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Universidad Central del Ecuador's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.

138 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Ecuador

Postgraduate Certificate 10 programmes

How to apply to Universidad Central del Ecuador

A short guide to applying to Universidad Central del Ecuador — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse Universidad Central del Ecuador's 138 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Programme-level requirements at Universidad Central del Ecuador typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Universidad Central del Ecuador processes applications through www.uce.edu.ec. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +593 (2) 223 4722. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Central del Ecuador

Common questions about Universidad Central del Ecuador answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.

How old is Universidad Central del Ecuador?

The institution opened in 1586 (approximately 440 years ago).

Where is Universidad Central del Ecuador located?

Universidad Central del Ecuador is located in Quito, Ecuador.

What is Universidad Central del Ecuador's control type?

Universidad Central del Ecuador operates as a public institution.

Where does Universidad Central del Ecuador stand in university rankings?

Universidad Central del Ecuador is ranked QS 2025 #1201-1400.

Is Universidad Central del Ecuador accredited?

Yes, Universidad Central del Ecuador is recognised by The Higher Education Quality Assurance Council (CACES).

How do I find Universidad Central del Ecuador online?

You can find Universidad Central del Ecuador online at www.uce.edu.ec.

Faculties at nearby universities

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Where Else to Study General Engineering

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