You know that heart-flip moment when someone says, “We recognize everything you’ve done, and we want to back you up”? That’s exactly the kind of vibe the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) Excellence Scholarship gives off. It’s not just a number on a form or another blurb on the website—it’s a real nod to the student who’s been grinding, creating, pushing harder than most.
We’re talking about up to 70% off tuition, all the way through your undergrad. Renewable, too—assuming you keep your academic game strong. It’s not something you come across every day in Ecuador. If this has your name on it, listen up, because this opportunity could change the way you see your future.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Let’s be practical here: schools don’t typically slap down 70% tuition relief unless they see real promise in you. And USFQ, being forward-thinking, does see it.
Yes, it covers up to 70% of your tuition for the duration of your program—no ifs, ands, or buts (well, except for a few fine-print bits). It doesn’t cover living costs, admin or enrollment fees, or, notably, anything related to the College of Music. Still, for most programs, that tuition relief is a game-changer, and that’s the main chunk you need to worry about.
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Eligible Academic Areas
The best part? You’re not shoehorned into one department. You can dive into:
- Business Administration
- Architecture and Interior Design
- Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Tourism
- Biological and Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Communication and Contemporary Arts
- Health Sciences
- Law (Jurisprudence)
- Sciences and Engineering
- Economics
So, unless your heart is set on the College of Music, you’ve got a big playground to pick from. Pick a turf that fires you up and that aligns with your skills.
Eligibility Criteria for the USFQ Excellence Scholarship
USFQ doesn’t give this one away easily—they want you to be in the top tier. Here’s where we stand:
Academic Performance
- Admission score: Minimum 2150/2400 by the final deadline, February 2026.
- Medicine track: You must ace the entrance exam and rank among the top 10 scorers to stay in play.
Educational Background
- Be in your final year of high school, or have graduated within the last year.
Prior Enrollment
- No previous enrollment in any university or higher-education setting.
Program-Specific Extras
- Depending on the field, you may need to prepare a portfolio, sit an interview, or take additional tests.
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Application Process
Okay, now let’s walk through the process like we’re chatting over coffee:
Step 1: Admission Score
Take the entrance exam. Hit 2150/2400 or better. If you tested early, like in your second year, you’re allowed one retake before that February 2026 cutoff. Use that wisely.
Step 2: Selection Invitation
If your numbers look good on paper, USFQ will invite you for the next round. Translate that into interviews, program-specific evaluations, or portfolio submissions.
Step 3: Final Decision
A team at USFQ—the Scholarship Committee—reviews everything. They’re looking at the person behind the papers: how you talk, what your work says about you, how you’ll fit into their academic community. Then they decide who gets the scholarship.
Renewal Requirements
It’s yours… until it’s not. You’ll keep the scholarship if you:
- Maintain strong academic performance.
- Follow your program’s specific expectations.
- Stay enrolled full-time.
Fail to meet these and you might lose part—or all—of the benefit. So stick with it. It’s worth it.
Excellence Scholarship for Medicine
Medicine applicants, this part’s for you: the road is narrow, but clear. You must:
- Sit the Medicine entrance exam on its official date.
- Be among the top 10 scorers.
Make that cut, and you enjoy the same tuition perks and renewal terms as everyone else.
Benefits of the USFQ Excellence Scholarship
Alright, why does all this matter? I’ll break it down:
- Real Financial Relief
Being relieved of most tuition costs? That’s thousands you can invest back into your future—books, experiences, travel, or even just getting the rest your brain actually needs. - Credibility and Prestige
“Excellence Scholar at USFQ”—that’s a headline that carries weight. Employers notice. Graduate programs pay attention. - Quality Learning Experience
Small classes, international-minded faculty, and genuine academic rigor. USFQ’s not just trending in Ecuador; it stands out. - Beyond Academics
Sports, arts, cultural hubs, leadership initiatives—it’s not just studying, it’s growing. Holistically.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: February 2026 (be sure to check USFQ’s official page for the exact date as it approaches).
- Entrance Exams: Scheduled each year; Medicine has a specific date.
- Results: Scholarship recipients are announced after evaluations and interviews wrap up.
Why Choose USFQ?
Let’s be honest: university isn’t just about what you study—it’s about who you become. USFQ doesn’t just hand you a degree. It invites you into an environment that’s vibrant, challenging, and global in its outlook. Small classes, faculty who’ve traveled and taught abroad, and a culture that pushes you to grow intellectually and personally.
If you win the Excellence Scholarship, you’re stepping into a group of high-achievers who are already recognized for their effort and vision. That’s big.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: the USFQ Excellence Scholarship 2025–2026 is more than money. It’s a recognition of sweat, of staying up late, of pushing your own limits. It says, “We want you here.”
If you’ve been working toward this moment, don’t let it slip. Prepare early, polish your materials, and go into that entrance exam with conviction. A year from now, you might just be walking on campus as one of USFQ’s Excellence Scholars—part of a community that already sees, and believes, you’re capable of great things.
Official Website: https://www.usfq.edu.ec/en/scholarships/academic-excellence-scholarships