Essential Resources
Links, contacts, and tools for your student visa journey
SENESCYT - Ministry of Higher Education
Verify your institution's accreditation here (MOST IMPORTANT!)
senescyt.gob.ec →Ecuador Digital Services Portal
Main platform for submitting visa applications online
serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec →Official Student Visa Information
Government page with requirements and process details
gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-estudiante →Ecuador Embassies & Consulates Worldwide
Find your nearest Ecuador consulate for in-person applications
cancilleria.gob.ec/embajadas-y-consulados-en-el-exterior →Public Universities (Lower Cost)
- • Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) - Quito
- • Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN) - Quito
- • Universidad de Guayaquil - Guayaquil
- • Universidad de Cuenca - Cuenca
- • Universidad Técnica de Ambato - Ambato
Private Universities
- • Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) - Quito
- • Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) - Quito
- • Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA) - Quito
- • Universidad Casa Grande - Guayaquil
- • Universidad del Azuay - Cuenca
FBI Identity History Summary Check
How to request your FBI background check
fbi.gov/identity-history-summary-checks →US State Department - Apostille Services
Official apostille for federal documents (FBI check)
travel.state.gov/apostille-requirements →University Student Plans
Check with your university's international office. Often the cheapest option.
Estimated: $30-50/month
SafetyWing
Budget-friendly option popular with students. Covers Ecuador.
Estimated: $45-60/month
safetywing.com →IMG Global
Student Medical Insurance specifically designed for international students.
Estimated: $50-80/month
imglobal.com/student-insurance →GeoBlue (Xplorer)
Designed for expats and students. Explicitly covers Ecuador.
Estimated: $60-90/month
geobluetravelinsurance.com →Expedited Apostille Services (US)
These companies can apostille your FBI check faster than mailing to State Department yourself:
- Apostille.us → - 24-hour service available (~$150-200)
- Cognitive Services → - 1-2 day service (~$100-150)
- Apostille LLC → - State Department specialists (~$125-175)
Phone Support (Ecuador)
Consejería Unit (Counseling)
+593-2-393-3520
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM (Ecuador time)
Headquarters Address
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana
Av. 10 de Agosto y Carrión
Quito, Ecuador
Facebook Groups
Search for groups like:
- • "International Students in Ecuador"
- • "Expats in Quito/Guayaquil/Cuenca"
- • Your specific university's international student group
University International Offices
Most universities have dedicated international student offices that can help with visa questions, translator recommendations, health insurance, and cultural adaptation.
If you'd prefer personal support, school verification, document review, and guidance through every phase of your student visa application, we offer full-service assistance.
- Verify SENESCYT accreditation before you enroll
- Help coordinating translations in Ecuador
- Document review before submission
- Answer all your questions throughout the process
Schedule a consultation
Student Visa Application Checklist
Save this page as PDF (Ctrl/Cmd + P) for a printable checklist