By Vahid Alaghehband
Short answer. To graduate from a bachelor's degree program in Ecuador you need at least B1 in a second language, which at almost every university is English. Technology programs require at least A2 and technical programs, A1. This is set by Article 64 of the CES Academic Regime Regulation. Each university decides how you prove it (courses, a test or an international certificate) and may ask for a higher level, such as B2.
What the regulation says
The Academic Regime Regulation of Ecuador's Higher Education Council (CES), in force since September 16, 2022, says in Article 64 that learning a second language "will be a requirement for graduation" in third-level programs. It sets these minimums:
| Program type | Minimum level (CEFR) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | B1 | Independent user: you can handle familiar topics, study and work |
| Technology program | A2 | Basic user: everyday phrases and situations |
| Technical program | A1 | Beginner: very simple expressions |
| Postgraduate | Each university decides | No national minimum |
The same article adds three details: each university decides whether the language is part of the program's curriculum or separate; it may sign agreements with other institutions, as long as they certify with internationally recognized exams; and the rule does not apply to language degree programs. Sign language can also count as a second language.
What English level do students graduate with?
With B1 at least in a bachelor's degree. That's the same level Ecuador's school curriculum sets as the goal at the end of high school, although many students start university below it (see do Ecuadorian students finish school at B1?). Some universities ask for more: in their regulations, UCE and ESPOL set B2.
To see what you can do at each level, read our guides to B1 and B2.
What each university asks for: seven examples
| University | Level to graduate | How you prove it | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTPL | B1 (distance technology programs: A2) | Suitability test (minimum 7/10), course plus test, or an international certificate (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, TOEFL, IELTS, Michigan ECCE, among others). Valid for 10 years | Guidelines, July 2023 |
| EPN | B1 (higher technology: A2) | Pass the band set by its Continuing Education Center; certificates from other institutions can be recognized | Guidelines, January 2022 |
| UCE | B2 (and A2 by the 7th semester) | 140-hour levels and a certification exam aligned with international exams (KET, PET, FCE). External certificates up to 5 years old | Regulation, May 2018 |
| ESPOL | B2 | English courses, a recognition exam, or a free placement exam with an international certificate up to 2 years old (TOEFL, FCE, IELTS…) | Guidelines, September 2018 |
| UNACH | B1 | A proficiency test of about 2 hours in the four skills, with at least 7/10 in each | Guidelines, April 2023 |
| UNL | B1 (technology: A2) | Levels at its Language Institute; international certificates from accredited bodies | Resolution, June 2023 |
| UPS | B1 | Six levels (A1.1 to B1.2) or a proficiency assessment; required to enroll in the 7th level | Guidelines, March 2019 |
Dates matter: some regulations predate the 2022 rule and may have changed. Before you sign up for a course or pay for a test, confirm the current requirement with your university's language center.
Four ways to prove proficiency
- Take the levels at your university's language center or at a partner institution.
- Take a proficiency test without doing every course, if your university allows it (UTPL and UNACH, for example).
- Submit an international certificate for recognition. Check which ones your university accepts and how long they're valid: UTPL accepts them for 10 years and UCE, for 5. The most common tests are in our guide to English certificates.
- Transfer previous studies from another CES-recognized university.
If you start with a placement test, prepare first: a good result saves you levels.
How to prepare with HelloVozi
| Step | What to do | With HelloVozi |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your level in the four skills | Vozi Exam: indicative diagnostic and what to work on |
| 2 | Review A2 and B1 grammar | Vozi Grammar |
| 3 | Practice speaking, which many tests assess separately | Vozi Coach: conversation with feedback at the end |
| 4 | Practice your test's format | With your university's official materials |
HelloVozi does not issue proficiency certificates: your university or each test's organization does.
Measure your starting point: take the HelloVozi English level test (grammar and vocabulary, no sign-up).
Next step: if you don't know your level, take the English level test (about 15 minutes, with instant results). To keep working on this topic, see Vozi Exam's English level check and exam practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is English required to graduate in Ecuador?
A second language is required in third-level programs (Article 64 of the Academic Regime Regulation). At almost every university that language is English.
What English level do I need to graduate?
At least B1 for a bachelor's degree, A2 for a technology program and A1 for a technical program. Some universities ask for more, such as B2.
What English level do students graduate with?
B1 at least in bachelor's programs. At universities that require B2, such as UCE and ESPOL according to their regulations, B2.
Can an international certificate count for proficiency?
At most universities, yes, through recognition. Check which tests yours accepts and for how long: UTPL accepts them for 10 years and UCE, for 5.
Can I take the proficiency test without the courses?
It depends on the university. UTPL has a suitability test and UNACH a four-skill proficiency test.
