354 Companies Were Flagged for Offering Higher Education Without Authorization

Ecuador's corporate regulator has issued a warning for anyone considering a third-level education program outside the authorized higher-education system.

Primicias reports that the Superintendencia de Companias, Valores y Seguros (SCVS) warned on May 27, 2026 that 354 companies constituted as mercantile companies offer higher education without legal authorization.

El Universo reports the same figure and says the companies include third-level education services in their corporate purpose.

What The Regulator Said

According to Primicias, the SCVS said these companies are not legally authorized to carry out that type of academic activity.

The regulator cited Ecuador's Ley Organica de Educacion Superior (LOES), which says third-level education can only be offered by universities, polytechnic schools, higher institutes and nonprofit conservatories that are authorized by the Consejo de Educacion Superior (CES).

El Universo reports that the SCVS gave the companies 30 days to reform their corporate purpose.

If they do not do so, El Universo reports that the regulator said it will adopt the corresponding administrative measures under current law.

How To Check Before Paying

Primicias reports that students can use Sniese, the National Higher Education Information System managed by Senescyt, to check whether an institution is legally accredited in Ecuador.

The system centralizes information on technical, technological and degree programs, institutional accreditation, curricula and title registration.

What This Means For Expats

For foreign residents, this is mainly a consumer-protection issue. Before paying for a third-level program in Ecuador, verify that the institution is legally authorized through official channels.

Sources: Primicias, El Universo