Universidad San Francisco de Quito institutional logo

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Quito, Ecuador • Founded 1988 • QS 2026 #801-850

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: San Francisco University of Quito
Local Name: San Francisco de Quito University
Acronyms: USFQ
Founded: 1988
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2026 #801-850 Times Higher Education 2026 #1201-1500 SCImago 2026 #2257
Motto: Studium, Progressus, Labor
Colours: Red
Mascot: Dragon
Universidad San Francisco de Quito academic facilities
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Established in 1988, the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (San Francisco de Quito University) 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.

This institution also has a branch campus in Cumbaya. 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 San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is a large-sized coeducational Ecuadorian higher education institution.

Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 36-year-old Ecuadorian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this Ecuadorian higher education organization an averagely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. USFQ 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, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica Circulo de Cumbayá
Phone: +593 (2) 297 1700
Fax: +593 (2) 289 0070
Social Media:

Academic Details

These figures give a quick read on Universidad San Francisco de Quito's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.

Academic Year: August to May
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 and entrance examination, or foreign equivalent
Student Enrollment: 10,000-14,999
Academic Staff Range: 700-799
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Asociación Latinoamericana de Población (ALAP) Institut Paul Bocuse Worldwide Alliance (IPB-WA)

Academic Structures

Universidad San Francisco de Quito's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.

Unit 11 items
  • College of Administration for Development
  • College of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
  • College of Architecture and Interior Design
  • College of Biological and Environmental Sciences
  • College of Communication and Contemporary Arts
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Tourism
  • College of Jurisprudence
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Postgraduates Studies
  • College of Sciences and Engineering - El Politécnico

Faculties & Divisions

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

Administration and Economics (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

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

Architecture and Design (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architectural and Environmental Design
  • Architecture
  • Interior Design

Common Career Paths

  • Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Interior Designer

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

Biology and Environmental Sciences (College) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Marine Biology
  • Microbiology

Common Career Paths

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

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

Communication and Contemporary Arts (College) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Advertising and Publicity
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Graphics
  • Cultural Studies
  • Design
  • Film
  • Fine Arts
  • Journalism
  • Media Studies
  • Multimedia
  • Photography
  • Public Relations
  • Video

Common Career Paths

  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Content Strategist

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

Health Sciences (College) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dentistry
  • Health Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Nutrition
  • Optometry
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Law (College) 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.

Music (College) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Music
Science and Engineering (College) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Food Technology
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Systems Analysis

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

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

Social Sciences and Humanities (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

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

Tourism, Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Cooking and Catering
  • Hotel and Restaurant
  • Management
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Hotel Manager
  • Event Planner
  • Food & Beverage Manager

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

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Universidad San Francisco de Quito are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.

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

How to apply to Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Five steps that capture how most applications to Universidad San Francisco de Quito flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Universidad San Francisco de Quito's catalogue includes 84 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Universidad San Francisco de Quito's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Submit your completed application through Universidad San Francisco de Quito's official website at www.usfq.edu.ec. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +593 (2) 297 1700. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Common questions students ask about Universidad San Francisco de Quito — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

When did Universidad San Francisco de Quito open?

Universidad San Francisco de Quito traces its founding to 1988 (approximately 38 years ago).

What city is Universidad San Francisco de Quito in?

Universidad San Francisco de Quito operates from Quito, Ecuador.

Is Universidad San Francisco de Quito public or private?

Universidad San Francisco de Quito is a private institution.

How big is Universidad San Francisco de Quito's student body?

Universidad San Francisco de Quito serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.

How is Universidad San Francisco de Quito ranked?

Universidad San Francisco de Quito is ranked QS 2026 #801-850.

What qualification levels does Universidad San Francisco de Quito offer?

Universidad San Francisco de Quito delivers doctoral programmes across its academic units.

What is Universidad San Francisco de Quito's academic structure?

Universidad San Francisco de Quito has 11 academic units.

Is Universidad San Francisco de Quito accredited?

The institution holds recognition from The Higher Education Quality Assurance Council (CACES).

What is Universidad San Francisco de Quito's official website?

You can find Universidad San Francisco de Quito online at www.usfq.edu.ec.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near Universidad San Francisco de Quito are listed below.

Where Else to Study General Engineering

These universities in Ecuador also offer General Engineering programmes, alongside Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

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