Overview
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) is Ecuador’s premier Catholic higher education institution, founded in 1946. As the first private university in the country, PUCE combines rigorous academics with Catholic social teaching across its 12 faculties. The university’s main campus in Quito features a mix of historic and modern architecture, housing approximately 16,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.
PUCE maintains particular strengths in theology, law, medicine, and social sciences, with a strong emphasis on research and community service. The university operates multiple extension campuses across Ecuador and maintains partnerships with over 200 international institutions. PUCE’s graduates include numerous Ecuadorian presidents, business leaders, and influential intellectuals.
2. General Information
| Name | Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) |
| Established | November 4, 1946 |
| Type | Private Catholic University |
| Location | Quito, Ecuador (Main Campus) |
| Website | www.puce.edu.ec |
| Accreditation | Consejo de Educación Superior (CES) |
| Student Population | Approx. 16,000 |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Tuition Fee (Annual, in USD) |
| Undergraduate Programs | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Medical School | $8,500 |
| Graduate Programs | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Theology Programs | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Registration Fees | $300 |
4. Academic Programs
- Faculty of Theology
- Faculty of Jurisprudence
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Architecture & Design
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Psychology
5. Facilities
- Central library with 500,000+ volumes
- University Hospital (Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl)
- Moot court rooms for law students
- Biotechnology research center
- Chapel and spiritual retreat center
- Sports complex with Olympic-size pool
6. Accommodation
PUCE offers on-campus housing primarily for students from outside Quito and international exchange students. The university maintains partnerships with Catholic residences throughout the city.
- On-campus residences: $200-$400/month
- Recommended Catholic student residences: $150-$300/month
- Meal plans available at campus cafeterias
- Housing assistance for international students
7. Contact Information
- Email: admisiones@puce.edu.ec
- Phone: +593 2 299-1700
- Address: Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito 170143
- Admissions Office: Edificio Administrativo, 1st floor
More Universities in Ecuador
- Universidad Central del Ecuador
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito
- Universidad de Guayaquil
- Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja
- Universidad de Cuenca
- Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas
- Universidad de Las Américas Ecuador
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