Universidad San Francisco de Quito believes that academic and cultural exchange plays an important role in personal and intellectual development. International students interested in attending USFQ can apply through one of the established exchange programs we have with universities worldwide (exchange partners list...), or on their own as independent students, through USFQ's Office of International Programs. When applying independently of an exchange program, it is recommended that the student consult with the home university before studying at USFQ in order to arrange for the transfer of credits upon his or her return.

Course schedules are published at the end of April for Fall Semester and in November for Spring Semester. USFQ's grading scale is based on the standard U.S. 4.0 A, B, C, D, F scale. To have an idea of what courses are usually offered , we recommend that you look at the consulta de cursos (for the current semester) following the Oficina de Registro link. NOTE: The same courses are not always offered and there is no guarantee that any specific course will open. Some course descriptions (but not all) can be found at Programas Académicos or Spanish Course Descriptions (for some but not all Spanish Courses)


The Office of International Programs will supply each student with the necessary visa documentation. Once the application is received and the student is admitted, the visa documents will be sent to the student at his or her home address or through our partner university. The student must obtain the student visa before s/he travels to Ecuador.

Upon arrival at USFQ, all international university students take a Spanish placement exam to help them register for appropriate courses for the semester. All international students are assigned an academic advisor, a member of USFQ's faculty. The advisor is responsible for helping the student select and register for classes during his or her stay at USFQ. Students whose native language is not Spanish should have at least two years of university Spanish before coming to USFQ; for those students who have an intermediate high to advance will have a greater offer of courses.

Before the semester begins, all international students participate in the Orientation Program (a few days before the beginning of classes). They receive a campus tour and a number of talks, including small group discussion with Ecuadorian host students. These small discussion groups serve as an introduction not only to USFQ, but also to Ecuadorian culture. Topics such as cultural norms, safety, health and University information are covered.

The majority of international students live with Ecuadorian host families. This program is designed so that the students become more integrated into the Ecuadorian community. Living with a family and experiencing Ecuadorian daily life first-hand, offers the student the opportunity to share the culture, exchange ideas and build lifelong friendships.


Application deadlines: